Activities - things to do in West Cork

Walking

Take in some of the most scenic views the Beara Peninsula has to offer, whether you're a serious walker or a Sunday morning rambler!

The Beara is the quietest and most striking of the three main peninsulas of the southwest of Ireland.

The unspoilt Beara Peninsula is shared between counties Cork and Kerry. It is encircled by the Beara Way, 197 kilometre long and offers spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. Towns on route are Glengarriff, Castletownbere and Kenmare. Villages in between are Adrigole, Allihies, Eyeries and Ardgroom. A trip by ferry to Bere Island or a cable car to Dursey Island will offer excellent walking.

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There are also many loop walks nearby including the Glengarriff Nature Reserve.

With time to wander off the beaten track, pause for a chat with the locals and an excuse to enjoy a pint of Guinness at the end of every day, you will experience the real Ireland.

Cycling

The Beara Peninsula draws cyclists seeking a less travelled, Irish coastal experience.

The Beara Way Cycling Route is a National Cycling Route and for most parts is on country roads and stays close to the coastline. The route travels along the entire Beara Peninsula passing through towns and villages along the way. The entire route is 138 kms. There is no start or finish so you can join the route in any town and village on the peninsula. The route is sign-posted with a logo and a bicycle symbol.

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ROUTES

• Glengarriff to Adrigole - 21kms

• Adrigole to Castletownbere - 16kms

• Bere Island - 14kms

• Castletownbere Dursey Sound and Eyeries - 32kms

• Eyeries to Tuosist - 28kms

• Tuosist to Glengarriff and Spur to Kenmare - 27kms

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For more information, click here

Fishing

The perfect destination for planning a sea fishing holiday.

On the Beara Peninsula the shore fishing is still being discovered. Catches of coalfish, mackerel, conger, pollack, etc. are regularly taken.
The fishing kicks off in May and improves as summer progresses into autumn. Bring suitable clothing and ideally a pair of hiking boots for the rock hopping.
Being a peninsula there's fishing available whatever the weather, just fish the opposite side to the prevailing wind.

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In the Republic of Ireland, a State Licence is required to fish for both salmon and sea trout. You usually need to buy a local permit in addition to your State Licence before fishing.

For trout, pike and coarse fishing, a licence is not required (but you may need to purchase a local permit). You can fish in the sea for almost all species without the need for a licence or permit.

Read more information about fishing regulations, here.