Sheep’s Head Way Self-Guided Walking Tour
Enjoy one of Ireland’s favourite hiking routes along the Sheep’s Head Way
Self-Guided
Sheep’s Head Way Self-Guided Walking Tour Overview
This self-guided Sheep's Head walking tour let's you explore West Cork. Known as the playground of Ireland, this part of Cork offers beauty and tranquility.
The Sheep’s Head Way combines stunning coastal scenery, historical sites, local hospitality, and charming villages..
Your Sheep's Head tour begins in the historic town of Bantry, perched at the head of Bantry Bay. The next three days offer hikes along the north coast of the Sheep’s Head peninsula, moving progressively westward with a base in Kilcrohane. After rounding the tip where the Sheep’s Head meets the North Atlantic Ocean, head back eastward to the lovely coastal village of Durrus. The loop closes with a return to Bantry, gorgeous views of the surrounding bays guiding your way. For a true exploration of some of Ireland’s best hiking, this is the one!
The Sheep's Head Walking tour can also be done as a 7-day version.
Trip highlights
Dine on the world-famous mussels of Bantry Bay after exhilarating walks.
Call the charming village of Kilcrohane home, feeling welcomed by local hospitality.
Spot whales and dolphins from the Sheep’s Head lighthouse.
Gaze across bays and open oceans at every turn.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in the harbour town of Bantry, which lies at the head of a bay sharing its name. 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 town and prepare for the adventure ahead. If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss the famous Bantry Bay mussels, the town’s most notable export.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Bantry
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Time to set off on the Sheep’s Head Way! Aim westward and walk along the northern flank of the peninsula, with Bantry Bay on your right. The beautiful vistas and fresh marine breeze make for a lovely stroll. Tracks are rocky and grassy, with some roadways mixed in.
Gradually ascend the terrain until you reach Glanlough. Here you’ll be picked up and driven to Kilcrohane, your home for the next three nights. This village is one of the westernmost on the entire peninsula and sits under the watchful gaze of Seefin, the tallest hill on Sheep’s Head.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Kilcrohane
- Distance:
- 3-4 hours, 14km, 440m of ascent, 386m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
You’ll be driven back to Glanlough to begin today’s hike. Continue along the northern coast until you reach Cahergal. Vistas of Bantry Bay are a constant, with striking cliffs and coastal features to explore.
Upon reaching Cahergal, call for your taxi to take you back to Kilcrohane for the night. Today’s paths are rocky and grassy mountain tracks, with some bog sections often wet underfoot.
For the 5-day itinerary, you will skip this portion of the route and do Day 4 here instead. This moves everything up one day (Cahergal to Kilcrohane on Day 3, Ahakista to Durrus on Day 4).
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Kilcrohane
- Distance:
- 4-5 hours, 17km, 736m of ascent, 681m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Start with a transfer to Cahergal to pick up where you left off. The very tip of the peninsula is your aim today, as far west as you can go. Here you’ll find a lighthouse whose materials had to be flown in by helicopter, and you may even spot whales and dolphins out at sea!
Loop around and begin the hike back eastwards, directly into Kilcrohane for your final night in the village.
If you are doing the 5-day version of this route, you will be spending your final night in Durrus, with a transfer to Bantry on the following morning and departing the region via your own arrangements.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Durrus
- Distance:
- 4-6 hours, 21km, 686m of ascent, 716m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Depart Durrus after your breakfast.
Overnight Location: None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 4 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 4 nights are included.
- Transport to the start of each day’s hike and collection from its endpoint back to your accommodations is included. Luggage transfers are also included between accommodations during the tour. Airport transfers are not included.
- Detailed route book with full area maps or GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house holiday specialist to assist with any additional services
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Transfers
Not included
- Flights to and from Cork
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room supplements
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: paved and unpaved roads, bogland, rocky paths, and open hillside. Good boots are essential.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Cork Airport (ORK). From Cork Airport, the town of Bantry is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. You can also take a scheduled bus from Cork, taking roughly 2 ½ hours. Your holiday specialist can assist with logistics if required.
The tour begins and ends in the town of Bantry. You can take the bus to Cork to depart.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Sheep’s Head Way Self-Guided Walking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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