The Beara Way on foot in 8 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Ireland
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AgeFrom 12 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions82.19 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on the Beara Way , a grand 196km loop around the Beara Peninsula in southwest Ireland. Less frequented than neighboring routes, this journey captivates with its secluded character and unspoiled atmosphere. Here, you'll discover a wild and authentic Ireland , amidst rolling hills, abandoned copper mines , and forgotten peat bogs.
The perfectly marked route connects Kenmare to Kenmare in a complete loop, alternating between mountain paths , peaceful country roads, and traditional tracks. The rocky coastline offers spectacular views of the Atlantic, punctuated by coves and windswept cliffs.
Highlights include: the cable car ride to Dursey Island , exploring the green paths of Bere Island and the maritime atmosphere of Castletownbere , renowned for the freshness of its seafood.
Between raw nature, discreet heritage and ocean horizons, the Beara Way offers an off-the-beaten-path hike , ideal for lovers of wide open spaces and tranquility.
The highlights
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Bere Island and the Island Loop Trails
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Allihies Copper Mining Museum and Dangan Rocks Coastline
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Dereen Gardens on Killmackillogue Harbor
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The full Beara Way is rated "DIFFICULT," but our itineraries offer options to shorten your days of walking. Navigation is easy thanks to excellent trail markings and our detailed route descriptions and maps. Our Beara Way treks are suitable for hikers in good physical condition, able to comfortably cover 12 to 24 km (8 to 15 mi) per day, with elevation gains of up to 620 m (2,034 ft).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 21 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 374 m
Management
Program
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Trip to Glengarriff
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head to Glengarriff, located on the beautiful Bantry Bay. You can also visit Garinish Island, a landscaped subtropical garden accessible by a 10-minute ferry ride, famous for its Italian garden and ancient Temple of the Sun.
Day 1 -
Glengarriff at Adrigole
- Transportation Car - 15h - 18km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 2 -
Adrigole in Castletownbere
- Transportation Car - 10h - 18km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 3 -
Free day in Castletownbere
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 4 -
Castletownbere to Eyeries
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 260 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The trail crosses the Slieve Miskish mountains and follows the coast to Coulagh Bay. The area is rich in megalithic remains: stone alignments, forts, and tombs testifying to its importance during the Bronze Age (1200-700 BC), and a stone circle at Derreentaggart. It then traverses an open, rolling landscape at the foot of Knockgour (481 m), offering views of Allihies and Ballydonegan Bay. Eyeries is nestled between the sea and the mountains.
Day 5 -
Eyeries in Lauragh
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Climb the slopes of Gortbrack Hill, overlooking the beautiful port of Cleanderry, to the charming village of Ardgroom. At the foot of the striated glaciers of Tooreenamna and Coomacloghane stand no fewer than ten prehistoric monuments. If you have time, Dereen's house and gardens are well worth a visit.
Day 6 -
Lauragh in Kenmare
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 470 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 7 -
Departure from Kenmare
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Regular bus services connect Kenmare to Killarney or Cork for the rest of the journey.
Day 8
Note
Daily walking distances may vary depending on the type of accommodation, which is determined by availability.
Accommodation
Access
Directions will be provided for arrival and departure from Cork and Shannon airports. Dublin is also an option, but further away.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 7 nights in a bed and breakfast (double room)
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary on days 2 and 3
- Detailed itineraries
- Maps and GPX files
- 24/7 assistance, transport instructions
- Recommended restaurants
- List of items to pack and local travel tips
The price does not include
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Not all services are indicated in the itinerary.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
