Beara Way Self-Guided Hiking Tour

Arrive in the coastal village of Glengarriff, where the hills meet the sea along a lovely river. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information.

The first night is yours to explore the village and prepare for the adventure ahead. If time provides, check out nearby Garinish Island, with gorgeous Italian gardens to admire.

The adventure begins! Set out westward along the Beara Way, hiking through the shadows of the Sugarloaf and Glenlough Mountains. Brilliant views to the south of Bantry Bay and the Sheep’s Head peninsula accompany you. Arrive in the village of Adrigole to complete the day, but not before a short detour to see an array of standing stones and megalithic tombs nearby.

When you’re ready to return to Glengarriff for the evening, call a taxi for the transfer back to town.

You’ll be driven back to Adrigole to start today’s hike. The slopes of Hungry Hill and Maulin Mountain loom overhead as you make your way west along the shores of Bantry Bay. Your destination is the port of Castletownbere, where you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in all of Ireland!

Much of today’s hike takes place on rocky terrain with no clear paths underfoot. The route can be quite wet – good boots are essential!

For those doing the 3-day version, you’ll call Castletownbere home, hike to Adrigole, and then visit Bere Island before departure.

Today you’ll explore the fascinating Bere Island, just off the coast from Castletownbere. The ferry takes about ten minutes. Chock-full of history from ancient to recent, there’s plenty to see!

Tombs and standing stones dot the island, while Martello Towers and various forts still hold their positions overlooking the bay. There’s even a shipwreck off the northern coast. Around every corner, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the mainland, Bantry Bay, and the open ocean. When you’re ready to rest, return to Castletownbere for the evening.

Continue your westward journey as you head for the village of Allihies. Knockgour Mountain watches overhead as you pass through a treasure trove of archaeological sites, bringing Ireland’s past to life before your eyes.

The colourful homes of Allihies were once the site of a major copper mining operation. Today, the town is a picturesque stop along the Beara Way, framed by hills and beaches alike.

Head out for the very tip of the peninsula, where the wild North Atlantic collides with the Irish coast. You’ll feel as though you’re on the very edge of the Earth! The extraordinary coastal views are everywhere you turn on this hike.

A short optional walk takes you to Crow Head, which looks south over Bantry Bay and all the way to West Cork. Spend the night in Dursey Sound, listening to the waves crash against the shore.

No trip along the Beara Way is complete without a ride in Ireland’s only cable car! Take the trip out to Dursey Island, a gorgeous spot for nature lovers. Dolphins and whales cruise the coast, while seabirds and butterflies float along the ocean breeze.

Your walk takes you along the main ridge of the island, then back along a lower route through the island’s handful of houses. There are no shops or restaurants on Dursey, so be sure to bring provisions. Finish the day by returning to the mainland and hiking back to Allihies.

Turn back eastwards as you head for the village of Eyeries. Pass by old copper mines and tiny coastal communities, the sandstone slopes of the Slieve Miskish Mountains flanking your right.

Eyeries is a cheery collection of colourful homes and welcoming shops, one of the most picturesque towns you’ll find on the Beara Way. The sunsets across Coulagh Bay are something to behold!

Start with a quick transfer to the village of Ardgroom and set off on the day’s hike. Famous stone circles await along your route, monuments to an ancient culture. A lovely old mountain path brings you to the village of Lauragh, at the base of the stupendous Healy Pass.

Begin with a transfer to Drombohilly, the starting point for your final day of hiking. A fantastic day awaits! Make the first of two hilly ascents, with stunning views of Caha Bay and the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Descend to the Cloonee Lakes and walk along the tranquil shores of Lough Inchiquin.

Make your final ascent before heading back down into the Dromoghty Valley. Hike along small backroads before linking up with the main road for the final stretch into Kenmare.

An adventure completed! Check out from your accommodations and depart Kenmare via your own arrangements.