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The Sheep’s Head Way Walking Route

January 8, 2016 by Dunmanus

Sheep's Head Way Walking Route Ireland

The Sheep’s Head Way walking route is Ireland’s best-loved coastal walking trail

The walking route forms part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and it focuses on the narrow Sheep’s Head peninsula in West Cork between Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay.

The main Sheep’s Head walk is about 93km long. It begins in the historic West Cork market town of Bantry. From there you hike right to the end of the Sheep’s Head peninsula where you’ll find the Sheep’s Head lighthouse and stunning views across West Cork’s bays and the Mizen and Beara peninsulas.

You might even be lucky enough to see dolphins and whales from the westernmost tip of the headland.

Varied Terrain

Sheep's Head Way Walking Route

The terrain of the Sheep’s Head Way includes old boreens, open grassy paths, heathery hills, quiet roads, and some short stretches of woodland path. The peninsula has an interesting past: you’ll encounter remains of an old copper mine, a blow hole, stone circles, standing stones, high cliffs, a Napoleonic signal tower and old churches along the way.

When you return to Bantry, the Sheep’s Head Way walking route extends eastwards to Drimoleague and Gougane Barra. This route includes St. Finbarr’s Way, a magnificent pilgrim trail.

Whether you opt to hike the whole Sheep’s Head Way walking route or choose a shorter route that suits you, you’ll enjoy the peace and tranquility on offer in this stunning landscape.

The Sheep’s Head Way is divided into sections, and includes walks of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. You can pick Sheep’s Head Way loop walks, coastal trails, or a walk along the peninsula’s peaks to suit your mood and the time you have available.

The Drimoleague Heritage Walkways and the Carriganass Walks, linked to the Sheep’s Head Way, give you the opportunity to head inland to the West Cork hills.

Our experienced walking guides are available to lead groups: contact them to plan your trip. Details of scheduled tours are available on our events calendar for details of scheduled walks.

Sheep’s Head Way Maps & GPS Files

You’ll find files for your GPS devices and Google Earth below. GPS files for individual loop walks are included on their information pages.

Do get in touch if we can help you with any other aspect of planning your trip. We’ll be delighted to help.


 

Download GPX Files for GPS Devices:Download Sheep's Head Way GPX file
Download File for 3D View in Google Earth:Download Sheep's Head Way KMZ file
Start/Finish:Bantry West Trailhead
Grade:Varies - parts easy, moderate, and difficult.
Distance:93 km
Estimated Time:5-6 days (based on average walking speed of 3km per hour)
MarkersFollow the Sheep's Head Way 'yellow walking man' markers
Metres Climbed/ Ascent:1626 metres
Maximum Height:236 metres
Dogs Allowed?No
Minimum Gear:Walking boots, rain gear, fluid, and a mobile phone.

Sheep’s Head Way Main Route: Sections

Route Sections
Section 1Bantry To Boolteenagh
Section 2Boolteenagh to Glanlough
Section 3Glanlough to Seefin
Section 4Seefin to Cahergal
Section 5Cahergal to the Lighthouse
Section 6Lighthouse to Letter West
Section 7 Letter West to Kilcrohane
Section 8Kilcrohane to Ahakista
Section 9Ahakista to Durrus
Section 10Durrus to Barnageehy
Section 11Barnageehy to Bantry

Filed Under: Sheep's Head Way

Walking Tours

Short guided walks can be arranged with Charlie McCarthy at Hillwalking Tours, Tony Cumberpatch at Sheep’s Head Walks, and David Ross from the Walking Centre at the ‘top of the rock’ in Drimoleague.

Longer guided walking tours in West Cork can also be organised through Hillside Walks.

Find Accommodation

Choose from a wide range of Fáilte Ireland-approved accommodation

When you’re planning your stay along the Sheep’s Head Way, you can choose from <a href=”https://livingthesheepsheadway.com/category/self-catering/”>Self-catering cottages</a> and <a href=”https://livingthesheepsheadway.com/category/bbs/”>B&Bs</a> are available on the Sheep’s Head peninsula itself, and along the length of the walking route.
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<a href=”https://livingthesheepsheadway.com/category/hotels/”>Hotels</a> are available in the historic market town of Bantry at the head of Bantry Bay and at Gougane Barra, and <a href=”https://livingthesheepsheadway.com/category/campsites>camping and glamping</a> are great options too!
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A further selection of local accommodation can be found <a href=”http://westcorkholidayaccommodation.com/sheeps-head”>here</a>.

Featured Activity

West Cork Literary Festival 2022

West Cork Literary Festival 8 – 15 July 2022 The West Cork Literary Festival presents an extensive programme of readings, workshops, seminars, panel discussions and children’s events At the heart of the West Cork Literary Festival’s extensive programme is a schedule of five and three day workshops in Coláiste Pobail Bheanntrai. These workshops cover subjects […]

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Bantry House B&B Accommodation

Bed and breakfast at Bantry House B&B and you’ll enjoy a truly wonderful experience on your West Cork holiday Choose one of the elegantly-restored rooms in the East Wing, overlooking the famous Hundred Steps and Parterre. You’ll enjoy a full Irish breakfast and continental buffet, and Ann’s scone recipe here is much-coveted! As a guest […]

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This project has been supported by Cork County Council & the LEADER programme under the Rural Development Programmes 2007-13 and 2017-2021.
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