Ireland - Sheep's Head Way (walking)

Your first nights stay is in the bustling, colourful town of Bantry.   Located at the top of Bantry Bay with views out to Whiddy Island it is a wonderful start point to any exploration of West Cork

The first day contains more tarmac walking than we would typically arrange. The lanes, however, are quiet and allow you to adjust to this corner of Ireland. There are splendid views across Bantry Bay and the route meanders through farmland and forests. (19km, 360m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry

The route heads west along the peninsula. You leave the village on an old military road pay Durrus Court and then climb up to a gap in the spine. The route then descends with fine views over Dunmanus Bay, and you will be passing Gorteanish stone circle on the way to Ahakista. (13 km, 210 m ascent)
Accommodation –B&B in Ahakista

Walk along the old military road then cut down to the shoreline walking past the old Bardic school to Farranamanagh. Pass through the village of Kilcrohane then follow the traditional funeral route from the church to the burial ground at the ruined Kilcrohane church. The route then meanders between the shoreline across fields, along old fisherman’s paths and back to the military road. The route then leads away from the shore to follow the course of the old road over the last hill of the peninsula, Ballyroon Mountain, 232 m, where there are ruins of an old signal tower built in 1632. (19 km, 430 m ascent)

The route today hugs the shoreline and provides the finest coastal scenery of the whole walk. You begin by walking out to the lighthouse on the westernmost point of the peninsula before turning east to follow a cliff path along the northern shore. A choice of routes then gives an opportunity to follow a cliff path up to the old Gortavallig copper mine. You continue with good views across Bantry Bay along the Horseshoe Road to Finn MacCool’s seat. (18 km, 370 m ascent)

The route today follows the main spine of the peninsula reaching the highest point of the walk, Gouladane, 310 m. From the ridge, there are excellent views to the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse in the south around the Kerry Mountains to the north. (11 km, 420 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Glanlough

The trail again heads over the spine of the peninsula with fine views over Bantry Bay. The way finally descends as you follow a mixture of tracks and lanes back to Bantry House and town. (15 km, 250 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry