South West Ireland is undoubtedly a walker’s paradise. Whether you’re an expert hiker, or a casual walker, exploring the region’s best walking pathways is the perfect way to experience the country’s beauty. From sea views, through mountain ranges and forest trails, there are countless beautiful natural landscapes to behold. But here are five of the greatest walks in South West Ireland.
Sheep’s Head Peninsula
The Sheep's Head Peninsula is the narrowest of the five finger-shaped peninsulas extending into the Atlantic Ocean in the South West of Ireland. It is nestled between the more famous and larger Beara Peninsula to the north, and Mizen Peninsula to the south, but Sheep’s Head offers some of the most spectacular and dramatic coastal views in the whole of Ireland. Sea-cliffs, secluded coves, wild scenery, a Victorian-era copper mine known as Gortavallig, and a Napoleon signal tower (Muntervary), are just some of its incredible attractions.
Sheep's Head Peninsula.
The Beara Peninsula
The stunning Beara Peninsula can be found just next to the Ring of Kerry. It is truly off the beaten track. Quiet, peaceful, and ignored by most tourists, a trip to the Beara Peninsula is perfect when you want to get away from it all and enjoy true solitude. Delicious local food and stunning countryside panoramas make it an ideal walking destination. You can also take a cable car to Dursey Island (more on this below). It’s the only cable car in the whole country, so hold on tight and experience the thrill of swinging 250 meters up in the air, with the sea beneath you.
The Beara Peninsula.
The Kerry Way
Walking the Kerry Way is an incredible way to experience Ireland’s true unspoiled beauty. It is the country’s oldest long-distance walk and follows a circular route, starting and finishing in Killarney. As you traverse the Iveragh Peninsula you will encounter many dramatic natural landscapes. Skellig Michael, a rocky island which is home to an abandoned 7th-century Christian monastery, is a major destination point for hikers. Valentia Island is another popular attraction. As one of Ireland’s most westerly points, Valentia is often celebrated as one of the most stunning islands off the Irish mainland.
The Ring of Kerry.
The Dingle Way
The beautiful Dingle Peninsula is another stunning corner of South West Ireland worth exploring. The peninsula itself stretches 80 miles into Ireland’s Atlantic Ocean, and was recently voted “The Most Beautiful Place on Earth’ by National Geographic. The Dingle Way walk is the best way to experience the peninsula’s natural beauty. It is a long-distance route of 153km (95 miles) that follows rugged paths and dramatic mountain trails.
Dursey Island
Dursey Island is located at the tip of the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, and it provides visitors with a unique experience of totally undisturbed tranquillity, since the island has no shops, and very few semi-permanent inhabitants. Access to Dursey is only available via a cable car (do check opening hours before you travel). Walking Dursey Island will take you past the ancient church of Kilmichael, now a ruin, but originally founded by Monks from Skellig Rock.
Steeped in historic and archaeological delights, as well as stunning scenery, walking in South West Ireland will never disappoint.