The Beara Peninsula is shared by Cork and Kerry and this fine coastline has some of the most outstanding beauty spots in the South West of Ireland. The Beara Peninsula is the most westerly of the long peninsulas of Cork. It stretches between Bantry Bay and the Kenmare River Estuary. The Caha mountains form its backbone and the border between Cork and Kerry follows the summit ridge.

The Beara Peninsula still retains an air of mystery. Archaeological remains from pre-history mingle with romantic castle ruins, all set in dramatic scenery – mountain, lake, rock and sea. Tourism has yet to make an impact in an area where traditional farming and fishing still prevail.

This week long tour is based in Castletownbearhaven, the peninsula’s primary fishing port. Routes, with a variety of ground underfoot, are from 10 to 13 km (6 to 8 miles) each day and take you along sections of the Beara Way.

• Fishing port of Castletownbere - with its lively pubs and craft shops
• Boat trip to Beara Island
• Numerous archaeological remains
• Hungry Hill (subject of Daphne du Maurier novel)

DAY 1. Arrival.
19.00 hrs. Dinner/welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse

DAY 2. The Beara Way (1)
Distance: 10-13km/8miles Ascent: 250m/820ft.
The first leg of the Way is from Glengarriff to Adrigole. Through the woods of Magannagan, over the saddle/col under Sugarloaf Mountain and by road to Adrigole, gaining views of the inner end of Bantry Bay.

DAY 3. The Beara Way (2)
Distance: 11km/7miles Ascent: 460m/1,500ft.
Adrigole to Rossmacowen. Walking along the rocky slopes of Hungry Hill, you gain enlarging views south over Bantry Bay and south to the Mizen Peninsula and the Fastnet Rock.

DAY 4. Boat trip to Beara Island.
A number of circuits allow the day’s walk to be tailored to meet the desires of the group. Perhaps a coastal walk to Ardnakinna Point lighthouse and up to the hilltop ruins of a signal tower will satisfy all.

DAY 5. Option Day.
You can laze around the town of Castletownbere(haven) or take a gentle stroll or cycle to visit the local castle ruins. Shore fishing and golfing also are options. For those interested in gardens, there are a number of famous ones within reach.

DAY 6. The Beara Way (3)
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Ascent: 460m/1,500ft
Rossmacowen to Castletownbere. The leg of the Way between Adrigole and Castletownbere is completed today. Bog roads take you through areas where turf (peat) was cut extensively for domestic fuel. The ruins of a wedge grave compliment the lonely wildness of the landscape.

DAY 7. The Beara Way – Knockoura
Distance: 11km/7miles Ascent: 300m/1,500ft
A partial circuit of Knockoura Hill, picking up a leg of the Beara Way from Eyeries to Allihies, gives views over Kenmare Bay and out into the Atlantic. The route is close to the line of one developed by a Gaelic prince for his daughter on her marriage to a neighbouring nobleman. Copper mining in the area goes back to pre-history and today the remains of the 19th century workings and buildings are still visible.

DAY 8. Departure Day

Note that, for weather or other reasons, on occasion the guide may have to change the sequence of walks or the walks themselves.

Dates 2003:	Price in Euro - €
June 7 : July 26 : Aug 9	€795.00
Special Features:
7 nights accommodation in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse* 7 full Irish breakfasts 5 packed lunches 7 dinners Experienced guide Transfers to and from walks Day trip (by ferry boat) to Beara Island Courtesy transfer from Cork airport to Castletownbere at 16.00 on Saturday and return transfer to Cork airport for 11.00 on Saturday of departure. *Accommodation is based on a twin sharing basis. In exceptional cases we may be able to provide a single room at a supplement of €24 per night. Note: The minimum number required for the above itinerary is 6 persons.
GRADE: Moderate walks of 6-8 miles (10-13km) with gradual ascents of up to 1500ft (300m) approx.
Terms & Conditions

Go Ireland Airport Transfers.
Cork Airport at 16.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall. Return transfer arrives at Cork airport at 11.00 on Saturdays. Clients who cannot make this transfer time should make their own way to the accommodation. Arrangements can be made for taxi transfers but at the clients' own expense.

Transfers are also availble from Shannon Airport to Kerry on Saturdays at 11.00 and 16.00 from the information point in the arrivals hall. Return transfer arrives at Shannon airport at 11.00 on Saturdays. Taxis from Kerry to The Beara Peninsula can be arranged as follows.

We will gladly arrange individual taxis outside these hours.

Cork Airport to Castletownbere	Single €130	Return €260
Kerry Airport to Castletownbere	Single €180	Return €360
Shannon Airport to Castletownbere	Single €235	Return €470

 

 

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