Discover the Hidden Gems of the Wild Atlantic Way and its rich Archaeology and Local History. Experience Authentic Ireland and a range of activities such as Hill Walking or a Sea Safari and shop for Local Arts and Crafts.
The Beara Peninsula has some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. The road hugging the coastline is known as the Ring of Beara. Glengarriff features an extensive woodland, bamboo park and the wonder that is the lush-sub tropical garden on Garinish Island. Watch seals bask on the rocks as you take the ferry to the island.
The dramatic twisting route over the Healy Pass offers spectacular views. Continue to Castletownbere where nearby Bere Island offers an unspoilt landscape with quiet laneways for walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Head west to the tip of the peninsula and Dursey island which is reached by Ireland’s only cable car. Further on the former copper mining village of Allihies has an artistic community drawn by the dramatic landscape and its antiquities. A selection of the local artists’ works can be seen at Adrigole Art Gallery.
Guided Activities you can book:
Bere Island:
- Take a Guided walk with a local expert. You can take a 2 hour walk to hear of the military history of the island. Price €25.
Sea Safari:
- Take a Sea Safari from Bere Island or Castletownbere around Bantry Bay, Dursey or Bere Isalnd. Enjoy the thrill of the speed, see wildlife such as dolphins, seals, birds and the cooasional basking shark. Price €25 per person (min 5) Book Now
Hire a bicycle in West Cork at Bantry, Glengariff or Castletownbere and take a few days to cycle around the beautiful Ring of Beara or Sheeps Head. Take the bicycle on the ferry to Bere Island or Sheep’s Head. Start your trip in one town and finish in another. Ask us about public bus to and from your destinations. Hire a bicycle, helmet and lock for the whole day.
Fitness Level 3. Price €24.
Family Fun Chocolate Making – Have fun making chocolate sweets with an expert during a 2-hour class in the afternoon or otherwise by arrangement. This is suited to adults and children with a min of 3 per booking. Price €24.
The Beara Peninusla has a rich Archeological and Local history as well as being on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Beara Peninsula has some of Ireland’s most breathtaking, unspoilt scenery. The road hugging the coastline is known as the Ring of Beara is part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Kenmare and Killarney are close to the Beara Penunsula, with Bantry and Skibbereen to the south of the headland. Contact us for local guides.
Glengariff has extensive woodland, a bamboo park and the lush sub-tropical gardens on Garnish Island.
There is the stunning Gleninchaquin Park on the northern side of the Beara Peninsula, with many activities and walks.
There are art galleries, cable car to an island, Beare Island with its naval fortifications and history a ferry trip from the mainland. We have listed the beaches here but if you would like a Free Factsheet on what to do in the Beara area just add your email address below and select ‘Best of Beara’
Beaches on Beara Peninsula (Trá)
On the southern side of the peninsula are:
- Adrigole -Trafask, a pebble beach signposted 2 km on the Glengarriff side of the village.
- Castletownbere – Tralahan 1/2 km west of the town.
- Allihies beach is child friendly.
On the northern coast are:
- Ardgroom – Droumard Strand is one of the safest beaches in the area.
- Eyeries has a sand and gravel beach with safe swimming.