There are many walks and ways to be found on Beara. Whether you are a skilled hill walker looking for a beautiful challenging hike or a casual walker just looking to see some beautiful scenery, Beara has something to offer for everyone.
The Beara Way
The Beara peninsula has a variety of walking routes suitable for both average walkers and the seasoned individual. The most famous of the routes is the Beara Way which forms a loop of almost 200km long crossing between counties Cork and Kerry. This route has been divided into 15 sections and is excellently documented here:
http://www.irishtrails.ie/trail/Beara-Way/3/
Consult this site for individual maps for each segment and before you set out, for any updates, trail closures etc. This is a National Way-marked Trail suitable for walkers with map reading skills.
Island Walks
For the less ambitious walker there are other walks through picturesque landscapes, for example drive to Dursey and take the cable car to the island – there enjoy a walk at your leisure – there are no shops on the island so take a packed lunch – and as always in Ireland, be prepared for inclement weather and wear good walking shoes/boots. Another island walk is Bere Island, accessible via ferry from Castletownbere:
More details can be found here: http://www.bereisland.net/
Garden Walks
Garinish Island is accessible by ferry from Glengarriff. This world renowned garden, laid out in the Italianate style in the early decades of the 20th century, contains some stunning specimen plants from the Southern Hemisphere, many of which have grown well in the semi-tropical climate of the area.More information can be found here: http://www.garnishisland.com/
While in Glengarriff there is an opportunity to walk around the Bamboo Park as well as the Ewe Experience.
More information here: http://www.bamboo-park.com/ http://www.theewe.com
Another garden walk can be enjoyed in the beautiful Gardens at Derreen in Lauragh
More information can be found here: http://www.derreengarden.com
There is also a number of walks in the natural oak woods of the Glengarriff Nature Reserve.
Historical Walks
IIf you enjoy historical walks one can be found in Allihies around the remains of the 19th century copper mines. There is a museum dedicated to historical mining in the town and maps with set walking routes are available in the museum shop.
More information here: http://www.acmm.ie
‘The Heritage Trail of Glengarriff’ is a ¾ hour walk concentrating on the built heritage of the last 300 years within Glengarriff. Booklets for the trail are available at most shops and hotels in the village.
This is only a brief introduction to walking on The Beara Peninsula – a wealth of archaeological sites, standing stone circles and tombs can also be found. For specific information on other walks, take a look at the excellent website:-