Beara Way: 11-Day Challenging Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Glengarriff

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

DAY 2: Glengarriff - Adrigole

Distance 18km • Approximate Walking Time 5 - 7 hours • Ascent (↑) 740m

A lovely path through the forest takes you up into the Coomerkane valley and then climb towards the Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy splendid views over Bantry Bay before descending into the village of Adrigole.

DAY 3: Adrigole - Castletownbere

18/22 km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 630m/700m

Today you pass Hungry Hill - a mountain immortalised in Dame Daphne Du Maurier's epic novel of the same name. You go around the mountain before continuing to the whitefish port of Castletownbere.

DAY 4: 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 5: Castletownbere - Dursey Sound

27km • 7 - 9 hours • (↑) 800m

Walk along old country roads that take you through some forestry and then up into the Slieve Mishkish Mountains before descending past an old disused copper mine towards the brightly-coloured village of Allihies. Then, a stunning walk out to the tail end of the Beara Peninsula.

DAY 6: Dursey Island

15km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 280m

With just 6 permanent residents, little motorised traffic and abundant wildlife, Dursey Island is a walker’s paradise.

DAY 7: Dursey Sound - Eyeries

24km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 720m

You retrace your steps back as far as the colourful village of Allihies. From here, head up to a pass in the Slieve Miskish Mountains, then continue along old roads past the small townland of Urhan before arriving at your destination overlooking Coulagh Bay.

DAY 8: Eyeries - Lauragh

27km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 350m

Follow a beautiful path out of Eyeries next to Coulagh Bay before heading inland towards the village of Ardgroom. From here you cross the Croanshagh River before making your way into the picturesque village of Lauragh.

DAY 9: Lauragh - Kenmare

24km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 660m

Today you arrive at the splendid setting of Lough Inchaquin - long regarded as one of the most beautiful sites in the country. From here you climb to another mountain pass before descending towards the bustling town of Kenmare.

DAY 10: Kenmare - Glengarriff

24/27km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 550m

You have two choices for the start of today's walk. The shorter route is to turn left out of Kenmare village and follow old roads as far as the tiny village of Bunane. Otherwise, retrace your steps to the Dromoghty River Valley before climbing steeply to a pass in the Caha Mountains. Descend into Glengarriff.

DAY 11: Departure from Glengarriff

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