Sheep’s Head Peninsula: A Secluded Gem on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Discover the hidden beauty of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, a tranquil haven on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This narrow finger of land, nestled in County Cork, boasts breathtaking landscapes, a rich history, and a warm welcome for those seeking peace and quiet.
**A Journey Through Time:**
The peninsula’s origins lie in the old red sandstone system, formed as the sea level rose thousands of years ago. Glacial activity left behind rounded drumlins, creating fertile sheep pastures dotted with low hills. The highest point, Seefin Hill, offers panoramic views.
**A Rich History:**
Experience the echoes of the past in the Sheep’s Head Peninsula. Bantry Harbour, a historic port, was the site of an attempted French invasion in 1796. Explore the elegant Bantry House, built in 1771, and admire its fine art collection. Today, the bustling market town of Bantry serves as the region’s main shopping hub and hosts a vibrant farmers market every Friday morning.
**Embrace the West Cork Fuchsia Brand:**
Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and discover the West Cork Fuchsia Brand. This initiative showcases the diverse range of locally produced goods, from artisan crafts to farm-fresh produce, catering to both local and international markets.
**A Walking Adventure:**
Embark on a six-day self-guided walking adventure along the Sheep’s Head Way. This well-maintained trail offers a variety of experiences, from coastal paths to scenic hilltop views. Discover the tranquil beauty and rich history of this hidden gem.
Prices / Dates
Price: €820 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€418
Solo Traveller Supplement: +€105
Tour Dates: 1 April to 15 October
Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: B&B
Included / Excluded
- 7 nights bed & breakfast
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved family-run B&Bs with all rooms en-suite.
- Detailed route notes and ordnance survey maps.
- GPX Tracks
- Details on restaurants and places of interest to visit along the way.
- Luggage transfers daily while you walk with just a small day pack.
- All information on trains or buses needed to get to your first accommodation in Bantry and back at the end of the tour from Bantry.
- 24-7 Emergency Telephone support
- Public transport to the beginning of the tour and back at the end
- Packed Lunches
- Evening Meals
- Drinks and Snacks
- Personal Equipment
It is also possible to arrive at Dublin or Shannon Airport, but this will result in a longer transfer by bus. We will supply you with all the travel details on how to get to your first B&B in Bantry.
Bantry town is perfectly located as a place to start your self-guided walking adventure in the southwest of Ireland. Bantry sits in the bay separating the Sheep's Head and Beara peninsulas and is sheltered by Whiddy Island.
Overnight in Bantry.
On the first day of your walking tour on the Sheep's Head Way, you will walk from Bantry to Glanlough, overlooking Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island. Today’s walking trail will take you along a beautiful ridge before leading you down into Glanlough. Complimentary transfer back to Bantry and overnight in Bantry.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 570 m / 1148 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
Complementary transfer back to Glanlough.
Today’s self-guided walk gives you the option to follow the Gortnakilly Ridge up onto Seefin Mountain, the highest point of the peninsula at 345 m. Alternatively, you can walk along the lower path, which also finishes in Kilcrohane village. Overnight in Kilcrohane.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 598 m / 1263 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
You will walk along the wild and rugged coastline at the western extremity of Sheep's Head peninsula today, passing through long abandoned and ruined villages and the Gortavallig Copper Mines.
Complementry transfer back to Kilcrohane. Overnight Kilcrohane.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 594 m / 1782 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
Complementry transfer to Tooreen.
Your walk today starts with a short climb along the southern coastline which leads you to a 17th-century signal tower. The walking trail then continues at lower levels winding through farmsteads and ancient townlands towards Kilcrohane village.
Overnight Kilcrohane.
Distance: 14 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 470 m / 1410 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
Durrus, the largest village on the peninsula, is today’s destination, and the walking trail takes you along undisturbed paths and winding roads. As you pass through this area, you will see evidence of extensive activity from pre-Christian times in the form of standing stones, wells, and burial grounds. Overnight in Durrus.
Distance: 20 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 510 m / 1530 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 6 hours
On the final leg of your return to Bantry, you move inland from the coastline and ascend Barr na Gaoithe, which translates to 'Top of the Wind,' before meandering back down small country roads into town, passing through the beautiful grounds of Bantry House.
Overnight in Bantry."
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles, Ascent: 475 m / 1425 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours
After a hearty Irish breakfast, you will depart from Bantry for home.
We will supply you with all the travel details that you require for your onward journey from Bantry.
