Beara - Sheila & Andy's Local Guide
Sightseeing
Dunboy Castle was the stronghold of O'Sullivan Bere, the clan leader and 'Chief of Dunboy', and was built to guard and defend the harbour of Berehaven. Near the castle ruins stands Puxley Mansion, a 19th-century manor house. It was burnt by the IRA in 1920 in reprisal for the destruction of houses that harboured IRA men and weapons by the Crown forces. While some restoration work was completed in the 2000's, funding issues halted plans to refurbish the mansion and open it as a hotel. This area also boasts a beautiful coastline walk with lovely views of Bere Island and Ardnakinna lighthouse along the way. There is a path the whole way, and is suitable for buggies for our smaller guests.
Dunboy Castle
Dunboy Castle was the stronghold of O'Sullivan Bere, the clan leader and 'Chief of Dunboy', and was built to guard and defend the harbour of Berehaven. Near the castle ruins stands Puxley Mansion, a 19th-century manor house. It was burnt by the IRA in 1920 in reprisal for the destruction of houses that harboured IRA men and weapons by the Crown forces. While some restoration work was completed in the 2000's, funding issues halted plans to refurbish the mansion and open it as a hotel. This area also boasts a beautiful coastline walk with lovely views of Bere Island and Ardnakinna lighthouse along the way. There is a path the whole way, and is suitable for buggies for our smaller guests.
An interesting place to visit, not least for the fabulous views from the Meditation Garden. Please be aware that while the centre welcomes visitors, at times there are silent retreats taking place - in which case please respect the requirement to keep the chatter to a minimum! There is a beautiful cliff walk down past the Meditation Garden, with stunning views on a clear day. The centre has a lovely café which serves good coffee, vegetarian food and delicious cakes and treats.
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Dzogchen Beara
An interesting place to visit, not least for the fabulous views from the Meditation Garden. Please be aware that while the centre welcomes visitors, at times there are silent retreats taking place - in which case please respect the requirement to keep the chatter to a minimum! There is a beautiful cliff walk down past the Meditation Garden, with stunning views on a clear day. The centre has a lovely café which serves good coffee, vegetarian food and delicious cakes and treats.
Dursey Island Cable Car - Ireland's only cable car - swings 820 feet over the sea below. Up until 1970 the only way to get on and off the island was by boat across the channel - a channel that could become so treacherous with storms and a tidal surge, that for a month and a half each year the island was completely cut off. After much agitation from the islanders, the Government agreed to build a cable car to provide a lifeline. However, it did not stop the population drain. But the cable car opened the island to tourists. 6.5km in length, there is much of interest on the island. To walk the island takes at least 4 hours but allow for more time for breaks and to absorb the views. There are no facilities on the island, so bring water and food with you if you are planning on going for a walk.
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Dursey Island
Dursey Island Cable Car - Ireland's only cable car - swings 820 feet over the sea below. Up until 1970 the only way to get on and off the island was by boat across the channel - a channel that could become so treacherous with storms and a tidal surge, that for a month and a half each year the island was completely cut off. After much agitation from the islanders, the Government agreed to build a cable car to provide a lifeline. However, it did not stop the population drain. But the cable car opened the island to tourists. 6.5km in length, there is much of interest on the island. To walk the island takes at least 4 hours but allow for more time for breaks and to absorb the views. There are no facilities on the island, so bring water and food with you if you are planning on going for a walk.
A 15 minute car ferry from Castletownbere slowly transports you to Bere Island, a once strategic outpost at the entrance to Bantry Bay that is surprisingly rich in archaeological and historical sites. For runners, Bere Island is one of the world's most distinctive parkrun locations. Its weekly 5k run takes place each Saturday morning at 9.30 am throughout the year, and the single loop island parkrun offers fantastic views out over Bantry Bay, and the Beara and Sheep's Head peninsulas.
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Bere Island
A 15 minute car ferry from Castletownbere slowly transports you to Bere Island, a once strategic outpost at the entrance to Bantry Bay that is surprisingly rich in archaeological and historical sites. For runners, Bere Island is one of the world's most distinctive parkrun locations. Its weekly 5k run takes place each Saturday morning at 9.30 am throughout the year, and the single loop island parkrun offers fantastic views out over Bantry Bay, and the Beara and Sheep's Head peninsulas.
The spectacular Healy Pass beings at Adrigole Bridge in West Cork, and finishes at Lauragh Bridge in Co. Kerry. The road winds through a rugged, out of this world, landscape between two of the highest summits of the Caha mountain range. Along the way there is 12km worth of hairpin bends in a rocky terrain, all worth it for the spectacular scenery. The Healy Pass was created in 1847 during the famine years in order to help prevent starvation.
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Healy pass
R574The spectacular Healy Pass beings at Adrigole Bridge in West Cork, and finishes at Lauragh Bridge in Co. Kerry. The road winds through a rugged, out of this world, landscape between two of the highest summits of the Caha mountain range. Along the way there is 12km worth of hairpin bends in a rocky terrain, all worth it for the spectacular scenery. The Healy Pass was created in 1847 during the famine years in order to help prevent starvation.
Neighbourhoods
The saying 'a view around every corner' certainly applies to Allihies village. The panoramic views on the way to and from the village itself are stunning. Copper was mined in the hill behind the village from 1812 to 1884 and at its peak over a thousand people worked there. The remains of the steam engine buildings dot the hillside. The beautiful white and sandy Ballydonegan beach below the village came from the crushings of the quartz rock from which the copper ore was extracted. Allihies Copper Mine Museum, at the foot of the village, bears witness to the phenomenal copper mining industry at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution that change the land and people of Allihies forever. There is a lovely cafe in the Museum, with outside seating around the back. There is plenty to see and do in Allihies, and it can become quite busy in high season. A great place to go for a few pints and a bit of craic!
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Allihies
The saying 'a view around every corner' certainly applies to Allihies village. The panoramic views on the way to and from the village itself are stunning. Copper was mined in the hill behind the village from 1812 to 1884 and at its peak over a thousand people worked there. The remains of the steam engine buildings dot the hillside. The beautiful white and sandy Ballydonegan beach below the village came from the crushings of the quartz rock from which the copper ore was extracted. Allihies Copper Mine Museum, at the foot of the village, bears witness to the phenomenal copper mining industry at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution that change the land and people of Allihies forever. There is a lovely cafe in the Museum, with outside seating around the back. There is plenty to see and do in Allihies, and it can become quite busy in high season. A great place to go for a few pints and a bit of craic!
Things To Do
Beara is a walker's paradise - there are numerous options available whether your preference is for short flat walks, long hikes, or more challenging hillwalking routes. No matter what you choose, you are guaranteed spectacular views along the way! Check out BearaTourism.com and ExploreWestCork.ie for some good recommendations for walking trails in the area.
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Beara way
Beara is a walker's paradise - there are numerous options available whether your preference is for short flat walks, long hikes, or more challenging hillwalking routes. No matter what you choose, you are guaranteed spectacular views along the way! Check out BearaTourism.com and ExploreWestCork.ie for some good recommendations for walking trails in the area.
These guided 1.5 hour boat trips provide spectacular views of the rugged coastline, taking in Dursey Cable car, Dursey Island, Cow, Calf and Bull Rocks, views of the Skelligs. The guides have a wealth of local knowledge. See DurseyBoatTrips.ie to book online. Do book in advance, in fine weather they get booked out fairly quickly.
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Dursey Boat Trips
These guided 1.5 hour boat trips provide spectacular views of the rugged coastline, taking in Dursey Cable car, Dursey Island, Cow, Calf and Bull Rocks, views of the Skelligs. The guides have a wealth of local knowledge. See DurseyBoatTrips.ie to book online. Do book in advance, in fine weather they get booked out fairly quickly.
Go kayaking in the sheltered waters of Adrigole Harbour, where seals will follow your kayak and curiously bob up their heads around you. Explore the little coves and inlets, and enjoy watching the numerous sea birds swirling above you or diving ahead into the clear waters. Call 083 1156672 or visit wildatlanticwildlife.ie/kayaking-with-the-seals for more info.
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West Cork Sailing and Powerboating Centre/Wild Atlantic Wildlife
Go kayaking in the sheltered waters of Adrigole Harbour, where seals will follow your kayak and curiously bob up their heads around you. Explore the little coves and inlets, and enjoy watching the numerous sea birds swirling above you or diving ahead into the clear waters. Call 083 1156672 or visit wildatlanticwildlife.ie/kayaking-with-the-seals for more info.
Lios Lara Stables (LiosLaraStables.com) provide a full trekking service amid the woodlands and hills of the beautiful Beara Peninsula, which take in breathtaking views of the area. Given the current restrictions, we would recommend ringing ahead to ensure they are open/taking bookings.
Lios Lara Riding Stables
Lios Lara Stables (LiosLaraStables.com) provide a full trekking service amid the woodlands and hills of the beautiful Beara Peninsula, which take in breathtaking views of the area. Given the current restrictions, we would recommend ringing ahead to ensure they are open/taking bookings.