Walking in West Cork on the scenic Sheeps Head Peninsula

Explore one of the World most spectacular coastlines, The Wild Atlantic Way. Wild Atlantic Way Walks at Seamount offers guided walks and Historical tours on Ireland’s most well-loved walking peninsula: The Sheep’s Head Way West Cork Ireland.

If you are just visiting or staying in another Irish Bed and Breakfast or Hotel in the West Cork area and require a Tourist Board approved Irish walking guide, contact us at the Wild Atlantic Way Walks. You will find accommodation with us in the Sheeps Head Way B&B at Seamount where we can supply lots of information on the local West Cork Walks available.

Julia & Charlie McCarthy have been welcoming walkers to their West Cork family accommodation for years at Seamount B & B on the Goat’s Path road overlooking Bantry Bay 12km south west of Bantry Town.

Before the Wild Atlantic Way was ever dreamed of we were introducing people to the wildness of the Atlantic coastline on way-marked paths which we and other community members helped to put in place for the outside world to enjoy. Today we find our greatest pleasure is in welcoming people to explore the Sheepshead Way on Foot The most scenic walk in Ireland we think.

Some of our Wild Atlantic Way walkers above taking in the stunning West Cork views.

Because it is the narrowest of all the Wild Atlantic Peninsulas which thrust themselves into the savageness of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sheepshead Way hill walk, has the benefit of immediate sea on both sides all of the Sheepshead Way Walks are marked to the highest Standard and maintained by the landowners along the route this is the place for you to unwind from a busy way of life and have the perfect active Irish Walking Holiday with us Wildatlanticwaywalks on the Sheepshead Peninsula.

You can walk the entire ridge of 40 km in three days or the full loop 90km in five days there are a number of loop walks in our area you can wander the shorelines on both sides for a further two days. All the Sheep’s Head walks are to the highest way-marked standard and are maintained by the landowners along the route. Add to this the wonderful food and crafts shops along the way and you have the perfect active Holiday. On Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

We are always keen to impart Irish History and knowledge of the archaeology and folklore of the Sheep’s Head Way. Some of the archaeological sites were originally reported and documented by us, our Guided easy paced walks are packed with all kinds of local information and personal insights. Be inspired by our Irish History.

We at Seamount Bed and Breakfast offer Traditional Irish Farmhouse B&B accommodation, approved by Failte Ireland, and built in 1890. It is situated in a perfectly sheltered hollow surrounded by small green fields and stone fences where their cows graze. Just below our house the wild breakers of the Wild Atlantic can be heard on the rocky shore, yet our home is a haven of peace and tranquility, and their welcome is a very genuine Irish Céad Míle Failte. We are Approved Walk Guides. If you require help or advice about the walk, we are always close to you as we live on the Peninsula. We will meet you on your first night in Bantry and take a look at the maps, to give you more information.

Stretching from Donegal’s Malin Head in the North to Cork’s Mizen Head in the South, this is the longest defined coastal drive in the world. Wild and untamed, this breath-taking route has some of the most dramatic and dazzling coastal views and walks We here at Wild Atlantic Way Walks will be glad to help with any information for your planned West Cork Walk.

Walking Iteniary Options:

Day 1 – Arrive in Ireland/Cork and travel to Bantry. Stay at a B&B in Bantry town.
Day 2 – 16km 5-6 hours.
You will depart from Bantry town on the first day of the walk where you will encounter some of the magnificent views of Bantry Bay and as you progress along the ridge to Glenlough. Stay at Seamount B&B
Day 3 – 12km 4-5hours.
Today, amazing scenery also awaits you as the walk takes you towards the highest point of Seefin where you will have a birds eye view of both the Beara peninsula and Dunmanus Bay. Stay at Seamount B&B
Day 4 – 15 km –5-6 hours.
Going back in time you will see the dwelling houses located at the 19th century copper mines. This route takes you to a Tooreen, via the Lighthouse at the end of the peninsula, where rugged cliff edge views await you. Stay at a B&B in or near Kilcrohane Village.
Day 5 – 12km 4to 5 hours.
Starting in Toreen near Light House you will pass the ruin of a World War II look out station and signal tower as you ramble along the old military road over Dunmanus Bay. As the terrain changes to flatter agricultural land, you will progress along the fishermans path to Kilcrohane Village. Stay at a B&B in or near Kilcrohane Village.
Day 6 – 16km 5-6 hours.
Leaving Kilcrohane village you get the chance to walk along the seashore, passing the ruin of an old bardic school and viewing a Bronze age stone Circle at Ahakista. Continuing through the hills and small roads to Durrus Village.
Day 7 – 19km 5-6 hours.
Walk to Bantry on a Forest track and quite roads over Barnageehy (hight of the wind) great views from here. Or a shorter route 12 km up to Boollteenagh over the hill and on to Bantry.

Rate Options available for your West Cork Walking Holiday:

•   7 Nights Bed and Breakfast, 8 days – €560 per person sharing(pps)
•   6 Nights Bed and Breakfast, 7 days – €480 pps
•   5 Nights Bed and Breakfast, 6 days – €400 pps
•   Single Supplement €20 per night

– Price includes drop off/pick up, maps, walk notes, luggage transfer.
– Price does not include meals, packed lunch, Bus Fares or other Trips.
– Packed lunch is available from your B&B at an extra cost
– Dinner will be available in or near where you are staying
– If you have a car it can be parked at one of the B&Bs free of charge.

Please ensure you arrange your own Insurance as walkers must be responsible for their own safety.

Other places to visit include the Mizen Peninsula and Signal Station, the Beara Peninsula and a trip to Dursy Island in the cable car, Gougane Forest Park, Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Lough Hyne for more information contact me directly.

If you are on a self/ guided walk the best maps are: OSI 85 and 88.

gougannebarra bantrybayviews

Looking forward to seeing you here in Ireland for your West Cork Walking holiday on the Sheeps Head Way with ourselves here at the Wild Atlantic Way Walks.