The Sheep's Head Way

The first section of the route is approximately 13km in length and starts in the lively town of Bantry. It’s well worth visiting Bantry House and Garden while here, as it’s one of the highlights of this part of West Cork. Overlooking the wide expanse of Bantry Bay, the house boasts stunning gardens filled with a variety of flora.

Following the yellow waymarkers after leaving Bantry House, you’ll have Bantry Bay at your side as you walk along the quiet country roads before making the steep climb up to Boolteenagh at 233m. As you head towards Glanlough, you’ll be treated to stunning views along the top of the spine ridge over Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay, as well as a collection of ancient cairns.

If it’s spectacular views you’re after, you won’t get much better than the dramatic mix of silvery ocean and craggy tobacco-coloured hills in this section of the Sheep’s Head Way. If you’re lucky, as you survey the spectacular views out over Dunmanus Bay, you might even be able to see Fastnet Lighthouse, which sits 13km out on a crag of rock in the Atlantic Ocean.

This section of the walk also brings you through “Windy Gap” and along the Goat’s Path to Finn McCool’s Seat. Take a break here on the stone bench sculpted by Cork artist Ken Thompson which reads “water and ground in their extremity”, from the Seamus Heaney poem, The Peninsula. Expect gorgeous views from Seefin Mountain and a fairly rugged terrain underfoot.

The longest stage of the Sheep’s Head Way rewards with stunning views, cliff edges and crashing Atlantic waves. Along the way, you’ll pass interesting sights including “The Crimea”, a small abandoned collection of old stone cottages. But the real highlight of this walk is the lighthouse hike, which takes you over wild and rough terrain, past the dark waters of Lough Akeen to the bone-white Sheep’s Head Lighthouse. It’s a dramatic route and is very exposed to the Atlantic elements, so always check the weather before heading out.

The route then winds through coastal fields, boreens, and by a small pebble beach to the village of Kilcrohane. And if you’ve worked up an appetite from all that effort as well as all those blasts of sea air, you can treat yourself to a fantastic homecooked meal at The Old Creamery. After this 22km section of the Sheep’s Head Way, there’s nothing better.

While the Lighthouse section of the Sheep’s Head Way is one of the best for views, this section is one of the best for historical sites, including a holy well, stone circle and ring fort, and enjoyable stop-offs. Starting off in Kilcrohane, the route will bring you through the tiny village of Ahakista before heading onward to the village of Durrus. If you time it right, you might be able to recharge with lunch at Arundel’s by the Pier in Ahakista. You’ll find great fresh seafood favourites here, from comforting fish and chips to classically cooked mussels in a pleasant restaurant by the water. There’s a small pebble beach that’s good for a dip if the weather is fine.

After that, continue on to the village of Durrus at the head of Dunmanus Bay. Durrus is famous for its artisan cheese and boasts a number of pubs and restaurants where you can relax and recharge.

Beautiful views await as you head out of Durrus village, past the village pump and across the bridge over Four Mile Water. There are three different ways to go between Durrus and Barnageehy with the longest being 20km so make sure you take a shorter one, unless you’re up for a longer hike.

After passing Barnageehy, soak up all the scenery you can because this is the last stretch of the Sheep’s Head Way, and winds along quiet rural roads. You might be feeling tired, but there’s still a slight ascent up through Vaughan’s Pass to a viewing point where you can catch a glimpse of Bantry. Spare a bit of time to enjoy what Bantry has to offer – it’s well worth a day or two after you finish the walk to experience some of its great pubs, including The Snug, The Anchor and JJ Crowleys. Feeling peckish? Take some time and enjoy the delights of Bantry’s finest places to eat with fine seafood dishes at The Fish Kitchen and coffee, cakes and great sandwiches at The Stuffed Olive.