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Sheep's Head Way
Bantry, Co. Cork
Free to visit
Explore the majesty of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, County Cork on this captivating coastal walking loop. Combining welcoming villages with stunning wild Atlantic seascapes, this 175km trail is as memorable as it is beautiful.

Sheep’s Head Peninsula is the narrowest of the fingers of land that extend out from Ireland’s south west mainland into the roaring Atlantic.

Nestled between Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay, the peninsula and its many trails are a walker’s delight.

The Sheep’s Head Way is a 175km loop of the peninsula, beginning and ending in Bantry. The trail follows the north coast of the peninsula to the scenic lighthouse at the very tip, before returning along the south side, passing through the pretty villages of Kilcrohane, Ahakista and Durrus.

Moderate in grade and taking six days to complete, the terrain is very varied. Walkers can expect old boreens, open grassy and heathery moorland, field paths, quiet country roads and some short stretches of woodland paths. The aggregate ascent over the whole route is 2,190m, which includes a few long ascents.

The trail’s sprinkling of villages provide spots for welcome refreshment and overnight accommodation too.

Trail details

Type:
Long Distance Waymarked Way
Location:
Sheep's Head Bantry
Grade:
Strenuous
Format:
Loop
Length:
171.80km
Ascent:
2190m
Dogs allowed:
No
    Time:6 days
    Nearest town start:Bantry
    Nearest town finish:Bantry
    Start point:Bantry West
    Finish point:Bantry West
    Waymarking:Yellow arrow on black background
    Facilities:Car parking
    At Start/Finish - on street in Bantry
Why we like it
  • The narrowness of the peninsula means that views of the salty Atlantic Ocean are almost constant - even at the route’s highest point, 300m above sea level, on heathery Seefin Ridge. 
  • Along the route you may spot the remains of an old copper mine, a blow hole, ancient stone circles and standing stones, a Napoleonic signal tower and old church ruins.
  • Keen-eyed walkers may even be rewarded by the sight of dolphins and whales off the westernmost tip of the headland.
Tips from locals

Pre-arrange a visit to view the cheesemaking at the Durrus Cheese dairy farm on the Sheep's Head Peninsula.

Contact details
Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
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