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Travel the Southern Peninsulas of the Wild Atlantic Way and experience one of the planet's most scenic coastal drives. There’s a diverse array of things to see and do in the region, from outdoor pursuits such as hiking, coasteering and sea kayaking to cultural and historical activities the whole family can enjoy. Embrace the unique and inviting way of life in the southwest with culinary delights, local attractions and that one-of-a-kind character shaped by both nature and time down through the ages.
Make the most of your final day on the Southern Peninsulas by customising your route to suit what you most want to see and do. Start the morning in the bustling market town of Bantry before heading for one of the two peninsulas yet to be explored – Sheep’s Head or Mizen Head.
Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop rugged, rocky cliffs will be yours as you traverse the Mizen Peninsula following a 48-minute drive. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins and basking sharks as well as the many birds that migrate annually to the region. Reach Ireland’s most southwesterly point at Mizen Head Signal Station, where you’ll follow a path leading precisely 99 steps down to the bridge connecting the mainland with Cloghane Island; it’s the site of a former communications tower that once sat high above the waves.
The Sheep’s Head peninsula is reached via the N71 turnoff at Newton West. Also known as Muntevary, this picturesque locale is located roughly 52 minutes from Bantry and is well worth a visit. Explore the ancient landscape on the 88km Sheep’s Head Way, a circular walk traversing low hills and clifftop coastline that extends a further 60km toward Drimoleague. From here, it stretches along the Mealagh Valley and on to Kealkill and the woodland terrain of Gougane Barra - a fabulous day out for adventure-seekers. Finish your day in the fishing town of Schull (53 min via the L4704) to conclude your Wild Atlantic Way adventure.
Today’s excursion is all about taking time to stop, breathe the salty sea air, and enjoy the magnificent scenery in store as you wind along the Iveragh Peninsula from Killorglin to Sneem. There’ll be beautiful bays and otherworldly islands to marvel at, unexpected stories to be heard and top quality craic to be had. Top it all off with the freshest local food and drink and a warm, comfortable room to bed down in, and you’ve got yourself the perfect day.
The world-renowned Skellig Ring drive (1 hr 5 min) awaits this morning, and all along its winding edge you’ll encounter ocean vistas sprinkled with islands, lined by mountains and peppered with towns and villages. This wonderful run leads to the village of Waterville, a beloved former haunt of the famous Charlie Chaplin, who fittingly has a statue in the town and a film festival dedicated to him. Enjoy a round of golf or take to Lough Currane for a spot of salmon or trout fishing. There are craft markets to browse, ancient historical sites to uncover and a rich marine history worth discovering.
Trace the Iveragh Peninsula for a further 20 minutes and you’ll come to the laid-back southern coast village of Caherdaniel. Hemmed in by the rugged shores of Derrynane Bay and fitted snugly to the dense 300-acre forest of Derrynane National Park, there’s plenty of fun to be had here – from a visit to Derrynane House, ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, to woodland walks, foraging tours, equestrian adventures and even a fairy trail for kids to enjoy! As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, travel to Sneem (25 min), where a restful night’s sleep awaits.
Start your five-day adventure as you mean to continue by taking in some of the most impressive scenery in all of Ireland from the word ‘go’. Head across the stunning Conor Pass on your way to sensational Dingle, then make tracks for the salted shores of Cahersiveen and the charming hillside haven of Killorglin. County Kerry offers up some of the best ocean scenery, cultural treasures and local delicacies to be found anywhere in Ireland, so get out there and take it all in.
Remarkable terrain sets the scene for the first leg of this fantastic tour, starting with a scenic drive across the breathtaking Conor Pass on your way to Dingle, a bustling waterside mini-capital with a creative heart that attracts visitors from far and wide. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway and a postcard-worthy mountainside stretch between Brandon Bay and Kilmore Cross. Once in Dingle, take advantage of its welcoming atmosphere while browsing the colourful shops and cosy pubs, and maybe even lift your spirits at the 200-year-old Dingle Distillery.
Head south along the Dingle Peninsula, where nature really begins to work her magic, and where opportunities for bird watching and whale and dolphin spotting should not be missed. Take in the views at Inch Beach, a popular surf spot, or stop for refreshments at Tom Crean’s own South Pole Inn in Annascaul. The gateway to the Iveragh Peninsula, Killorglin, backed by the magnificent MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, is up next. Explore the Seven Ages art exhibition or learn about the Puck Fair festival, Killorglin’s most popular annual event. After a tasty local lunch, hit the road for your final jaunt.
Midway through this leg, stop off at windswept and wave-backed Rossbeigh Beach, where an invigorating looped walk will be the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs. The area has connections to Tír na nÓg (the Land of Eternal Youth), one of Ireland’s most romantic legends. Onward, then, to Cahersiveen (57 minutes from Killorglin), a scenic haven regarded as one of the best deep-sea angling spots in Europe. History buffs will enjoy the Old Barracks Heritage Centre, while explorers of all tastes and ages will be impressed by nearby dry stone forts Cahergal and Lecanabuaile before spending a comfy night in the town.
Put the ‘wild’ in Wild Atlantic Way on Day Four by immersing yourself in the mountains, lakes and seacoast areas of the remote Beara Peninsula. There are two route options to choose from; you can visit Dursey Island by cable car or take one of the many walks along the peninsula before heading off to beautiful Bantry for a bayside evening to remember.
If you’d rather explore Beara, head south along R571. You’ll pass through scenic villages en route to Allihies, where the Copper Mining Museum is a great way to spend the day. Art galleries abound here, and unique spaces like the Sarah Walker Gallery, Mill Cove Gallery and the Driftwood Craftshop invite you to take a peek. A series of great looped walks offer a breath of fresh air, while in Adrigole, you can enjoy live music or take to the challenging Beara Way Cycling Route for a spin before spending the night in beautiful bayside Bantry (1 hr 25 min).
For a truly unique experience, head southwest for two hours to the launch point for Ireland’s only operating cable car. A 15-minute journey 250m above the sea will bring you to remarkable Dursey Island. Home to just three villages, the island is part of the Beara Way Walking Trail and is great for spotting an array of rare wildlife. Explore the ruins of O’Sullivan Beara’s castle, a 200-year-old signal tower with views of the Skelligs and Mizen Head. Note that there are no eating or toilet facilities on the island; plan ahead and bring a packed lunch! Drive back along R572 and stay overnight in charming Castletownbere.
Let the wonders of nature revitalise your spirit and rejuvenate your senses as you meander along the Wild Atlantic Way on Day Three of your Southern Peninsulas touring route. In pretty Sneem, you’ll find irresistible forests, beaches and rivers decorated with incredible works of art and ancient surprises. In Kenmare, there’s enough heritage, hospitality and high times on offer to make memories lasting a lifetime.
Sneem is a traditional village made up of picturesque houses and two little squares. Here, you’ll find an alluring sensory garden, riverside wildlife trail, rare coral beach and the unmissable Kerry Geo-Park, where you’ll be amazed by the local geology. Sneem also features international artwork, from a panda sculpture donated by the People’s Republic of China at Sneem Sculpture Park, to ‘The Risen Christ’ by Brother Joseph McNally and the goddess Isis, donated by the people of Egypt. Just five short kilometres outside the village, Staigue Fort - one of Ireland’s largest ring forts – waits to be explored.
Just half an hour away, the ancient riverside town of Kenmare boasts brightly painted craft shops, cosy local cafés and fabulous restaurants just begging to be explored. Founded in 1670, Kenmare is a designated heritage town with historical treasures in spades. Walk the local Heritage Trail (a 30-45 minute stroll); venture to the town’s pier, built in 1826, or take in Reenagross Wood, first planted by the Marquis of Lansdowne more than 200 years ago. Sample Kenmare’s buzzing food, drink and nightlife scene, then wind down in one of the range of great hotels and B&Bs for a well-earned rest.
Start your trip atop the Conor Pass, one of Ireland’s most evocative locations, before travelling onward through the likes of Kenmare, Dursey Island, and the unforgettable Mizen Head - the country’s most southerly point.
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