Guided West Cork & Islands… (trip)

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Guided West Cork & Islands (Beara)

  • Cork Airport, Ireland
  • Active & Adventure
Ireland, Europe

To check availability or book,
contact SouthWestWalks Ireland :

Period offered: June, July, September. The provider (view their profile) can provide you with specific departure dates, final prices, and other information.


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Contact provider for price8 DaysJune, July, September
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: SouthWestWalks Ireland 24 people max
This guided walking tour of the West Cork & Islands loops around this rugged coastline, with occasional forays into the mountainous interior of the Beara Peninsula, making extensive use of the Beara Way Long Distance Walking trail and open mountain tops.  Starting on the south coast of the Peninsula, the village of Glengarriff at the head of Bantry Bay is your base for the first three nights. Moving West along the rugged Peninsula your next three nights your accommodation is in the fishing port of Castletownbere, from where you will also explore historic Bere Island with its military history.   On your “free day,” weather permitting, you discover the desolate beauty of Dursey Island at the tip of the peninsula, and the “picture post-card” village of Allihies, before returning to Castletownbere your overnight accommodation. “Hungry Hill” dominates the landscape of the peninsula and is a “must do” walk.

It’s the people of this peninsula, coupled with the rugged, wild beauty that make this area “heaven on earth”. A visit to “McCarthy’s Bar” is a must where you can experience the warmth of the local people. On your last walking day, you bid farewell to West Cork and Islands, with a morning transfer to the picturesque town of Kenmare and en route enjoy a walk on the north side of the Caha Mountains. Your final night’s accommodation is in this colourful heritage town. After breakfast, there is a transfer to the Killarney Rail/Bus station for your onward journey. 

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Locations visited/nearby

Ireland, Europe

0 testimonials about this trip.

1 testimonial about the provider, SouthWestWalks Ireland :

  • Reviewer: Jo-Mary Hunter located in B.C. Canada
    In 2005 Bob and I discovered South West Walks Ireland. Wow, what an exciting discovery.
    In 2009 we signed up for our 4th walk. We have walked The Ring of Kerry, The Dingle Peninsula, The Glens of Antrim and The Giant’s Causeway and this year The Mayo Coast and Achill Island. Green, green, green, many shadesabsolutely loved the views everywhere we went.
    We walked on stone paths lined by hedges, passed ruins of famine villages and stone bee huts.
    Walked on long beaches, climbed up mountain paths. The views from the hills we climbed were incredible, it was hard to believe we had walked that far or climbed that high to look down at waves crashing against the cliffs. We enjoyed great accommodations, picnic lunches that we prepared each morning, delicious Irish meals and fun pub experiences.
    South West Walks Ireland owners Linda and John and their guides are well organized, lots of fun and are very knowledgeable about their country and the areas they are guiding. The office staff are very efficient, friendly and helpful.
    Don’t miss an opportunity to explore and enjoy your trip to Ireland with South West Walks.

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Itinerary

Day 1  Courtesy Airport Collection is available from Cork Airport at 12:00 noon. Arrive at your first Guesthouse in Glengarriff where you will stay for our first 3 nights before moving further “West” along this wonderful and historical peninsula.  Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week.


Day 2  You follow an old track to the legendary Priest’s Leap and continue along this spectacular mountain range - the Caha Mountains, enjoying views north over the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and South over Bantry Bay.  Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms.  Duration: 5 hours.  Max. Ascent: 500m. Rocky tracks and open mountain with no tracks.  Bogland and some road walking.  Boots essential.


Day 3  After a morning transfer to Adrigole, you walk along the along the Beara Way, back to Glengarriff with magnificent views over Bantry Bay and Sheeps Head to the South. Whiddy Island is standing proud, guarding the entrance to Bantry Harbour. Return to Glengarriff for accommodation, dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 18kms.  Duration: 6 hours.  Max. Ascent: 250m.  Mountain tracks and open roads.  Can be wet - boots essential.  Some road walking.


Day 4  Today you visit Bere Island. You take the very short sea crossing to this island steeped in history and famous for its part in modern Irish history as it hosts the many Army garrisons and Navy fleets who protected the entrance to Bantry Bay. A walk around this rugged and wild island shore is a must. Return by ferry to Castletownbere and enjoy your evening meal in one of the many town’s excellent local restaurants. Overnight and dinner in Castletownbere.
Walk Details - Distance: 15kms.  Duration: 5 hours.  Max. Ascent: 260m.  Grass tracks and rocky pathways.  Some road walking.  Boots recommended.


Day 5  This is your ‘free day’ to allow you to partake in other activities if you wish – such as cycling, horseriding, canoeing or just laze about with a book!  If weather/time permits, we may organise a trip to the glorious Dursey Island, just at the very tip of the Beara Peninsula … crossing over on Ireland’s only Cable Car service. This is a step back in time and gives you an opportunity to walk “West” to the end of land!!  Another must on this holiday. Return to Castletownbere for overnight and evening dinner.
Walk Details – Distance 10km. Duration on island about 5 hrs. Height gain 150mts. Open hillside and small paths and island road.


Day 6  Going west again, you walk part of the Beara Way as it winds its way towards the hamlet of Allihies. Here you follow in the footsteps of the Copper Miners as you walk around the hills surrounding Alllihies, dotted with closed mine shafts and memories of great times and people gone. This is area steeped in Irish legion and history. The stunning views from the open mountain tops have to be seen to be believed, sea, land and wild beauty at its best. Return to Castletownbere for evening meal and overnight
Walk Details - Distance: 18kms.  Duration: 6 hours.  Max. Ascent: 500m.  Tracks, open mountain, some rocky terrain and some small road walking.  Boots essential.

Day 7  Today’s morning transfer takes you to the picturesque heritage town of Kenmare, known locally as Neidin (Little Nest).  En route, we walk part of the Beara Way and Gleninchaquin Valley on the north side of the Caha Mountains.  Great views abound over Kenmare Bay and the Kerry Peninsula to our north.  The day’s walking is dotted with archaeological sites and evidence of days gone by. A fitting walk to complete a spectacular week in the most beautiful part of Ireland – an experience not to be missed!  Overnight and farewell dinner in Kenmare.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration:  5 hours. Max. Ascent: 350mts. Open hillside, mountain tracks and small green roads.  Boots essential.

Day 8  After Breakfast at approx 09.00hrs, we offer a courtesy transfer to Killarney Bus/Rail Station. From here there is an excellent Public Bus/Rail service to all parts of Ireland be it city or airport.

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