Part of the Beara-Breifne Way, Ireland's longest way-marked trail, the Beara Way combines stunning coastal scenery and rugged mountain landscapes with village life dotted in between.
Starting from picturesque Glengarriff, the Beara Way is a relatively strenuous trail. The terrain is mainly quiet tarmac and bog roads, cliff and woodland paths and open moors. Some of the loop is remote and rough underfoot with a number of short but steep climbs too. In all, the trail ascends almost 5,300m, making for some spectacular Atlantic views.
The loop also leads you to Bere Island with its historic military forts, while another spur takes you out – via Ireland’s only cable car – to sparsely inhabited Dursey Island.
Walkers and cyclists will encounter plenty of friendly villages along the way for rest and refreshment, Allihies, Eyries, Travara and Castletownbere among them.
Don't have time for the full Trail, then try any of the shorter looped trails on the penninsula. Drive the Healy Pass through the Caha Mountains.
