Beara Way

The Beara Way usually begins in Glengarriff, a small cozy village at the eastern tip of the Beara Peninsula. This village is easily accessible by road and offers a great starting point with its scenic location between mountains and the sea. Glengarriff is also a perfect spot to explore Garinish Island before starting your hike.

The first section of the Beara Way leads from Glengarriff to the small village of Adrigole. This stage introduces hikers to the landscape of the Beara Peninsula, with views of Bantry Bay and the Caha Mountains. The path is mostly well-marked and follows quiet country roads and mountain trails.

From Adrigole, the trail continues westward to the fishing town of Castletownbere, one of Ireland’s largest whitefish ports. This is a bit of a longer stretch than the first stage offering coastal views and passes close to Hungry Hill, the highest peak in the Caha Mountains. Castletownbere is a great place to rest and explore the local seafood and typical Irish pub scene.

This next stage of the trail takes hikers from Castletownbere to the historic mining village of Allihies. Along the way, you’ll pass Bere Island, an optional detour via ferry, and explore the copper mines that once dominated the region. The coastal scenery on this stage is striking, with views out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Leaving Allihies, the trail leads to Eyeries, a charming village known for its brightly painted houses. This stage is relatively easy, following country roads with spectacular views of Coulagh Bay and the surrounding mountains. Eyeries is a great place to rest after a few days on the Beara Way.

The route from Eyeries to Ardgroom takes hikers through a quieter part of the peninsula, covering a lot of kilometers of coastal paths and quiet lanes. This stage offers a more remoteness, with chances to see wildlife and explore ancient stone circles and standing stones along the way.

From Ardgroom, the Beara Way continues east to Lauragh, a small village nestled at the foot of the Slieve Miskish Mountains. This part is known for her mountain views. Along the way, hikers can detour to visit the Hag of Beara, a famous stone associated with Irish legend.

The path from Lauragh to Kenmare is one of the most challenging sections of the Beara Way, with more than 20 kilometers of mountain trails and forest paths. This stage takes you through the heart of the Gleninchaquin Valley, offering stunning views of waterfalls, lakes, and cliffs. Kenmare, with its lively town center and lots of restaurants, is a welcome place to rest after a tough day.

The final stage of the Beara Way takes hikers from Kenmare back to Glengarriff. This section is a mix of forest tracks and quiet roads, with views of Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains. The trail finishes where it began in Glengarriff and you successfully finished the Beara Way.

The best time to hike the Beara Way is between April and September, when the weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer. July and August offer the warmest temperatures but are also the busiest months on the trail. While it is possible to hike outside this period, you should be prepared for shorter days and a greater likelihood of rain, wind, or fog, particularly in the more exposed areas along the rugged coastline and mountains.

The weather along the Beara Way can be highly unpredictable, with sudden changes that may affect visibility and trail conditions. Always check the weather forecast before setting out each day, and be prepared for anything from rain and wind to storms, even in the summer months.

Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, as the terrain is often rocky and uneven. Dress in layers to adjust to varying temperatures, and carry waterproof clothing to stay dry. Make sure your backpack contains the hiking essentials like extra food and water, a first aid kit and a lightweight emergency shelter.

It’s important to be physically prepared for the challenges of the Beara Way. The trail includes long stretches and some demanding ascents. Build up your endurance by taking shorter hikes and gradually increasing your distance in the weeks leading up to your hike. Listen to your body, take breaks as needed and enjoy the trail.