Sheep’s Head Way – 8 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

8 Day Self-Guided Walking Tour Sheep's Head Way Cork Ireland

The “Sheep’s Head” Peninsula which is translated from the ancient Irish name “Muintir Bháire”, meaning the people of Bháire, is the middle of the three peninsulas in the south-west of County Cork, Ireland’s largest county along the Wild Atlantic Way.  The Sheep’s Head Way is a very well kept secret and is one of the least visited parts of Cork. This contributes to the wonderful peace and quiet in this most unique place.

This narrow finger peninsula is part of the old red sandstone system when the mountainous coastal region was split into several peninsulas as the sea level rose between 4000 – 7000 years ago. The rounded hills (drumlins) are the evidence of glaciation, leaving fertile sheep pastures dominated by a spine of low hills. The highest point on the peninsula is Seefin Hill at 345 m. At its busiest in 1844, the peninsula had a population 8,340 but now has just 1,300 residents.

Bantry Harbour, sheltered by Whiddy Island, is one of West Cork’s oldest ports and was the scene of an attempted French invasion in 1796. Bantry House, which was built in 1771 for the first Earl of Bantry, houses a fine art collection and is open to the public. Bantry town remains a bustling market town and the main shopping town of the south-west. A renowned Farmer’s Market takes place every Friday morning in the main square. Look out for the West Cork Fuchsia Brand, a marketing initiative to brand the huge variety of local produce that both locals and newcomers to the area manufacture, for the local and international markets.

The Sheep’s Head Way indeed offers an interesting variety of experiences during this six-day self-guided walking adventure!

Prices / Dates

Price:  €759 per person sharing

Single Supplement: +€380

Solo Traveller Supplement: +€90

Tour Dates: 1 April to 15 October

Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate

Accommodation: B&B

Included / Excluded

Day 1 - Arrive at Dublin or Cork airport and take public transport to Bantry

It is also possible to arrive by 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 south-west of Ireland. Bantry sits in the bay separating the Sheep's Head and Beara peninsulas and is in the shelter of Whiddy Island.

Day 2 - Bantry to Glanlough

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 taking you down into Glanlough.

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 570 m / 1148 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours

Day 3 - Glanlough to Kilcrohane

Today’s self-guided walk gives you the option to follow 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.

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 598 m / 1263 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours

Day 4 - Kilcrohane to Tooreen

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.

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 594 m / 1782 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours

Day 5 - Tooreen to Kilcrohane

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.

Distance: 14 km / 10 miles, Ascent: 470 m / 1410 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours

Day 6 - Kilcrohane to Durrus

Durrus, the largest village on the peninsula, is today’s destination and the walking trail takes you along undisturbed paths and winding roads. Passing through this area you will see evidence of the extensive activity from pre-Christian times in the form of standing stones, wells and burial grounds.

Distance: 20 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 510 m / 1530 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 6 hours

Day 7 - Durrus to Bantry

On the final leg of your return to Bantry, you move inland from the coastline and ascend "Barr na Gaoithe", translated as the Top of the Wind, before meandering back down on small country roads into the town through the beautiful grounds of Bantry House.

Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles, Ascent: 475 m / 1425 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours

Day 8 - Depart

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. 

A few words from our customers...

Thank you for your guidance through hiking adventures and our first trip to Ireland. What a fantastic trip to outdoor wonders, food and music. The Sheepshead is truly a magical place. Thank you so much!
Dan & Shaina
Netherlands
Dear Christopher & Teresa, thank you for another wonderful vacation! I really enjoyed seeing another area of your beautiful country. The Sheepshead was amazing. It was a very relaxing week, and we're going home renewed and rejuvenated. Until we meet again!
Anne & James
USA