You’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the world when you walk the paths of the Beara Peninsula at the tip of South West Ireland. Set just about as far south west as you can get in Ireland, the views on this walking holiday are endless. Our walks will explore the wild, rugged coast with plenty of secluded coves and imposing cliffs to admire. If you enjoy pondering the formation of the earth then the contorted rock layers will enthral you! If luck is on our side, we may catch sight of dolphins and whales as we make our way along the stunning coastal paths.

Our holiday will take us to Allihies, once at the centre of the copper mining industry and now a quiet place on the rugged coast. We will also visit Eyeries with its colourful houses lining the narrow streets.  On one day, we’ll take the ferry for the short ride across to Bere Island where time appears to have stood still. The island which sits at the entrance to Bantry Bay, has a long and fascinating history from the Bronze Age to the present day and was an important defensive base during war time.

During our stay, we will also take the opportunity to explore the mountain tracks of the interior gaining incredible views across the Kerry mountains – and the coast too! We’ll have close up views of Hungry Hill, the highest of the Caha Mountains. And if you fancy getting in the mood for your holiday beforehand then pick up a copy of Daphne Du Maurier’s “Hungry Hill”, which, although never stated, is thought to be based in the area and tells the story of a copper mining family.

We will stay at Bellatrix, a women only B&B run by Rita and Lainey with stunning views over the Slieve Miskish mountains. The holiday is fully catered and the evening meals are simply delicious based around world dishes using locally sourced and home grown produce.

• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel
• Price

Walks are around 7 miles with many ups and downs on the coastal paths on some days. The number of stiles is notable although these are sturdily built in metal and easier to manage than most. There may be short steep ups and downs off path occasionally but generally the walks are on good, clear paths. The exact choice of walks will be adapted to suit the group. The walks will be taken at a leisurely pace but the actual terrain is more moderate in nature. Learn more about our Walk Grades

We’ll be staying at Bellatrix, a welcoming women’s B&B in a gorgeous location close to the town of Castletownbere. Bellatrix provides simple, uncluttered rooms which exude a sense of calm and the most delicious food. There is one ensuite room and the others share bathrooms. The accommodation has a fabulous garden and looks out over the surrounding hills. Add to that the opportunity to book a Shiatsu massage with co-owner Rita and what more could you wish for! Lainey and Rita have run Bellatrix for the past 10 years and could not be more welcoming and helpful. Website: https://bellatrixbedandbreakfastforwomen.com/

Your guide for this holiday will be Clare.

The nearest airport is Cork which is just over 2 hours from our accommodation. There will be a private group transfer meeting certain flights from London and Manchester plus alternative airports arriving at a similar time. The actual flight times are currently unavailable and will be updated on release of the airline schedules. If you are happy to book flights yourself then take a look at www.skyscanner.net for options that fit with the transfer times – I have listed a couple below but do check your local airport too. If you prefer to have a flight booked on your behalf that has ATOL protection and / or you would like to add on extra days at a different accommodation then please contact Paul Graham at Explorer Travel. You can call Paul on 01213 573 866 or email him with your enquiry. The booking with Paul is direct with him and is not part of the holiday offered by Her on a Hill.

• Shared Twin Room (included in base price)
• Single Room + £20/night
• Single Ensuite Room + £25/night

Included in the price:

• Full board accommodation
• Guided walks each day
• Airport transfer at set time
• Local transport to walks

Not included:

• Flight to Cork
• Personal expenses
• Discretionary tips
• Optional excursions
• Insurance