Beara Way: A Rugged Coastal Trail

The Beara Way is a long-distance, circular trail that winds its way around the rugged Beara Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland. Officially a National Waymarked Trail, the route traverses both County Cork and County Kerry, offering a diverse landscape of mountains, coastline, and historical landmarks. The trail is approximately 206 kilometers (128 miles) long and typically takes 9 days to complete, though variations exist. It begins and ends in Glengarriff, a charming village nestled at the head of Glengarriff Harbour. The route passes through a number of other villages and towns, including Castletownbere, Allihies, Eyeries and Kenmare. The Beara Way is known for its rich history, with numerous archaeological sites, ancient stone circles, and early Christian churches dotting the landscape. It also has connections to the 17th-century march of O'Sullivan Beare, a significant event in Irish history. The trail's terrain varies from quiet tarmac roads and bog roads to cliff and woodland paths, and open moorland, requiring a good level of fitness. Along the way, hikers can explore attractions such as Dursey Island (accessible by cable car), Bere Island (reached by ferry), and the Allihies Copper Mines Museum. The trail also forms part of the Beara-Breifne Way, a longer walking and cycling route that follows the line of O'Sullivan Beare's historic march.