SHEEPS HEAD WAY WALKING ROUTE

The Sheeps Head Way is a long distance walking route of 88km (55 miles) traversing Sheeps Head Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland. Following old tracks and roads the route starts and finishes in Bantry and takes you to Sheeps Head at the tip of the peninsula.

Sheep's Head Peninsula, or the ancient name of Muintir Bháire, the people of Bháire, is the middle of the three peninsulas in the southwest of county Cork, Ireland’s largest county. It must be the least visited part of Cork and this contributes to the wonderful presence of such a unique place. Bordered by Bantry Bay to the north and Dunmanus Bay to the south, a narrow spine of mountains culminates in Seefin Hill at 345m.

The Sheep’s Head Way officially opened in July 1996. The elevation varies from sea level to 345m; there are a couple of hard climbs but it is primarily a ridge and shoreline route. The terrain varies widely, making the walk a moderate rating. The route is very well marked with numbered waymarkers. Accommodations on the Sheep's Head welcome and look after our walkers exceptionally well.

The 8-day tour consists of 6 full days walking. From Bantry the route proceeds in an anti-clockwise direction along the northern coastline of the peninsula to Sheeps Head at the western end. The route then retuns to Bantry along the southern shores with the final day from Durrus to Bantry through old forest paths.

* Sheeps Head Way 8 Day Tour

Suggested Extra Options

* Explore Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. The city was granted a charter in 1188 and is a hub of hilly lanes awaiting exploration. The city is dominated by the spires of St Finbarre’s Cathedral, the Shandon Bell Tower and the graceful limestone buildings of the University.
* Extra night in Bantry, the market town of West Cork. Bantry is home to a modest fishing fleet and the relics of a naval based history, including the excellent Bantry 1796 exhibition.

AIRPORT FOR TRANSFERS

* Cork Airport is the most convenient for this tour.