IRELAND’S SOUTHWEST COAST The Beara Peninsula Guided Walking Tour. The county of Cork is the largest in the country and can be divided into two separate regions – that of the city of Cork, a bustling metropolis at the mouth of the River Lee and the county of Cork, which changes the further west and north, you go. It’s in this county that we find the Beara Peninsula. All along the coast are small un-spoilt villages and very pretty shorelines. It’s a breathtaking area with the Caha Mountains crowned by the Tim Healy Pass. Castletownberehaven is the largest of the peninsula’s fishing villages. At the head of the peninsula is the village of Glengarriff from where trips can be taken to Garnish Island, famous for its Italian Gardens. At the far end of the Beara Peninsula is Dursey Island, connected to the mainland by Ireland’s only cable car. BEARA PENINSULA HOLIDAY ITINERARY Day 1 A courtesy transfer from Cork or Shannon Airports (within our timetable) is available. Arrive to first Guesthouse in Glengarriff where we stay for our first 2 nights before moving further "West" along this wonderful and historical peninsula. Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week. Day 2 We 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 our 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 Walk from Adrigole to Castletownbere along the Beara Way with magnificent views over Bere Island and Bantry Bay. Transfer to Castletownbere accommodation for dinner and overnight. Walk Details Distance: 18kms. Duration: 6 hours. Max. Ascent: 350m. Mountain tracks and open roads. Can be wet - boots essential. Some road walking. Day 4 Take the ferry over to Bere Island and do a loop walk around the island, a fabulous walk with views east and west across Bantry Bay. Return to accommodation in Castletownbere and eat in one of the many excellent local restaurants. Walk Details Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Ascent: 260m. Grass tracks and rocky pathways. Some road walking. Boots recommended. Day 5 This is your Free Day and if weather permits - we will organise a trip to the glorious Dursey Island - just at the very tip of the Beara Peninsula. This is a step back in time and gives you an opportunity to walk "West" to the end of land! Transfer to Allihies for evening meal and overnight. Day 6 Follow in the footsteps of the Cooper Miners as we walk around the hills surrounding Allihies and enjoy glorious views north, south, east and west. Overnight & evening meal in Allihies. Walk Details Distance: 18kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Ascent: 500m. Tracks, open mountain, some rocky terrain and some road walking. Boots essential. Day 7 Transfer from Allihies towards Kenmare and start walking beside Glanmore Lake. This is one of the most spectacular places in this region and the walk is "short and sweet" However, weather permitting we will have plenty of time on the top of the mountain to savour the beauty of this wonderful place. Transfer on to Killarney for our final dinner together and overnight. Walk Details Distance: 12kms. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Ascent: 400m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bogland and mountain. Some road walking - boots essential. Day 8 Departures. From Killarney there is an excellent bus and train service to all-major towns, cities and villages in Ireland. An early courtesy transfer back to Shannon Airport will be offered.
The Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, Co. Cork. Tel: 027-63003 at 18.00hrs. Holiday Includes - bed and breakfast accommodation, breakfast, picnic lunch (on walking days only), dinner each evening, 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide, mini-bus transport to/from walking locations, luggage transport and transfer to/from airports within our timetable. Not Included - any boat trips, personal drinks, entrance fees to theaters, parks or museums etc. or gratuities. Courtesy Airport Transfers: Shannon - Collection at 12 noon Return back to Shannon before 12 noon but no earlier than 10.00am Cork - Collection at 14.00hrs Return back to Cork before 14.00hrs Irish Cycle Tours & Walks reserve the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of individuals or groups. Difficulty of Walk: Moderate to Energetic |
