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Highlights
Embark on the Beara Way, a true Irish coastal hiking adventure
Enjoy delicious fish and chips in the port of Castletownbere after expansive hikes.
Step back in time while you roam historic Bere Island on foot.
Ride in Ireland’s only cable car to far-flung Dursey Island, a haven of quiet nature.
Delight in the colourful village charm of Allihies and Eyeries.
The Beara Way is a true gem of southwest Ireland, particularly for those who love to explore on foot. This 11-day self-guided hiking tour offers all the rugged beauty this coastal region is famous for. You can also check out our 8-day version if you are only interested in seeing the highlights of the Beara Way. There is also a 3-day version of this tour that gives you a short but sweet introduction to the region.
The tour starts in lovely Glengarriff, where you set out westward along the shores of Bantry Bay. The port of Castletownbere welcomes you with some of the freshest seafood in all of Ireland. A day exploring the fascinating history of nearby Bere Island is followed by a hike north across the peninsula. Reach the westernmost tip of the Beara Way and ride in Ireland’s only cable car to the breathtaking Dursey Island. Turn back east and hike along the shores of Kenmare Bay, passing through ancient archaeological sites and lovely villages. Finish with an evening in Kenmare, renowned for its restaurants and pubs.
The Ring of Kerry just to the north may garner more renown, but the Beara Way provides just as much beauty without the crowds – a perfect hiking adventure!
The Beara Way is a true gem of southwest Ireland, particularly for those who love to explore on foot. This 11-day self-guided hiking tour offers all the rugged beauty this coastal region is famous for. You can also check out our 8-day version if you are only interested in seeing the highlights of the Beara Way. There is also a 3-day version of this tour that gives you a short but sweet introduction to the region.
The tour starts in lovely Glengarriff, where you set out westward along the shores of Bantry Bay. The port of Castletownbere welcomes you with some of the freshest seafood in all of Ireland. A day exploring the fascinating history of nearby Bere Island is followed by a hike north across the peninsula. Reach the westernmost tip of the Beara Way and ride in Ireland’s only cable car to the breathtaking Dursey Island. Turn back east and hike along the shores of Kenmare Bay, passing through ancient archaeological sites and lovely villages. Finish with an evening in Kenmare, renowned for its restaurants and pubs.
The Ring of Kerry just to the north may garner more renown, but the Beara Way provides just as much beauty without the crowds – a perfect hiking adventure!
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Beara Way Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Glengarriff
Arrive in the coastal village of Glengarriff, where the hills meet the sea along a lovely river. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information.
The first night is yours to explore the village and prepare for the adventure ahead. If time provides, check out nearby Garinish Island, with gorgeous Italian gardens to admire.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glengarriff
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Westward to Glengarriff
The adventure begins! Set out westward along the Beara Way, hiking through the shadows of the Sugarloaf and Glenlough Mountains. Brilliant views to the south of Bantry Bay and the Sheep’s Head peninsula accompany you. Arrive in the village of Adrigole to complete the day, but not before a short detour to see an array of standing stones and megalithic tombs nearby.
When you’re ready to return to Glengarriff for the evening, call a taxi for the transfer back to town.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glengarriff
Distance: 3 hours, 13km, 560m of ascent, 546m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Arrival in Port
You’ll be driven back to Adrigole to start today’s hike. The slopes of Hungry Hill and Maulin Mountain loom overhead as you make your way west along the shores of Bantry Bay. Your destination is the port of Castletownbere, where you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in all of Ireland!
Much of today’s hike takes place on rocky terrain with no clear paths underfoot. The route can be quite wet – good boots are essential!
For those doing the 3-day version, you’ll call Castletownbere home, hike to Adrigole, and then visit Bere Island before departure.
Overnight Location: B&B in Castletownbere
Distance: 4 hours, 17.6km, 665m of ascent, 719m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Beautiful Bere Island
Today you’ll explore the fascinating Bere Island, just off the coast from Castletownbere. The ferry takes about ten minutes. Chock-full of history from ancient to recent, there’s plenty to see!
Tombs and standing stones dot the island, while Martello Towers and various forts still hold their positions overlooking the bay. There’s even a shipwreck off the northern coast. Around every corner, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the mainland, Bantry Bay, and the open ocean. When you’re ready to rest, return to Castletownbere for the evening.
Overnight Location: B&B in Castletownbere
Distance: 5 hours, 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hiking to Allihies
Continue your westward journey as you head for the village of Allihies. Knockgour Mountain watches overhead as you pass through a treasure trove of archaeological sites, bringing Ireland’s past to life before your eyes.
The colourful homes of Allihies were once the site of a major copper mining operation. Today, the town is a picturesque stop along the Beara Way, framed by hills and beaches alike.
Overnight Location: B&B in Allihies
Distance: 3 hours, 14.5km, 585m of ascent, 542m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Adventure to the Wild Coast
Head out for the very tip of the peninsula, where the wild North Atlantic collides with the Irish coast. You’ll feel as though you’re on the very edge of the Earth! The extraordinary coastal views are everywhere you turn on this hike.
A short optional walk takes you to Crow Head, which looks south over Bantry Bay and all the way to West Cork. Spend the night in Dursey Sound, listening to the waves crash against the shore.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dursey Sound
Distance: 3-4 hours, 16km, 588m of ascent, 630m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Day on Dursey Island
No trip along the Beara Way is complete without a ride in Ireland’s only cable car! Take the trip out to Dursey Island, a gorgeous spot for nature lovers. Dolphins and whales cruise the coast, while seabirds and butterflies float along the ocean breeze.
Your walk takes you along the main ridge of the island, then back along a lower route through the island’s handful of houses. There are no shops or restaurants on Dursey, so be sure to bring provisions. Finish the day by returning to the mainland and hiking back to Allihies.
Overnight Location: B&B in Allihies
Distance: 3 hours, 13km, 560m of ascent, 540m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 The Colours of Eyeries
Turn back eastwards as you head for the village of Eyeries. Pass by old copper mines and tiny coastal communities, the sandstone slopes of the Slieve Miskish Mountains flanking your right.
Eyeries is a cheery collection of colourful homes and welcoming shops, one of the most picturesque towns you’ll find on the Beara Way. The sunsets across Coulagh Bay are something to behold!
Overnight Location: B&B in Eyeries
Distance: 4 hours, 17km, 522m of ascent, 540m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Echoes of the Past
Start with a quick transfer to the village of Ardgroom and set off on the day’s hike. Famous stone circles await along your route, monuments to an ancient culture. A lovely old mountain path brings you to the village of Lauragh, at the base of the stupendous Healy Pass.
Overnight Location: B&B near Lauragh
Distance: 2-3hours, 11.3km, 275m of ascent, 286m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Peaks & Valleys
Begin with a transfer to Drombohilly, the starting point for your final day of hiking. A fantastic day awaits! Make the first of two hilly ascents, with stunning views of Caha Bay and the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Descend to the Cloonee Lakes and walk along the tranquil shores of Lough Inchiquin.
Make your final ascent before heading back down into the Dromoghty Valley. Hike along small backroads before linking up with the main road for the final stretch into Kenmare.
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 4-5 hours, 18km, 642m of ascent, 741m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Departure from Kenmare
An adventure completed! Check out from your accommodations and depart Kenmare via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
11-day Beara Way Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed. Prices below are per person:- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: EUR1130
Accommodation on Beara Way Hiking Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of EUR155 to have a private room in a hotel where possible. The required supplement for solo travellers is included in the listed price.
What’s Included in the Beara Way Hiking Tour?
Meals
10 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included depending on the length of tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to the start of each day’s hike and collection from its endpoint back to your accommodations is included. The days where collection is not included are Days 3-8, where you will be ending the day’s hike in your designated overnight destination. Luggage transfers are also included between accommodations during the tour. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Detailed route book with full area maps
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house holiday specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Cork
- Airport transfers
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Ferry or cable car tickets
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional accommodation nights before/after the tour
- Single room supplements
- How hard is the Beara Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on the Beara Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Glengarriff to start this tour?
- Where does the 11-day Beara Way Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ireland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Ireland?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: paved and unpaved roads, bogland, rocky paths, and open hillside. Good boots are essential.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
10 breakfasts are included depending on the length of tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Cork Airport (ORK). From Cork Airport, the town of Glengarriff is about 1 hour 20 minutes by car. You can also take a scheduled bus from Cork, taking roughly 2 ½ hours. Your holiday specialist can assist with logistics if needed.
The tour ends in the town of Kenmare. A private transfer back to Cork Airport (ORK) is about 1 hour 20 minutes by car. You can also head north to the regional Kerry Airport (KIR); it’s 50 minutes by car and about 2 hours by bus.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
