Family Adventure on the Beara Peninsula

A Day of Coastal Charms and Hidden Waterfalls

Today was a day of exploring the raw beauty of the Beara Peninsula, a place where the untamed Atlantic kisses the rugged Irish coast. With the family in tow, we set out to discover hidden gems, chase waterfalls, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this captivating corner of Ireland. It's days like these that remind me why I fell in love with this land in the first place, a love I'm so happy to share with Jan and Aoife.

Our day began in the charming village of Allihies, a place steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. After a hearty breakfast at The Village Inn, we were ready to explore. I must admit, the full Irish breakfast was a delightful indulgence, a perfect start to a day of adventure. It reminded me of mornings spent in my childhood home in Westport, the smell of frying bacon filling the air as my mother prepared a feast for the family. Jan, ever the history buff, was keen to learn more about the area's copper mining past, while Aoife was excited to capture the beauty of the landscape through her lens.

Our first stop was Ballydonegan Beach. What makes this beach so unique is its origin. The sand isn't the result of natural erosion, but rather crushed quartz from the old copper mines. As we walked along the shore, the family marveled at the unusual texture of the sand. The children were soon busy building sandcastles, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of the Atlantic waves. Jan and I strolled hand in hand, enjoying the bracing sea air and the stunning views. It was a perfect family moment, a simple pleasure made all the more special by the unique surroundings.


Discover Ballydonegan Beach in Allihies, Co. Cork: where golden sands meet breathtaking coastal views, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Sometimes, the most unexpected places hold the most captivating stories.

From Ballydonegan, we set our sights on The Mare's Tail Waterfall. The drive itself was an adventure, winding along narrow roads with stunning coastal views. The landscape was dotted with sheep grazing peacefully in the fields, their white fleece contrasting against the vibrant green of the Irish countryside. As we approached the waterfall, the sound of cascading water grew louder, building anticipation for the sight that awaited us.

The Mare's Tail Waterfall is located about 4 km west of Adrigole. There is no public access to the waterfall and there is no permission to cross through the private lands. You can see the waterfall from the R572 near Adrigole. While there's no direct access to the base of the falls, the view from the road is simply breathtaking. The water cascades down the mountainside in a series of tiers, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Aoife, of course, was in her element, snapping photos from every possible angle. Jan and I simply stood in awe, taking in the beauty of this natural wonder.


Discover the enchanting beauty of The Mare's Tail Waterfall, a serene escape in County Cork that captivates nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

After our waterfall adventure, we drove to Kenmare, a charming town known for its colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere. It was a welcome change of pace after the ruggedness of the coastline. We strolled through the streets, admiring the quaint shops and soaking in the lively atmosphere. Of course, no visit to Kenmare would be complete without a bit of shopping. We popped into Foley's Irish Crafts, a delightful shop filled with handcrafted treasures. I picked up a beautiful woolen scarf, a perfect reminder of our time on the Beara Peninsula. Aoife found a unique piece of Irish pottery, while Jan purchased a book on local history.


Explore Foley's Irish Crafts in Kenmare for authentic Irish gifts and handcrafted treasures that capture the spirit of Ireland.

For lunch, we treated ourselves to a delightful meal at No. 35 Kenmare Restaurant. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Irish cuisine. I opted for the seafood chowder, a creamy and flavorful soup that warmed me from the inside out. Jan enjoyed a hearty plate of Irish stew, while Aoife savored a vegetarian dish made with local vegetables. It was the perfect way to refuel after a busy day of exploring.


Discover the heart of Irish cuisine at No. 35 Kenmare Restaurant – where local flavors meet warm hospitality in scenic County Kerry.

As the day drew to a close, we settled in for dinner at Davitt's Kenmare. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the perfect place to relax and reflect on our adventures. Jan and I enjoyed a pint of Guinness, while Aoife sipped on a glass of local cider. The food was delicious, a mix of traditional Irish dishes and modern cuisine. It was a fitting end to a day filled with beauty, history, and family fun.


Savor authentic Irish cuisine at Davitt's Kenmare – where culinary excellence meets cozy accommodations in scenic Co. Kerry.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Cashelkeelty Stone Circles and Lady Bantry's Lookout. Jan is particularly excited about the stone circles, eager to delve into the ancient history of the area. Aoife is looking forward to capturing the panoramic views from Lady Bantry's Lookout. And I, of course, am simply excited to spend another day exploring this beautiful peninsula with my family.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped by a local pub, The Lighthouse Bar, for a nightcap. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sounds of traditional Irish music and friendly chatter. We listened to the music, tapped our feet to the rhythm, and enjoyed the company of the locals. It was a perfect way to end our day, a reminder of the warmth and hospitality of the Irish people.

As I write this, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences we shared today. The Beara Peninsula has a way of capturing your heart, of reminding you of the simple pleasures in life. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature, with history, and with the people you love. And as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but smile, knowing that tomorrow will bring even more adventures on this magical peninsula. After all, isn't that what life is all about? Exploring new places, discovering hidden gems, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I am also reminded of a quote by the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats, which seems to capture the essence of our journey so far: The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper. Indeed, the Beara Peninsula is one such magic thing, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience its beauty with my family.

And with that, I bid you goodnight from the beautiful Beara Peninsula. Until tomorrow, slán go fóill!