Walking in West Cork - The Sheep's Head Way

Your journey begins in the town of Bantry. The town sits on Bantry Bay, the natural harbour separating the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas of south-west Ireland and is renowned for world-famous Bantry Bay mussels. The clear waters in the means the production of mussels is an important part of Bantry's history and future. An attractive town, there are many things to do here including a visit to Bantry House and Garden or a trip out to Whiddy Island in the Bay. Bantry is easily accessed via the city of Cork or Killarney (where there are small airports) or by bus and train service from Dublin (via Killarney) or from Shannon Airport. Accommodation: Two nights in a traditional B&B in Bantry a short walk from the town centre.

On the first day of your walking tour on the Sheep's Head Way, you will walk directly from your B&B in Bantry to Glanlough, overlooking Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island. Today’s walking trail will take you along a beautiful ridge before leading you down into Glanlough, one of the three villages on the peninsula. At the end of your hike, a private transfer (included) will ensure your safe return to Bantry for a second night. Enjoy some delicious seafood and celebrate the end of your first day’s walk in a traditional Irish pub.

After a hearty Irish breakfast, a private transfer (included) will take you to the start of your walk in Glanlough. From here you will cross to the south side of the peninsula. following the Gortnakilly Ridge up Seefin Mountain, the highest point of the peninsula at 345m/1131ft. Kilcrohane is the last village on the peninsula and one of the most westerly villages in Europe. Accommodation: Overnight in a simple B&B in Kilcrohane.

Durrus, the largest village on the peninsula, is today’s destination, and the walking trail takes you along undisturbed paths and winding roads through the small settlements at Ahakista and Rushnachara and an ancient bardic school's ruins. As you pass through this area, you will see evidence of extensive activity from pre-Christian times in the form of standing stones, wells, and burial grounds. Accommodation: Overnight in a B&B in Durrus.

Today is your last hike, and you will return to Bantry leaving the coast behind you. The trails takes you to the summit of Barr na Gaoithe, which translates to 'Top of the Wind,' before meandering back down small country roads into town. Enjoy a final night at the local hostelries and excellent restaurants. Accommodation: Overnight in a traditional B&B in Bantry.

Enjoy a final Irish breakfast and pack your bags ready to depart. From Bantry you can take a local bus to Cork or Killarney from where you can travel onward to Dublin or beyond. If you would like to extend your stay in Ireland, please discuss the options with your travel consultant.