Beara Way | Complete
Beara Way | Complete
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This itinerary along the Beara Way peninsula offers the perfect combination of wild nature, charming coastal villages, ancient traditions and the open sea. You will walk through green valleys, Atlantic cliffs and rural corners where time seems to move at its own pace. An ideal getaway for those seeking an authentic experience, combining sea, mountains and traditional culture.
- Start by walking along mountain trails and through green valleys, where rolling hills, forests and pastures will surround you as you make your way towards the Atlantic coast.
- Arrive at cosy coastal towns and fishing villages, where the serenity of the sea and the simplicity of the surroundings invite you to connect with their leisurely pace and traditional atmosphere.
- Pass through diverse landscapes, from hills and mountains to cliffs and secluded beaches, which will show you nature in all its grandeur and contrast.
- You will have the opportunity to savour the local cuisine: fresh seafood, traditional Irish recipes, and products from the sea and the mountains.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Glengarriff
The first day begins with your arrival in Glengarriff, the southern gateway to the Beara Peninsula. You can get there by taking bus routes 231 and 236 from Cork. This charming harbour is the ideal starting point for your Beara Way walk, where the mountainous landscape blends harmoniously with the sea.
Let yourself be captivated by the natural character of Glengarriff, a place blessed with a mild subtropical climate and a protected environment. After checking into your accommodation, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the surrounding area: stroll along the harbour, discover the nearby trails or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this enclave where nature is the real star.
Let yourself be captivated by the natural character of Glengarriff, a place blessed with a mild subtropical climate and a protected environment. After checking into your accommodation, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the surrounding area: stroll along the harbour, discover the nearby trails or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this enclave where nature is the real star.
Overnight in Glengarriff
Hotel Glengariff Park
This family-run accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a large garden, terrace and restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Glengarriff to Castletownbere 13,8 miles I 22,2 km
The day begins with a short transfer from Glengarriff to Adrigole, an area dominated by the silhouette of Sugarloaf Mountain and dotted with historical and archaeological remains that evoke times long past. From here, the trail runs alongside ancient standing stones and descends gently towards the village of Adrigole along an old path steeped in memory and tradition.
As you continue, the route continues along the slopes of Hungry Hill, a landscape that inspired Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, based on her Irish roots. The path finally leads to the charming fishing port of Castletownbere, where the maritime atmosphere blends with local hospitality. Its restaurants and pubs, enlivened by traditional Irish music, offer the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the evenings.
Ascent: 660m (2,165ft) / Descent: 660m (2,165ft)
As you continue, the route continues along the slopes of Hungry Hill, a landscape that inspired Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, based on her Irish roots. The path finally leads to the charming fishing port of Castletownbere, where the maritime atmosphere blends with local hospitality. Its restaurants and pubs, enlivened by traditional Irish music, offer the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the evenings.
Ascent: 660m (2,165ft) / Descent: 660m (2,165ft)
Overnight in Castletownbere
Sea Breeze B&B
Recently renovated, this accommodation offers rooms with television, heating, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
You can also enjoy its garden and beautiful terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day on Bere Island 11,2 miles I 18 km
Get ready to enjoy another day full of possibilities on the Beara Peninsula, with the freedom to choose the pace that best suits your mood. If you prefer a quiet day, Castletownbere invites you to discover Sarah Walker's contemporary art gallery, a spacious and bright space located next to the pier. Inside, you can admire paintings, photographs and drawings by local artists. You can also sit down in a restaurant and savour fresh seafood or pop into a traditional pub to sample some craft beer.
If, on the other hand, you fancy a more active experience, Bere Island offers an excellent option for a day of walking. A short ferry ride from Castletownbere will take you to this enclave located at the entrance to the imposing Bantry Bay. You can find more information about this route on the Bere Island Ferries website.
From the island, the Slieve Miskish and Caha mountain ranges rise on the horizon, creating a spectacular landscape. Despite its proximity to the mainland, Bere Island retains an authentic and welcoming rural character, a perfect place to walk calmly and completely disconnect from the urban world.
Ascent: 396m (1,299ft) / Descent: 396m (1,299ft)
If, on the other hand, you fancy a more active experience, Bere Island offers an excellent option for a day of walking. A short ferry ride from Castletownbere will take you to this enclave located at the entrance to the imposing Bantry Bay. You can find more information about this route on the Bere Island Ferries website.
From the island, the Slieve Miskish and Caha mountain ranges rise on the horizon, creating a spectacular landscape. Despite its proximity to the mainland, Bere Island retains an authentic and welcoming rural character, a perfect place to walk calmly and completely disconnect from the urban world.
Ascent: 396m (1,299ft) / Descent: 396m (1,299ft)
Overnight in Castletownbere
Sea Breeze B&B
Recently renovated, this accommodation offers rooms with television, heating, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
You can also enjoy its garden and beautiful terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Castletownbere to Allihies 8,1 miles I 13 km
The stage takes you through a changing landscape that combines coniferous forests and wide open spaces, always accompanied by spectacular views. The trail runs beneath the imposing peak of Knockgour, which rises to 481 metres, offering a constant sense of immensity and connection with the wild nature of Beara.
The path finally leads to Allihies, a peaceful coastal village marked by its mining past. All around, the stone remains of the old copper mines are a reminder of a history deeply linked to the landscape. Its beach, made up of fragments of rock from the mines, opens onto a stunning natural amphitheatre of mountains, from where, on clear days, you can see the distant and mythical Skellig Islands.
Ascent: 314m (1,030ft) / Descent: 287m (942ft)
The path finally leads to Allihies, a peaceful coastal village marked by its mining past. All around, the stone remains of the old copper mines are a reminder of a history deeply linked to the landscape. Its beach, made up of fragments of rock from the mines, opens onto a stunning natural amphitheatre of mountains, from where, on clear days, you can see the distant and mythical Skellig Islands.
Ascent: 314m (1,030ft) / Descent: 287m (942ft)
Overnight in Allihies
Sea Haven Lodge
This comfortable accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, a delicious breakfast is served in the mornings to start the day with energy
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day on Dursey Island 11,8 miles I 19 km
The day begins with a short private transfer from Allihies to Dursey Sound, where one of Ireland's most unique experiences awaits you. From here, you will board the country's only cable car to cross the waters to Dursey Island, located at the westernmost tip of the Beara Peninsula.
Once on the island, you will have time to explore it at your leisure and enjoy its remote and wild atmosphere. After returning to the mainland by cable car, the route continues along a combination of coastal paths and mountain trails that constantly open up to the Atlantic. The path to Allihies offers spectacular views of the ocean, ending the day with an intense feeling of freedom and connection with nature.
Ascent: 254m (833ft) / Descent: 254m (833ft)
Once on the island, you will have time to explore it at your leisure and enjoy its remote and wild atmosphere. After returning to the mainland by cable car, the route continues along a combination of coastal paths and mountain trails that constantly open up to the Atlantic. The path to Allihies offers spectacular views of the ocean, ending the day with an intense feeling of freedom and connection with nature.
Ascent: 254m (833ft) / Descent: 254m (833ft)
Overnight in Allihies
Sea Haven Lodge
This comfortable accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, a delicious breakfast is served in the mornings to start the day with energy.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Allihies to Eyeries 8,1 miles I 13 km
The route continues westwards from Allihies, rising gradually the slopes of the Mishkish Mountains and offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The trail winds its way between open hills and sea horizons, creating a gentle transition to one of the most photogenic spots on the Beara Way.
As you descend, Eyeries appears, a picturesque and charming village, easily recognisable by its houses painted in soft pastel shades that brighten up the landscape. Here, the day invites you to stop and watch the sunset, when the light transforms the colours and the views over Coulagh Bay slowly change, offering a serene and memorable end to the day.
Ascent: 343m (1,125ft) / Descent: 353m (1,158ft)
As you descend, Eyeries appears, a picturesque and charming village, easily recognisable by its houses painted in soft pastel shades that brighten up the landscape. Here, the day invites you to stop and watch the sunset, when the light transforms the colours and the views over Coulagh Bay slowly change, offering a serene and memorable end to the day.
Ascent: 343m (1,125ft) / Descent: 353m (1,158ft)
Overnight in Eyeries
Cappa House B&B
Located near the coast, the accommodation offers rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a beautiful garden where you can relax after a long day.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Eyeries to Ardgroom 8,2 miles I 13,2 km
Leaving the village behind and descending towards the coast, the Beara Way follows the coastline and turns north towards Tranimod and Ballycrovane. The trail follows the coastline for a stretch, offering open views and a pleasant sense of continuity with the coastal landscape.
Further on, the route heads inland and climbs a bare hillside, whose calm waters provide a serene contrast to the walk. From here, the path gains height and follows the crest of the hill before crossing the estuary.
Ascent: 138m (453ft) / Descent: 150m (492ft)
Further on, the route heads inland and climbs a bare hillside, whose calm waters provide a serene contrast to the walk. From here, the path gains height and follows the crest of the hill before crossing the estuary.
Ascent: 138m (453ft) / Descent: 150m (492ft)
Overnight in Ardgroom
Sea Villa B&B
Located in beautiful surroundings, it offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a large, beautiful garden where you can relax after a long day.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Ardgroom to Lauragh 6,2 miles I 10 km
Leaving Ardgroom behind, the route continues through open landscapes until it reaches the base of Tooreennamna. Nearby is the Ardgroom stone circle, one of the best preserved on the Beara Peninsula. It consists of eight standing monoliths, erected during the Bronze Age some 4,500 years ago, which invite you to stop and connect with the ancestral past of the place.
The path continues across the border between County Cork and County Kerry, climbing gently to a hilltop between hills. From there, the route passes another stone circle at Cashelkeelty before beginning the descent to Lauragh, where you will spend the night. This peaceful enclave is located in a parish rich in heritage and natural beauty, framed to the north by Kenmare Bay and to the south by the imposing Caha Mountains, which bring the day to a close with a landscape of great strength and serenity.
Ascent: 157m (515ft) / Descent: 169m (554ft)
The path continues across the border between County Cork and County Kerry, climbing gently to a hilltop between hills. From there, the route passes another stone circle at Cashelkeelty before beginning the descent to Lauragh, where you will spend the night. This peaceful enclave is located in a parish rich in heritage and natural beauty, framed to the north by Kenmare Bay and to the south by the imposing Caha Mountains, which bring the day to a close with a landscape of great strength and serenity.
Ascent: 157m (515ft) / Descent: 169m (554ft)
Overnight in Lauragh
Mountain View B&B
Located next to a mountainous enclave, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a beautiful garden where a continental breakfast is served every morning.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Lauragh to Kenmare 12,4 miles I 20 km
The next stage begins with a transfer that takes you to the trail near Drombohilly. From here, the path climbs towards the spine of the Beara Peninsula, offering sweeping views of the coast and Kenmare Bay, stretching as far as the Iveragh Peninsula and Ireland's highest peaks.
After passing Clonee Lakes, the route enters the picturesque Gleninchiquin Valley. Turning east, away from Inchiquin Lake, you follow a quiet side road that climbs gently before turning off into the countryside and descending the ridge to Dromoughty Lake and its stone circle. From here, the route continues parallel to the coast until it finally reaches Kenmare.
This small, historic town is renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship, with artists, weavers, potters, and silversmiths bringing its streets to life. Its colorful shops and restaurants create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Kenmare also has an excellent reputation for fine dining, making it the perfect place to enjoy the last dinner of your trip, perhaps accompanied by a Guinness, in one of the many restaurants that enliven the heart of the town.
Ascent: 530m (1,738ft) / Descent: 652m (2,139ft)
After passing Clonee Lakes, the route enters the picturesque Gleninchiquin Valley. Turning east, away from Inchiquin Lake, you follow a quiet side road that climbs gently before turning off into the countryside and descending the ridge to Dromoughty Lake and its stone circle. From here, the route continues parallel to the coast until it finally reaches Kenmare.
This small, historic town is renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship, with artists, weavers, potters, and silversmiths bringing its streets to life. Its colorful shops and restaurants create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Kenmare also has an excellent reputation for fine dining, making it the perfect place to enjoy the last dinner of your trip, perhaps accompanied by a Guinness, in one of the many restaurants that enliven the heart of the town.
Ascent: 530m (1,738ft) / Descent: 652m (2,139ft)
Overnight in Kenmare
O'Donnabhain's
This accommodation offers spacious and comfortable rooms with television, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.
You can also enjoy a local experience by sampling dishes made with fresh fish and visiting the traditional bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 10 - Kenmare
After a delicious breakfast, it's time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
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Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this Beara Way walking route, the best option is to fly to Cork Airport. From the airport, take bus number 225 or 226 to Cork Bus Station. From there, take bus number 236 to Glengarriff. You can find more information about buses on the Bus Éireann website.
You can also fly to Dublin Airport and take a direct train to Cork city centre, then continue your journey by bus on the 236.
To return to your home town from Kenmare, you can fly from Cork Airport. To get to the airport, take bus number 270 to Glenflesk and from there, bus number 40 to Cork bus station. Finally, take bus number 225 to the airport. You can find more information about buses on the Bus Éireann website.
If you are flying from Dublin Airport, you will need to take bus number 270 to Killarney. Then, you will need to take Irish Rail to the city centre and finally take the Dublin Express or bus number 782 to the airport.
You can also fly to Dublin Airport and take a direct train to Cork city centre, then continue your journey by bus on the 236.
To return to your home town from Kenmare, you can fly from Cork Airport. To get to the airport, take bus number 270 to Glenflesk and from there, bus number 40 to Cork bus station. Finally, take bus number 225 to the airport. You can find more information about buses on the Bus Éireann website.
If you are flying from Dublin Airport, you will need to take bus number 270 to Killarney. Then, you will need to take Irish Rail to the city centre and finally take the Dublin Express or bus number 782 to the airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
This trip is available between May and October. Spring is undoubtedly one of the most recommended times to visit, as wildflowers cover the trails and the Beara Peninsula shows off its most vibrant colours.
If you plan to travel between June and August, keep in mind that these are the busiest months and accommodation tends to fill up quickly. Even so, summer offers the advantage of long hours of daylight, allowing you to make the most of each day.
For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, September is an ideal option, as the flow of visitors decreases and the landscape still maintains a pleasant climate, creating the perfect balance to enjoy the route at a leisurely pace.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 5 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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