Our hotel is uniquely situated on The Wild Atlanic Way, home to many of the most breath taking and scenic walks in the area …it’s no wonder they call West Cork ‘ A Place Apart’
The Sheeps Head Way
The Sheeps Head peninsular juts into the Atlantic next stop America, sitting between Dunmanus and Bantry Bay. It is a long distance walk over 175km, a ridge and shoreline walk in one of the most beautiful, quiet, unspoilt and award-winning walking areas in the South West of Ireland. The walk begins in Bantry running out along the north coast of the peninsular to the scenic lighthouse at the very tip, passing through the colourful villages of Kilcrohane, Ahakista and Durrus. It has extensive marked walking routes following old bog roads, tracks, hills and bohereens including a variety of stone circles and acient church sites big scenery.
The Beara Peninsula
The Beara Peninsula is a rugged but stunningly beautiful place, a 220 Km long distance walking route rich in archaeology and spiritual importance. The main towns on the route are Castletownbere, Kenmare and Glengarriff, and there are a number of picturesque villages in between; Allihies, Ardgroom, Adrigole and Eyeries. Bere Island and Dursey Island both offer amazing walks after a short trip by ferry or a spin on Ireland’s only cable car.
Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí
Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí is a section of the Beara-Breifne Way that takes you through the Múscraí Gaeltacht which stretches from Gúgán Barra to the shoulders of Mullach na Ois, taking in Béal Athán Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary) and Baile Mhúirne (Ballyvourney) on its way. Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí links the Beara Way and St Finbarr’s Pilgrim way at Kealkill, This Irish speaking district is famous for its songs and singers, saints and scribes. The walk is around 50km in length offering stunning views on a variety of terrain, from forest tracks to open mountains.
St. Finbarr’s Pilgrim Way
Stretching from the Top of the Rock, Drimoleague, to Gougane Barra, at a distance of 37km, this ancient pilgrim two day walk follows in the footsteps of St.Finbarr who visited Drimoleague in the 6th century. The walk passes through Kealkill, taking in part of the Carriganass walks on the way. The walk arrives at Gougane Barra by way of the Beara Breffini way, a steep and spectacular decent with St Finbarrs Church visable below.
Carriganass Castle Walks
Carriganass Castle is situated a short drive from the hotel, it is the impressive remains of an imposing 16th Century tower and walled courtyard on the Ovane River. Built in 1541, it was the ancestral home of the O’Sullivan Beare Clan. Today’s visitors can explore the picturesque castle grounds, there are many waymarked routes to experience that wind their way past this amazing monument at Carraig an Easa – ‘the rock of the waterfall’. There is also the nearby Kealkill Stone Circle walk.
Mealagh Valley Walk
Starting near Coomanore Lough, the Mullaghmesha to Kealkill walk offers breathtaking views, plentiful history and heritage.