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. 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 be based in Allihies, once at the centre of the copper mining industry and now a quiet place with a rugged coastline and beach. We will 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.
We will also explore the coast right at the tip of the peninsula, taking Ireland’s only cable car over the Sound to Dursey Island or Oilean Baoi, named after the goddess Baoi. Viking invaders in 800AD gave its name calling it “Thjorsey.”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 is thought to be based in the area and tells the story of a copper mining family.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive in time for the private transfer from Cork airport. Settle in before meeting your guide for a holiday briefing and dinner.

Day 2: Allihies Circular 7 miles/11km, 220m ascent
Leaving at 9.30, we’ll head down to the beach and around the coast before climbing up the hill to explore the remains of the copper mining industry that flourished here from the Bronze Age right up until the 20th century. The walk finishes at Allihies Copper Mining Museum and Cafe.

Day 3: Bere Island 10 miles/16km, 350m ascent (or 7miles/11km 250m ascent.)
Today we drive to Castletownbere where we’ll take the 10.30 ferry to Rerrin at the eastern end of Bere Island, returning on the 6 pm ferry into Castletownbere.
From Rerrin it’s a climb up to the Martello Tower built in 1805 to defend Bantry Bay against French invasions. The walk then takes us to up to the Holy Year Cross via a Bronze Age standing stone or Gallen and to the lighthouse at the very western end of the island. (There’s an opportunity to shorten this walk and meet up at the ferry port.)

Day 4: Firkeel and Garinish 7 miles/11km, 310m ascent
It’s a short drive to Firkeel Gap where we follow a section of the Beara Way to the cable car station at Dursey Sound. Continuing along the Beara Way we follow a coastal path round to finish at Garinish Strand.

Day 5: Free Day
A free day to explore a little further afield using the local bus service e.g.Garinish Island, Glengarriff with its Italianate gardens; Bantry market town; Dzogchen Beara Buddhist centre cafe. Your guide will help with planning your day.
Or simply relax around Allihies, visit the Copper Mining Museum and perhaps stroll down to the beach.

Day 6: Allihies to Eyeries 8 miles/13km 350m ascent
We rejoin the Beara Way and retrace our footsteps up to the old copper mines. From there a gravel road leads round to the north side of the Beara peninsula and to views over to the mountains of the Ring of Kerry. We skirt round the flank of Miskish Mountain and descend to the village of Eyeries, “the most colourful village in West Cork,” with its (2) shops, cafe and pubs.
After time to explore the village, the minibus will take us back to Allihies.

Day 7: Dursey Island 8.5miles/13.5km 380m ascent (or 6miles/10km 100 m ascent)
We take Ireland’s only cable car over to Dursey Island – the only cable car that crosses open seawater in Europe. The walk is to the end of the island and back, firstly along a narrow road, then track, and then back along a low ridge with great views of the Beara Peninsula, the Calf, the Cow and the Bull islands and the Kerry mountains to the north. On a clear day there are views as far as the Skelligs and, if we’re lucky, we might spot dolphins, basking sharks or whales.

Day 8: Depart after breakfast to Cork airport for your return journey.

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

• Single Ensuite Room £1200
• Single Occupancy of Double or Twin Ensuite Room £1320
• Willing to share  - £220 discount per person. If there is nobody to share with, the single occupancy price will be applied

Included in the price:

• 7 nights B&B accommodation
• Guided walks each day
• Airport transfer at set time
• Private transport to walks
• Bere Island ferry

Not included:

• Flight to Cork
• Lunch and dinner - both will be organised by your guide
• Personal expenses
• Discretionary tips
• Optional excursions
• Insurance

Walks are around 7 - 10 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. Learn more about our Walk Grades

We will be staying at the wonderful, highly-rated, Seaview B&B in Allihies. The accommodation offers a warm welcome and a fabulous location. It is family run and the breakfast is traditional Irish fare.

Your guide for this holiday is Clara Fleming. "I’m a qualified mountain leader with many years’ experience of discovering wonderful places to hike (and swim!) not only abroad but also right here where I live in Ireland. I really enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for outdoor adventure with other women and I love the group’s sense of achievement on reaching a destination, whether it’s the top of a mountain or the teashop at the end of a great day’s walk."

The nearest airport is Cork which is just over 2 hours from our accommodation. There will be a private group transfer meeting certain flights (times tbc).