Beara Way: 8-Day Moderate 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 13km • Approximate Walking Time 5 - 7 hours • Ascent (↑) 740m

A quiet country road 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 - 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 towards the brightly-coloured village of Allihies.

DAY 6: Allihies - Dursey Sound

10km/15km • 3 - 5 hours • (↑) 285m

A short walk in truly spectacular surroundings that takes you right out to the tail end of the Beara Peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean pounds the coastline.

DAY 7: 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. Free taxi transfer back to Castletownbere in the evening.

DAY 8: Departure from Castletownbere

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