Explore the beauty of the Irish countryside with a choice of Guided Walks on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Gougane Beara, the Lee Valley or on some of West Cork’s most fascinating islands.
- Guided Walk in a town, park or coastal area exploring history, culture or nature of the area – Level 1 or 2.
- Guided Walk over rough terrain with a Guide in areas such as Gleninchaquin, Sheep’s Head, Gougane Barra – Level 3-4.
- Mountain Walking with a Guide on graded day hikes on part of the Beara Way on Hungry Hill. Level 4-5.
Free walking apps and Maps are listed where available.
If you choose a half day activity why not ask what other activities so you can enjoy the area in full.
Guided walking activities you can book:
Cork/Lee Valley
East Cork
Take a walk around Cobh with an expert local guide to admire the stunning cathedral, the fine old Admiralty buildings and hear the story of the Titanic at its last port of call. Walks start 11am and 2pm daily, other times by appointment.
Fitness level 2. Price €19.
Kinsale
At the start of the Wild Atlantic Way in Kinsale take a 2 hour walk with an artist to learn to draw what you see as you go along the way. Enjoy the views of this stunning town with stops to draw what you see.The idea is to create a lot of fast responsive drawing and can be tailored to special interests in landscape/architecture/history. Materials provided are notebook to keep, with watercolours, inky ones and pencils for use during the walk. Walks on Wednesday or Saturday at 2pm. Can be organised for groups in Cork city or close to Kinsale.
Fitness Level 2. Price €39.00 per person
Guided walk along the coast of Kinsale near Cork. A local expert will tell of the history and lush nature of the area. The guided walk goes along the coast to the beautifully restored star-shaped fortress of Charlesfort built in 1680. Takes place at 2pm Monday to Friday. Time: 3 hours. Distance: 7km. Ascent 100m.
Fitness Level 2. Price €21.
West Cork
Take a guided walk at Castlefreke near Clonakilty or Lough Hyne on a Tuesday am and pm or by arrangement. Only experienced walkers could do both walks in 1 day.The Castlefreke walk start and ends at the beach. Hear the history of the area, why the castle is in ruin, the stories of the area and enjoy the view. Walk of about 3 hours and 11km long. Minimum number required, takes place Tuesday 10am (July & August)
Fitness Level 2. Time 10am Tuesday. Price €35pp.
The Lough Hyne, near Skibbereen overlooks the nature reserve lake and has an unique eco system. The walk is a loop walk of about 7km and 2.5 hours, with hills is more strenuous walk. Minimum group number for each walk and takes place on Tuesday 3pm (July & Aug).
Fitness level 3. Time Tuesday 3pm. Price 35pp.
West Cork Alpaca Walk
For an eco walk with a difference take the West Cork alpacas for a 2 hour stroll along the lanes of West Cork. View pilgrim ways, a waterfall and stunning scenery. This is a special experience.
Departs 11am or 2pm daily with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8. Fitness Level 3. Price €20.
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
This area is famous for its spectacular, unspoilt scenery and there are walks to suit all levels of ability. The Sheep’s Head has up to 90 km of walking trails over rough terrain.
Half Day – Sheep’s Head Loop Walk on Wednesday am for approx. 3 hours with min of 4 people or by arrangement for a group.
Fitness Level 3. Price €35.
Day – Magic of Sheep’s Head – For a more strenuous walk try a five hour route visiting old copper mines and the ruins of settlements along the Sheep’s Head. Wednesday’s 10am start with min 4 people, or by arrangement for a group.
Fitness Level 4. Price €50.
Visit Whiddy island which sits in Bantry Bay. Take a half day tour includes a trip around the bay in a ferry and tea and sandwich in the island’s only pub. Experience a island which has not changed much in the last century. Pony and trap ride available at an extra cost. Price €25
Return Ferry trip with free time on the island. The ferry skipper will direct you to the way marked walking trails around the island. Price €15 return
