Bantry, Co. Cork

The 8 day tour includes:

Day 1; Arrive at Cork Airport and take public transport to Bantry. It is also possible to arrive into Dublin or Shannon airport but will result in a longer transfer by bus. Bantry town is perfectly located as a place to start your adventure in the southwest of Ireland. It sits in the bay separating the Sheepshead and Beara peninsulas and in the shelter of Whiddy Island.

Day 2; Bantry to Glanlough
On the first day of your tour you will walk from Bantry to Glanlough overlooking Bantry Bay and Whiddy island. On today’s trail you will walk along a beautiful ridge before making your way down into Glanlough. Distance; 16km, Ascent; 280 m/1148 ft, Approximate walking time; 4.5 hours

Day 3;Glanlough to Kilcrohane
Today’s walk gives you the option of following Gortnakilly ridge up onto Seefin Mountain, the highest point of the peninsula at 345m, or you can take the lower path which also finishes in Kilcrohane village. Distance; 13km, Ascent; 385m, Approximate walking time; 4 hours

Day 4;Kilcrohane to Tooreen
You will follow the wild and rugged coastline at the western extremity of Sheepshead peninsula on the trail today, passing through long abandoned and ruined villages and the Gortavallig Copper Mines. Distance; 14km, Ascent; 110m, Approximate walking time; 4 hours

Day 5; Tooreen to Reenmore
Starting your day walking the southern coastline, with a very short climb, which leads you to a 17th century signal tower, the trail then stays at lower levels winding through farmsteads and ancient town lands on your way to Kilcrohane village. Distance; 16km, Ascent; 200m, Approximate walking time; 4.5 hours

Day 6;Reenmore to Durrus
Durrus, the largest village on the peninsula, is today’s destination and the trail takes you there along undisturbed paths and winding roads. Passing through this area you will see evidence of the extensive activity from pre Christian times, in the form of standing stones, wells and burial grounds’. Distance; 16km, Ascent; 280m, Approximate walking time; 5 hours

Day 7: Durrus to Bantry
On the final leg of your return to Bantry, you move inland from the coastline and ascend Barr na Gaoithe, the Top of the Wind, before meandering back down on small country roads into the town, through the beautiful grounds of Bantry House. Distance; 17km, Ascent; 190m, Approximate walking time; 5 hours.

Day 8; Departure from Bantry

– See more at: http://walkinghikingireland.com/walking-holidays/self-guided-walking-tours/sheepshead-way/#sthash.nCafVuBc.dpuf