Beara Way
A dramatic circuit of the Beara Peninsula on Ireland's south-west coast, crossing mountain passes, coastal cliffs, and ancient copper-mining landscapes…
Route overview
The Beara Way is a circular trail of approximately 200 kilometres around the Beara Peninsula, the finger of land that stretches south-west from County Cork into the Atlantic between the Kenmare River and Bantry Bay. It is widely regarded as the most rugged and dramatically scenic of Ireland's peninsula walks. The route follows old drove roads, mountain tracks, and coastal paths through a landscape of heather moorland, quartzite mountain peaks, and deeply indented coastal inlets. The peninsula was historically a centre of copper mining, and the trail passes through the ruins of the Allihies mines. The highest point on the route is the pass over the Slieve Miskish Mountains. The trail is less frequented than the neighbouring Kerry Way, giving it a wilder and more remote character. The villages of Castletownbere, Allihies, and Eyeries provide accommodation and a strong sense of traditional Irish coastal community.
A dramatic circuit of the Beara Peninsula on Ireland's south-west coast, crossing mountain passes, coastal cliffs, and ancient copper-mining landscapes between Bantry and Kenmare.
Trail facts
- Country
- Ireland
- Region
- County Cork and Kerry
- Distance
- c. 200 km
- Typical duration
- 8–10 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 4,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- April–October
- Trail type
- Hill and coastal circuit
Safety context
Mountain sections are exposed to Atlantic weather with rapid changes. Some sections follow minor roads with no pavement. The cable car to Dursey Island operates seasonally.
The terrain is more rugged and less waymarked than the Kerry Way. Some mountain sections require good map-reading skills. Accommodation is more limited than on busier Irish trails.
Highlights
Bantry Bay and harbour Healy Pass mountain road Allihies copper mine ruins Slieve Miskish quartzite peaks Dursey Island cable car Castletownbere fishing fleet Kenmare estuary finish
Why find a buddy
The Beara's wilder character, mountain passes and remote coastal sections make a companion valuable for navigation, safety and shared experience of Ireland's most rugged peninsula.
Primary source
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.