Beara Way: 10-Day Gentle Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Castletownbere

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Castletownbere.

DAY 2: Bere Island

14/24km • 4-6/6-8 hrs • (↑) 400m/500m

A short 15 minute ferry ride across the sheltered harbour will take you to Bere Island. There are two loops on the island - you choose how far you wish to walk.

DAY 3: Castletownbere - Allihies

15km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 500m

Walk along old country roads that take you through some forestry and up into the Slieve Mishkish Mountains before descending past an old disused copper mine into the brightly-coloured village of Allihies.

DAY 4: Allihies - Eyeries

13km • 3 - 5 hours • (↑) 435m

A lovely mountain path brings you across the northern slopes of the Slieve Mishkish range with great views over Coulagh Bay before descending into Eyeries.

DAY 5: Eyeries - Ardgroom

14km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 175m

Start today with a beautiful coastal walk along the shores of Coulagh Bay, with the waves crashing onto the beaches next to you. Then, an old boreen takes you past Lough Fada to Ardgroom.

DAY 6: Ardgroom - Lauragh

13km • 3 - 5 hours • (↑) 180m

A short walk today to rest those weary legs! After negotiating Drung Hill, continue on towards Cashelkeelty stone circle dating back over 2,000 years. Finish in the tiny hamlet of Lauragh hidden away in a large old forest.

DAY 7: Drombohilly - Kenmare

19km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 550m

Transfer to Drombohilly in the morning. Today you visit the Gleninchaquin Valley - an undoubted highlight of the entire Beara Way and, on a quiet day, one of the most tranquil and beautiful places on Earth.

DAY 8: Kenmare - Bunane

15/12km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 200m/270m

Return up the Dromoghty River Valley from your B&B and follow the old boreen that will take you all the way up over the mountain pass. Pay a visit to the popular local chocolaterie in Bunane - you deserve it!

DAY 9: Bunane - Glengarriff

12km • 3 - 5 hours • (↑) 280m

After negotiating a pass next to Esk Mountain, you descend into the Glengarriff Forest Reserve - a beautiful area packed with lots of different walking trails.

DAY 10: Departure from Glengarriff

There are regular bus services from Glengarriff to Cork City. Full details provided upon booking.