West Cork - Beara Peninsula
Rugged Beauty
Another wonderful day trip is West Cork to explore the untamed beauty of the Beara Peninsula and the sub-tropical gardens of Garnish Island. Visit the colorful villages of Allihies, Eyeries, and Glengarriff and the fishing ports of Bantry and Castletownbere. Along the way, you can visit ancient stone circles, and even ride Ireland's only cable car.
Ring of Beara
From Kenmare, you can embark on a 130km looped driving route along the Beara Peninsula - known as the Beara Ring, which will take you to all the key highlights along the trail. The winding trail of mountain passes and coastal vistas takes you through the Healy Pass, Allihies, Eyeries, Glengarriff, Dursey Island Cable Car and Lamb's Head, which is a haven for walkers.
Garnish Island
Accessible by ferry from Glengarriff, Garnish Island is a 37-acre garden paradise famed for its Italian gardens, exotic plants, and Martello Tower. Thanks to a unique microclimate in West Cork, the island supports rare flora that wouldn’t survive elsewhere in Ireland.
The ferry ride includes a detour to Seal Island, where visitors can see a colony of seals basking on the rocks. Once ashore, stroll through walled gardens, climb the tower for sweeping views, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance that has inspired artists and writers for generations.
Local Attractions
Bantry House
Dursey Island
Dursey Island
Overlooking Bantry Bay, Bantry House is one of Ireland’s most elegant stately homes. Built in the early 18th century and still lived in by descendants of the White family, the house is filled with art and furnishings collected during grand European tours. Outside, seven terraces rise above the bay, leading to the famous Hundred Steps, for
Overlooking Bantry Bay, Bantry House is one of Ireland’s most elegant stately homes. Built in the early 18th century and still lived in by descendants of the White family, the house is filled with art and furnishings collected during grand European tours. Outside, seven terraces rise above the bay, leading to the famous Hundred Steps, formal gardens, and woodland trails.
Visitors can explore the house’s opulent rooms, enjoy afternoon tea in the tearoom, or climb the steps for panoramic views of West Cork.
Dursey Island
Dursey Island
Dursey Island
Ireland’s only cable car and the only one in Europe to cross open seawater, the Dursey Island Cable Car is a thrilling ride 250 meters above the Atlantic. It connects the Beara Peninsula to Dursey Island, a remote, rugged island with no shops or pubs—just wild beauty and walking trails. The 15-minute journey offers spectacular views of Du
Ireland’s only cable car and the only one in Europe to cross open seawater, the Dursey Island Cable Car is a thrilling ride 250 meters above the Atlantic. It connects the Beara Peninsula to Dursey Island, a remote, rugged island with no shops or pubs—just wild beauty and walking trails. The 15-minute journey offers spectacular views of Dursey Sound, and once on the island, visitors can walk through old townlands, spot wildlife like seals and dolphins, and even join guided tours that delve into the island’s Celtic, Viking, and maritime history.
Gougane Barra
Dursey Island
Gougane Barra
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Shehy Mountains, Gougane Barra is a serene haven of forest, waterfalls, and spiritual heritage. The Forest Park spans 340 acres and offers six walking trails ranging from gentle riverside strolls to more strenuous mountain hikes.
At the heart of the park lies St. Finbarr’s Oratory, a tiny chapel on an
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Shehy Mountains, Gougane Barra is a serene haven of forest, waterfalls, and spiritual heritage. The Forest Park spans 340 acres and offers six walking trails ranging from gentle riverside strolls to more strenuous mountain hikes.
At the heart of the park lies St. Finbarr’s Oratory, a tiny chapel on an island in the lake, built on the site of a 6th-century monastery. It’s a popular spot for weddings and reflection, with its mirror-like waters and tranquil setting.
Mizen Head
Dursey Island
Gougane Barra
If time allows, visit Mizen Head on the next peninsula in West Cork. It is Ireland's most southerly point. This rugged headland offers sweeping ocean views, crashing waves, and a sense of standing at the very edge of the world.
Visitors can cross the iconic Mizen Bridge, suspended high above sea-carved cliffs, to reach the Signal Station,
If time allows, visit Mizen Head on the next peninsula in West Cork. It is Ireland's most southerly point. This rugged headland offers sweeping ocean views, crashing waves, and a sense of standing at the very edge of the world.
Visitors can cross the iconic Mizen Bridge, suspended high above sea-carved cliffs, to reach the Signal Station, where interactive exhibits tell the story of maritime history, lighthouse keepers, and daring rescues. On clear days, you might spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds soaring over the deep blue waters.