The Beara Way, a 12-day circuit

The ascent between Esk and Mount Barraboy crosses the border between Counties Cork and Kerry and offers stunning views across Bantry Bay. Continue your hike to Dromahassig Waterfall, crossing the Baureagh River ravine, before climbing the pass. Then descend into the forest nature reserve that gives Glengarriff its nickname, the "Wild Valley".

Hike through the Glengarriff woods and the Glenlough mountains, following ancient trails along the River Coomarkane, climbing the slopes of Sugarloaf, skirting mountain lakes, and descending from Mass Mount and the Sacred Spring. A transfer will then take you back to Glengarriff.

A transfer will take you to your starting point today, offering magnificent views of Bantry Bay and several prehistoric sites near the route. Traverse the steep slopes of Hungry Hill along peat bog paths, farm tracks, and secondary roads. Castletownbere, nestled in the shelter of Bere Haven Harbour and protected by Bere Island, is the peninsula's main town and Ireland's largest whitefish port.

A free day in Castletownbere to explore Bere Island and follow the hiking trails. Walk through the pastures, visit the Ardnakinna Lighthouse and a Martello tower. On the mainland, visit Dunboy Castle, home of the O'Sullivan clan who ruled the region for three centuries.

Hike in the Slieve Miskish Mountains. Part of the route winds through coniferous forests. The trail meanders through open hills and passes at the foot of Knockgour, which rises to 481 meters. You'll walk alongside a circular fort, a former agricultural enclosure that once served as a dwelling for both people and animals. Allihies is a picturesque coastal village, surrounded by the remains of copper mines.

Explore Allihies and its copper mines, or take the cable car to Dursey, where you can discover abandoned farming villages and dramatic cliffs. The Dursey cable car is unique in Ireland. Built in 1973, it crosses a 200-meter strait approximately 25 meters above sea level. After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the cable car station, from where you can explore Dursey Island. A private return transfer to Allihies is also included in the afternoon.

Take the Beara Way trail to Eyeries, through an abandoned copper mining area offering magnificent views across Coulagh Bay and north to the Ring of Kerry.

Heading inland, the route skirts Lough Fadda, above Ardgroom Harbour, and the stunning, secluded coastline of Cleanderry and Bird Point. If you have time, the Pulleen sea caves are well worth a visit.

Today, a series of prehistoric monuments accompany you. In Killmackillogue Harbour and Lauragh, visit Dereen House and Gardens, an estate of over 24 hectares of gardens and subtropical woodland offering magnificent views.

Climb to a pass at 150m altitude, between the Knockatee and Knockanoughanish hills, then continue your ascent across an open hillside. Enjoy superb views of the Cloonee lakes flowing down to Lough Inchiquin and a Neolithic stone circle (3500-2000 BC). Continue up the Inchiquin valley, passing isolated farms, to a pass at 370m altitude.

Regular bus services connect Kenmare to Killarney or Cork for the rest of the journey.