About Allihies
Allihies is a beautiful mining village set in a spectacular amphitheatre of mountains overlooking Ballydonegan Beach and towards the distant Skelligs. It is a quaint, unspoilt traditional Irish village, with brightly painted houses, shops and pubs and is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The remains of the mines are still clearly visible and at one time the area was the largest copper producing area in Europe. Allihies Copper Mine Museum brings this story alive and is well worth a visit and afterwards you can follow in the footsteps of the miners along the Copper Mine Walking Trails. It is also on the walking route from Castletownbere to Dursey. Allihies is ideal for walking with loop walks to suit all ages. If it’s only a stroll you want, why not visit the biggest beach on the Peninsula. Ballydonegan Beach is a man-made beach made up entirely of the ground white quartz extracted from the mine.
On route to Dursey you will pass Garnish on your right with its beautiful safe sandy beaches and on your left a walkers paradise around Crow Head.
At the very end of the Peninsula, Dursey Island is connected to the mainland by Ireland's only Cable Car. Dursey Island is one of the few inhabited Islands that lie off the Southwest coast of Ireland. With no shops, pubs or restaurants it’s a place of pure tranquility. Dolphins and whales are regularly seen in the waters surrounding the Island and Dursey is famous for being a birdwatchers' paradise.
Dzogchen Beara is a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Centre located between CastletownBere and Allihies and sits high on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with breathtaking views of sea and sky. Everyone is Welcome. An amazing place and well worth a visit.