The Beara Way is a long distance walking route of 196km (120 miles) circumnavigating the Beara Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland. Beara is a quieter than its northern neighbour, the Kerry Way, but is equally beautiful and offers superb walking.
Hiking is through low rounded hills, walking old bog roads, exploring abandoned copper mines. It is a largely undiscovered area, hilly but not mountainous, with some good open hill-walking sections. The rocky coastline of the Beara Peninsula is a walking holiday dream. Visit Dursey Island by cable car, walk the green roads of Bere Island and sample the best fresh fish from the port of Castletownbere. The full trail starts at and finishes in Kenmare.
The Beara Way follows old green roads, boggy mountain trails and country roads. It is a very well marked route, signposted with numbered wooden or plastic yellow markers and road signs. This tour consists of 25% quiet country road walking.
Price Includes
Optional Extras
Pricing
This 5-day walking tour starts in Castletownbere and finishes in Ardgroom.
This tour is rated RELAXED for two days and MODERATE for one day.
See how we determine levels of difficulty for each of our hiking tours by visiting our FAQ page.
Travel to Castletownbere by bus. Services are offered by Bus Eireann and Harrington’s Coaches.
Overnight in Castletownbere.
Through the Slieve Miskish Mountains, conifer forests, crossing open hill terrain under the peak of Knockgour at 481m. Pass a ringfort – an ancient farm enclosure, which would have served as a home for people and animals. Allihies is a colourful coastal village, surrounded by the remains of copper mines – crushed stones from the mines formed the beach.
Distance 16km (10mi). Ascents 220m (722ft). Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight in Allihies.
Mining tracks link Allihies with Eyeries and the views are to the north of Coulagh Bay and the mouth of the Kenmare River. The coastal route takes you past coastguard ruins and rocky shorelines to the Ballycrovane Standing stone.
Distance 20km (12mi). Ascents 500m (1,640ft). Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight in Eyeries.
Last views of Coulagh Bay before venturing inland, the route takes you past Lough Fadda above Ardgroom Harbour and the beautiful isolated coast of Cleanderry and Bird Point. The Pulleen Sea caves are worth an extra 5km loop.
Distance 11km (7mi). Ascents 90m (295ft). Approximate walking time 3 hours.
Overnight near Ardgroom. Dinner tonight is in your guesthouse.
Depart Ardgroom bright and early for return to Cork.
June 2024 – Patty
We had a wonderful trip with Tailor-Made, walking the Beara Way. Everything was very well taken care of, the B&B’s were terrific and the communication was great. Thanks Sean and Patricia for a perfect vacation!
August 2023 – Vivian
My Beara way walk experience was well planned and communicated by the folks at Tailor Made Tours. They were friendly and responsive by email before the trip and helped us decide what to bring and how to get from point a to point b each day. We enjoyed reading our daily guide and going to check out the recommended spots along the way. Our hosts were so lovely and kind and we loved the beautiful nature during the whole walk! Highly recommend the Beara way to any avid and intrepid hikers looking for an unspoiled and stunning view of the west of Ireland!
July 2023 – Rens & Anke, Netherlands
We have walked the Beara way in may 2023 for 8 days. Sometimes we had to climb to the top which was quite tiring but the views were beautiful. The B & B’s were very nice, we felt welcome after a day walking. Everything was very good organised by Deirdre and Sean. Also the communication was easy and fast with Tailor-Made Tours. Thanks for the wonderful days we had on the Beara way!
July 2019 – A. Lees, New Zealand
The area is quite magical, as one would expect in Ireland. The remote walks, sheep, mixed weather, scenery, smooth and rugged rocks, the harbours, and the colourful villages add to a great experience. All my hosts have been friendly, courteous and hospitable. Each B&B had its own character, and certainly had the comfort and nourishing food needed after and /or before a days walk. Margaret’s place in Adrigole was special because it was sharing her home, the home-cooked food was a treat, and the view of the bay was wonderful. I enjoyed all the places and people.
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info@tailor-madetours.com
