Beara Way: Map, Accommodation, Walking Route and More!

The Beara Way is a 152 kilometre (95 miles) circular walk along the Beara Peninsula, starting and ending in Glengarriff, County Cork. The route leads you through the beautifully rugged mountain and coastal areas in the Counties Kerry and Cork. With additional walks over the islands of Bere Island and Dursey Island, you can extend the route to a total length of more than 200 kilometres. Are you ready for this adventure? Let's go!

There are two explanations for the name Beara. The first is that the name Beara comes from the Kerry dialect word béarach, béara, which refers to "rocks on the coast against which the sea breaks with great force''. A second explanation is a story about a king who was wounded in a lost battle on his peninsula. His followers brought him to a fairy, who healed him, after which the king sailed to Spain to marry his beloved Beara, the daughter of the king of Castile. He then sailed back to the peninsula with a large army, recaptured it, and brought Beara to the highest mountain on the island. He showed her his land and said, "I call it after your name: Beara''. To this day, the peninsula bears her name.

That's the peninsula. But what about the Beara Way, in Gaelic Slí Bhéara? Planning and development started in 1991 with funding from the West Cork County Development Team after a decline in fisheries. The completed trail was opened in June 1996. In 2009 a massive upgrade was undertaken and these days plans are still underway to make the Beara Way one of the National Long Distance Trails.

The Beara Way is a circular walk and starts and ends in Glengarriff. The basic trail is 152 kilometres long, which is equal to 95 miles and is divided into 9 stages. On the way, the route guides you past mountains, valleys, harbours and picturesque villages. You can add some extra kilometres with additional walks over the islands of Bere Island and Dursey Island. You will end with a Beara Way route of more than 200 kilometres.

You can walk the Beara Way all year round. The popular season is between March and October, May being the most recommended month. What you should know is that the weather conditions are frequently wet and windy, regardless of the season that you choose, so pack the necessary wet/warm weather gear and always have an extra dry pair of shoes to wear at the end of the day. A good rain jacket and overtrousers will be your best allies.

From Castletownbere, you can plan an extra day to visit Bere Island. A short ferry ride across the sheltered harbour takes you to Bere Island, where hikers are spoiled with trails varying in length and difficulty. On this Island, you can enjoy some of the highlights of the Beara Way. From locations with a rich military heritage from different eras to views of the spectacular scenery of the Slieve Miskish and Caha mountains on the mainland.

From Allihies, you can schedule an extra day to visit Dursey Island. A ride on Ireland's only cable car takes you across Dursey Island. With only 6 permanent residents, little motorized traffic and a wealth of wildlife, Dursey Island is a walker's paradise.

On the Beara Way, you can either spend the night in a cosy hotel or in a typical Irish B&B, where you will receive a warm welcome and, if possible, a typical Irish breakfast. There are also campsites along the path. Wild camping is also possible along the Beara Way. In case you prefer this, please keep in mind to place your tent sheltered. The wind can change in a few hours from calm to strong. Ask for drinking water at the houses, water from the streams is unreliable due to the many sheep that are drinking from it.

The Beara Way is a very popular trek and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Thanks to this popularity, there is always a possibility to have your luggage transported. Your suitcase will be picked up from your hotel each morning and it will be ready for you at your next hotel at the end of the day. Quite convenient, isn't it?

The Beara Way begins and ends in Glengarriff. Since it is a circular route, the path can be walked in both ways. Glengarriff is reachable by public transport.

Starting point

To get to Glengarriff, you first have to travel to Dublin. From there, you can take the train or bus to Glengarriff. You can also drive to Glengarriff by car. Glengarriff is a tourist town. Here you can find a bamboo park, Glengarriff Nature Reserve and Sugarloaf Mountain

Ending point

Since the Beara Way is a circular walk, the route also ends in Glengarriff. You can travel back to Dublin by train or bus. In case you came by car, you can pick it up where you left it.