Exploring Beara on Foot

There is nothing like a loop walk – park up the car and head off to explore. Beara and surrounds and has plenty of easy loops (and a few not so easy) loops for you to enjoy.

Here are a few we like to do –

• Start at Trafrask Pier and follow the coastal path heading West. The route has a combination of shoreside path, country lane and muddy path with fields either side and spectacular views of Bantry Bay. This can be done as a loop, but I usually walk along and back to the car as I like to see the sea.
• A short easy walk, not buggy friendly. Keep your dog under control as there are rabbits and livestock in the fields!!
• No need for hiking boots, but the path can be a bit muddy.

• A wonderful woodland managed by National Parks and Wildlife with a choice of loops to enjoy the ancient woodlands, flowing river and incredible views.
• https://www.glengarriffnaturereserve.ie/

• The 10km Lighthouse Loop will get your heart pumping and takes around 4 to 5 hours. Take the ferry from Castletownbere and enjoy the incredible sea views of Bantry Bay and out over to Sheep’s Head, as you explore the island heading out to Ardnakinna Lighthouse and looping back in.
• Hiking boots recommended

• An easy stroll past Puxley Manor House, which was reconstructed a number of years ago but now sits idle waiting for further investment. The location is steeped in history as you venture onto the remains of Dunboy Castle. The coastal path then brings you along to a beautiful small beach and up to a view point that looks out onto the Aardnakinna Lighthouse over the harbour entrance.
• You can take the full Bullig Bay 4.2km loop too. Details here https://www.discoverireland.ie/cork/bullig-bay-loop.
• No need for fancy hiking boots, but you will get mucky if you venture into the grounds of the old castle.

• The buddist retreat centre, Drozghen Beara, has a lovely café that serves amazing soup and a short cliff side walk. It is just a short stroll and the views of the coastal cliffs are spectacular.
• No need for hiking boots, but it does get muddy.

• Not really a walk, more an and explore. Allihies Beach is created from the residue from the old Copper Mines that were running back in xxxx. It is a fine sand and great for a short walk to feel the Atlantic swell and wind in your face. Then head up through Allihies village and stop into the Copper Mines Museum to learn all about the amazing mine system – oh and perhaps have a slice of their incredible lemon meringue pie 😊 Or go to ONeills Bar for their delicious open crab sandwich, before heading up to stroll around the grounds of the mines.
• No hiking boots required, again it can get muddy up by the mines.

Park up at the cable car and you have a few options –

1. Take the cable car over to Dursey Island https://www.durseyisland.ie/times.html and explore the entire island on the 14km loop walk (3.5 to 4 hrs) or take just take a stroll and walk back on yourself. The flora here is unique and you are the closest you can be to America.
2. Stay on the mainland and head off on the 4km Garnish Loop. A combo of wet and muddy fields and road walking. Good grip boots recommended.
3. Just stand and watch in awe at the tidal flow between headland and Island.

• A 3.3km easy walk past old ruins, ancient walls, a small beach with sea caves and wonderful views of Kenmare Bay. Pop into the fabulous OSullivans Grocers for a treat.
• Details here https://www.discoverireland.ie/cork/ardgroom-pulleen-loop.

• Gleninchaquin is an award-winning family owned park and farm with a choice of loops to walk.
• Spectacular landscape with loop walks that bring you up over the mmost incredible waterfall.
• You pay to park and choose your loop. Toilets on site.
• Hiking boots recommended.

There are loads more, but those should get you started.

Beara Tourism has many these walks and more on https://bearatourism.com/ .

We highly recommend buying the OS Maps 84 and 85 to truly make the most of the terrain. The Boat House Bed and Breakfast has these maps and more for guests to borrow during their stay.

You may also find Wikiloc a useful app to find walks in the area and around the world https://www.wikiloc.com/.

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