Day 1 - Arrival to Glengarriff

Travel to Glengarriff situated on beautiful Bantry Bay. “Glengarriff” means the “rugged glen”, but it is now a more wooded and attractive valley than when it was named. We supply a leaflet of short walks around the Glengarriff area- the Blue Pool amenity area where there is an excellent swimming spot and lovely coastal walking, Glengarriff woods and short walks on the hill overlooking the village. You may wish to visit Garinish Island, a planted sub-tropical garden about 10 minutes off the coast by ferry, famous for its Italian Garden and ancient sun temple.

Overnight accommodation in Glengarriff.

Day 2 - Glengarriff to Adrigole

Walk Glengarriff to Adrigole through the Glengarriff woods and Glenlough Mountains.  Overnight in Adrigole village. The Beara Way follows old tracks and roads alongside Magannagan stream, through low lying sheep pasture before climbing to an old pass by Gowlbeg mountain and following the sheep trails to meet an old cart road down to Adrigole village. It is a gentle introduction to your week’s walking! Tonight’s evening meal will be in your guesthouse.
Distance 16km. Ascents 230m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Optional extra hike over Brackaloon Hill, 5km (2 hours).

Overnight accommodation in Adrigole.

Day 3 - Adrigole to Castletownbere

Walk Adrigole to Castletownbere with views over Bantry Bay. This walk is harder work because of the ascent and descent. Your day is well rewarded in fine weather with wonderful views and a series of pre-historic sites close to the route. A series of bog roads, farm tracks and minor roads are linked today to cross the rugged slopes of Hungry Hill. A gentle climb from Adrigole takes you above Bantry Bay with stunning views south to Sheep’s Head. The Way descends from 200m into a glaciated valley at 100m, before climbing again to 350m across the slopes of Maulin Hill. Castletownbere, nestled in the lee of Bere Haven Harbour and sheltered by Bere Island, is the principal town of the peninsula and the largest whitefish port in Ireland. It offers a full range of services.
Distance 22km. Ascents 450m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Castletownbere.

Day 4 - Free Day in Castletownebere

Visit Bere Island, home to a community of 210 people who fish and farm on the island. There is a way marked route on the island, through open sheep farming country, visiting Ardnakinna Lighthouse and a Martello Look out Tower. If you choose to stay on the mainland, visit Dunboy Castle and Puxley Mansion, now a 5* hotel. Dunboy was home to O’Sullivan clan who ruled the area for three centuries. Puxley mansion, was a 19th century family home of the Puxley’s, who mined copper in the area. Bicycles are for hire in Castletownbere for more exploration.
Distance 8km or 24km. Ascents 250m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Castletownebere.

Day 5 - Castletownebere to Allihies

Walk Castletownbere to Allihies through the Slieve Miskish Mountains. Some of today’s route passes through conifer forests, about the only alternative on poor bogland to turf cutting or sheep farming. The Way crosses open hill terrain and is under the peak of Knockgour at 481m. You will pass a ringfort - an ancient farm enclosure, which would have served as a home for people and animals. Allihies is a colourful coastal village, surrounded by the remains of copper mines – crushed stones from the mines formed the beach.
Distance 12km. Ascents 220m. Approximate walking time 3 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Allihies village.

Day 6 - Explore Dursey Island

Walk to Dursey and explore Dursey Island, connected to the mainland by cable car. Overnight Allihies. The remote southwest is a beautiful, desolate part of the peninsula. The Dursey cable car is the only one of its type in Ireland. It was constructed in the 1973 and crosses a 200m strait approximately 25m above sea level. You will see deserted farming villages on the island and superb cliff scenery.
Distance 24km or 35km. Ascents 200m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Allihies village.

Day 7 - Allihies to Eyeries

Walk from Allihies via the coast at Coulagh Bay to Eyeries. Mining tracks link Allihies with Eyeries and the views are to the north of Coulagh Bay and the mouth of the Kenmare River. The coastal route takes you past coastguard ruins and rocky shorelines to the Ballycrovane Standing stone - 4.7m and quite a sight!
Distance 20km. Ascents 500m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Eyeries village.

Day 8 - Eyeries to Lauragh

Walk Eyeries to Lauragh, via Ardgroom. Climb the slopes of Gortbrack hill over the stunning Cleanderry Harbour to the pretty village of Ardgroom. Under the striated glaciated face of Tooreenamna and Coomacloghane there are no less than ten prehistoric monuments. The Owenashagh River meets Killmackillogue Harbour at Lauragh - a glorious sub tropical setting of rhododendron and Scot’s Pine. Dereen House & Gardens are well worth a visit.
Distance 22km. Ascents 300m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Lauragh village.

Day 9 - Lauragh to Kenmare

Walk Lauragh to Kenmare along the base of the Caha Mountains and via Lough Inchiquin. A minor road climbs to a saddle at 150m between the hills of Knockatee and Knockanoughanish, before climbing higher on the slopes of Knockagarrane through open hillside. Superb views from a height of 250m of the Cloonee Lakes below you before descending through farmland to Lough Inchiquin and a stone circle with 2.5m high standing stone from the Neolithic era 3500 – 2000 B.C. Climb the Inchiquin valley, past isolated farmhouses and onto a saddle at 370m. This is the last climb before Kenmare! The Way now joins small roads and an increasing number of dwellings as you descend into Kenmare town, an interesting market town founded in 1670, on the banks of the Roughty River.
Distance 24km. Ascents 470m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Kenmare.

Day 10 - Departure from Kenmare

Scheduled bus services from Kenmare to Killarney or Cork for onward connections.