The Beara Peninsula

The Beara Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland is a quieter holiday destination than its northern neighbour, the Ring of Kerry. The Beara Way is a long distance walking route of 196km (120 miles) around the peninsula. You will be walking about 85km (55 miles) or 100km (65 miles) of the route.

The trail starts at Glengarriff and finishes in Kenmare. It is a largely undiscovered area, hilly but not mountainous, with some good open hill-walking sections. Day 3 is undoubtedly the longest day, followed by a well-earned rest day in Castletownbere, Ireland's largest white-fish port. There is an extension of the walking way on Bere Island for you to discover on your free day. The 10 day tour allows you time to explore the most southerly corner of the peninsula and take a cable car to Dursey island.

The Beara Way follows old green roads, boggy mountain trails and country roads. It is one of the better marked routes, signposted with wooden or plastic yellow markers and road signs. This tour consists of 60% quiet country road walking.

Itinerary

Day 1 Travel to Glengarriff situated on beautiful Bantry Bay. Optional visit to Garinish Island.

Day 2 Walk Glengarriff to Adrigole through the Glengariff woods and Glanlough Mountain. Overnight in Adrigole village. 16km

Day 3 Walk Adrigole to Castletownbere with views over Bantry Bay. 22km

Day 4 Free Day in Castletownbere with optional visit to Bere Island. 15 or 24km

Day 5 Walk Castletownbere to Eyeries through the Slieve Miskish Mountains 12km   ...or via Allihies. 24km

Day 6 Transfer to Ardgroom (included) and walk to CloneeLakes, Tuosist.  18km or 23km

Day 7 Walk Cloonee to Kenmare along the base of the Caha Mountains and via Lough Inchiquin nature reserve. Guesthouse in Kenmare. 17km

Day 8 Departure from Kenmare.

Included in tour:
7 / 9 nights Bed & Breakfast guesthouse accommodation; luggage transfers each day; detailed route descriptions and 1:50000 maps.

Excluded: Other meals; transfers to Glengarriff and from Kenmare; entries or excursions.

Prices:
8 Day
£450 per person sharing
£70 single room supplement
£565 single party booking

A 10 day / 9 night tour is also available – please ask for details.

Additional Information

Accommodation

B+B accommodation in guesthouses usually with ensuite bathroom.

Getting There

Nearest Airport – Cork. We will provide you with bus details from Cork to Glengarriff/Kenmare. We can arrange a private transfer if you wish.

What To Take

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

When To Go

Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

Insurance

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.