This is a one center independent walking tour on the Beara Peninsula which is a rural gem. You are based in the fishing town of Castletownbere which is one of the country’s premier fishing ports. The town has a selection of pubs and restaurants and for the culturally minded there is an Art Trail around the numerous galleries and studios in the area. The walks on the peninsula are very varied with magnificent views of the rugged Beara Peninsula and the Kenmare and Bantry Bays. Choice of 2 island walks and the others are along the Beara Way.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Castletownbere. 20:30 hrs. Dinner/welcome briefing with guide at guest house. Overnight in Castletownbere.
Day 2: Beara Way - Park Lough to Castletownbere. Distance 13.5km. In the morning you are dropped out to Park Lough, you then walk back to Castletownbere at your leisure. You walk along bog roads past a megalithic tomb and down into the valley of Ahakista and into Castletownbere.
Day 3: Stone Row to Allihies. This walk takes you to the village of Allihies where reputedly the first people to arrive in Ireland, the legendary Milesians first landed over a thousand years ago, appearing out of the Atlantic mist in the west. The walk is mostly along mountain tracks and bog roads where you will see rocky mountain heath, old copper mines, old standing stones, incredible views of Kenmare and Bantry Bays as well as some coastal islands. (Drop off one way).
Day 4: Dursey Island. Distance 14 km. (Get the bus at 09.00am from the town – cable car to Dursey and return bus at 2.30pm.) The outward route follows a track and path to the end of the island linking a few inhabited farmhouses on the way and the return route is partly along the rugged moorland crest of the island.
Day 5: Eyeries to Ardgroom. Dropped to Eyeries and getting bus back at 4.50 from Ardgroom. You walk from the colorful village of Eyeries overlooking The Atlantic. A coastal walk around Coulagh Bay includes sight of the rock known as the Hag of Beara, you end your walk in the delightful village of Ardgroom from where you get the bus back to Castletownbere.
Day 6: Dunboy Circular Walk. This is a short walk around the town of Castletownbere but can be lengthened – You can laze around the town of Castletownbere (haven) or take a gentle stroll or cycle to visit the local castle ruins of Dunboy Castle 3km south – west of the town, which dates back from the 15th century. Puxley Hall is also just a short distance from the castle and was involved in the Copper Mines at Allihies. The general area around Castletownbere and west of there has a very strong archaeological heritage. Shore fishing, golfing and shopping are options.
Day 7: Bere Island. 13km or 28 km. This island offers 2 scenic loops exploring the roads, hills and coast. Perhaps a coastal walk from the pier to Ardnakinna Point lighthouse and up to Coomastooka to enjoy the views over Castletownbere at the cross then follow the Beara Way back to the pier along the Northern Road should satisfy all. Access to the island is by ferry.
Day 8: Departure Day. You will have moderate walks of 6-8 miles (10-13km). with gradual ascents of up to 1500ft (300m) approx.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights accommodation in Irish Tourist Board approved guest houses
- 7 full Irish breakfasts
- Transfers to and from walks where necessary
- Day trip (by ferry boat) to Beara Island
- Route descriptions and maps
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Archeology/History
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