Hiking on the Beara Way
Hiking on the Beara Way
The Beara Way delivers big views, quiet trails and characterful villages across West Cork and South Kerry. Hiking on the Beara Way means coastal vistas, mountain passes and island day trips without the crowds. Use this guide to plan your route, travel, highlights and add-ons.
Why choose the Beara Way
Rugged Atlantic scenery with quieter paths than neighbouring peninsulas
Colourful villages like Eyeries and Allihies for food, music and post-hike pints
Easy day trips to Bere Island and Dursey Island
Flexible stages that suit Comfortable, Moderate or Energetic hikers
Excellent bases at Glengarriff, Castletownbere, Eyeries and Kenmare
Thinking of a turnkey trip? Check out our Self-Guided Beara Way Hikes.
The peninsula at a glance
The Beara Peninsula sits in Ireland’s south-west, shared by Cork and Kerry. A ribbon of peaks and passes divides deep bays dotted with islands. The famed Healy Pass twists over the Caha Mountains with alpine-style switchbacks. Castletownbere is the main harbour town, while Glengarriff and Kenmare make ideal start and end points. Ferries link to Bere Island, and Ireland’s only cable car runs to Dursey Island when operating.
Signature sights
Healy Pass panoramic viewpoints
Hungry Hill and the Maulin ridge
Megalithic sites and stone circles around Ardgroom
The Hag of Beara rock near Eyeries
Garinish Island gardens off Glengarriff
Old copper mine heritage around Allihies
Classic route: Glengarriff to Kenmare
Below is a popular Beara Way progression that keeps travel simple and the scenery varied. Distances and times depend on chosen variants and fitness.
Glengarriff
A lively base influenced by the Gulf Stream. Visit Garinish Island’s Italianate gardens and stock up for the trail. Two nights here work well for an easy start.
Glengarriff → Adrigole
Follow waymarked paths beneath Sugarloaf and Glenlough Mountains with wide views across Bantry Bay and over to Sheep’s Head. Old lanes lead towards Adrigole.
Adrigole → Castletownbere
Walk beneath Hungry Hill and Maulin for big sea-and-summit panoramas. Views of Bere Island open as you approach the peninsula’s fishing capital.
Bere Island day hike
Hop on the ferry for looped walks, military heritage sites and sweeping harbour scenes. Options range from short circuits to a full west-end loop via Rerrin.
Castletownbere → Eyeries → Allihies
Climb into the Slieve Miskish Mountains to cross from south to north coast. Bright rows of Eyeries’ houses greet you above Coulagh Bay. Nearby stands the storied Hag of Beara.
Ardgroom → Lauragh
Start near Ardgroom to weave between stone circles before a beautiful old mountain path delivers views across Kenmare Bay and down to Lauragh at the foot of Healy Pass.
Drombohilly → Kenmare
Cross two broad saddles overlooking the Caha range and Cloonee Lakes, then follow quiet lanes into historic Kenmare for a well-earned finish.
Want to spin the legs too? Try our Ring of Beara Cycle.
Getting there and away
Start hubs: Glengarriff, Castletownbere or Kenmare
Airports: Cork, Kerry, Shannon, Dublin
Public transport: Regular services link Cork City with Glengarriff and West Cork towns, and connect Kenmare with Killarney and Cork. Always check current timetables before you travel.
Ferries: Year-round local ferries connect Castletownbere with Bere Island. Operations to Dursey Island are subject to conditions and maintenance windows.
Trail grading and terrain
Comfortable: Shorter coastal stages with modest ascent and solid paths.
Moderate: Full Beara Way stages with mixed terrain, some boggy or rocky underfoot.
Energetic: Longer mountain days with sustained climbs and optional high variants.
Expect a blend of waymarked hill paths, farm tracks, quiet lanes and occasional road sections through villages.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn offers long daylight, blooming hedgerows and better ferry and dining hours. Winter walking is possible for experienced hikers who are prepared for short days and changeable weather.
Add these days if you can
Dursey Island: Ride Ireland’s only cable car when running and hike clifftop loops with ocean views.
Healy Pass viewpoints: Short scenic detours by transfer from Lauragh or Adrigole.
Allihies copper mines: Way-marked trails through a striking historic landscape.
Garnish Island (Glengarriff): Boat trip to sheltered gardens teeming with colour and wildlife.
Practical tips
Navigation: Our guests receive detailed route notes, GPX files and access to the IWHB GPS Hiking & Cycling App for offline maps and points of interest.
Footwear and kit: Waterproof boots, breathable layers, pack cover and trekking poles are recommended.
Food & water: Carry snacks and water on longer mountain days. Villages offer cafés and shops at stage ends.
Leave No Trace: Keep to marked paths, close gates and respect farmland.
Plan your Beara Way trip with us
Tell us your dates, preferred daily distances and comfort level. We will arrange hand-picked B&Bs or guesthouses, daily luggage transfers, transfers to trailheads where needed, and 24/7 on-trip support.
Ready to go?
Enquire now and let our local team shape a route you will love.
