Although the Sheep’s Head is the smallest
of the south-western peninsulas, the walk around it has
been described as the finest long distance path in Ireland.
The peninsula is formed by a narrow finger of hills stretching
nearly 25 miles into the Atlantic, but less than four miles
wide. Agriculture along the Way is simple, imbuing the landscape
with a sense of timelessness.
Treks begin at either Bantry or Durrus at the neck of the
peninsula. You climb up onto the hillside heading west past
the stone circle of Ahakista. Follow the south coast to
the small town of Kilcrohane, then around the dramatic headland
to the Sheep’s Head lighthouse. The craggy coastline
of the northern shore is followed east to the Horseshoe
Road and up to Finn MacCool’s seat. You conclude by
walking the crest of the hills affording spectacular views
across the whole peninsula to the mountains of Beara and
beyond as you wend your way back to Bantry.
Day 1 - Travel to
Bantry
A taxi is available (if requested) to take you from Cork
Airport to Bantry. Alternatively you may make your own way
to Bantry by public transport.
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry
Day 2 - Bantry to Durrus
The first day contains more tarmac walking than we would
typically arrange. The lanes, however, are quiet and allow
you to adjust to this corner of Ireland. There are splendid
views across Bantry Bay and the route meanders through farmland
and forests. (19km, 360m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry
Day 3 – Durrus to Ahakista
The route offers fine views over Dunmanus Bay, and you will
be passing Gorteanish stone circle on the way to Ahakista.
(13 km, 210 m ascent)
Accommodation –B&B in Ahakista
Day 4 – Ahakista to Tooreen
Follow the traditional funeral route from the church to
the burial ground at the ruined Kilcrohane church. The route
then meanders between the shoreline across fields, along
old fisherman’s paths. Then you follow the course
of the old road over Ballyroon Mountain, 232 m, where there
are ruins of an old signal tower built in 1632. (19 km,
430 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Ahakista
Day 5 – Tooreen to Finn MacCool’s
Seat
The route provides the finest coastal scenery of the whole
walk. You begin by walking out to the lighthouse. A choice
of routes then gives an opportunity to follow a cliff path
up to the old Gortavallig copper mine. You continue with
good views across Bantry Bay along the horseshoe road to
Finn MacCool’s Seat. (18 km, 370 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Ahakista
Day 6 –
MacCool’s Seat to Glanlough
The route today follows the main spine of the peninsula
reaching the highest point of the walk, Gouladane, 310 m.
From the ridge there are excellent views to the Fastnet
Rock Lighthouse in the south around the Kerry Mountains
to the north. (11 km, 420 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Glanlough
Day 7 – Glanlough to Bantry
The trail again heads over the spine of the peninsula with
fine views over Bantry Bay. The way finally descends as
you follow a mixture of tracks and lanes back to Bantry
House and town. (15 km, 250 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry
Day 8 - Return home
T our price :
€695.00 per person sharing
Tour includes:
Country homes provide accommodation in Durrus and Bantry
and two farmhouses are the base for four nights on the peninsula.
Each of the guest houses is only a short walk from shops
and bars. All rooms have shower and WC en suite.
All breakfast
Three packed lunches
Three dinners in Ahakista
Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
Full route details with a map of the tour
