Location & Routes
The Sheeps Head Way, located in West Cork, Southern Ireland, is a peaceful, unspoilt peninsula which has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland.
Walks
The Sheeps Head Way is a 150km walking route located on the narrow Sheeps Head peninsula in West Cork between Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay. The route also extends eastwards from Bantry to Drimoleague ( www.drimoleaguewalkway.com ) and Gougane Barra offering further walking opportunities in the region.
The narrowness of the peninsula means that you are never far from the glorious Atlantic Ocean, even on the outward stretch when you climb to the route's highest point, 300 metres above sea level, on the heathery Seefin ridge. The terrain is very varied and includes old boreens, open grassy and heathery hill, rock, field paths, quiet roads and some short stretches of woodland path. The aggregate asccent over the whole route is 2,460m, which includes a few long ascents. In good weather those who like the uplands can extend the ridge section of the route, or use a number of alternative loops.
The remains of an old copper mine, a blow hole, stone circles, standing stones, high cliffs, a Napoleonic signal tower and old churches are some of the varied attractions to be discovered along the way. Patience may be rewarded by the sightings of dolphins and whales off the westernmost tip of the headland. Here too is the Sheeps Head lighthouse.
The colourful villages of Kilcrohane, Ahakista and Durrus en route provide refreshments and accomodation.
The Sheeps Head Way is closed for one day only, on the 31st January each year, unless the expressed wishes of the landowner states otherwise.
We are grateful to the lanowners. Please stay on the path, leave gates and fences as you found them.
No dogs are allowed on the Sheeps Head Way.
No vehicle (pedaled/power) allowed on the walks.
We hope you enjoy your walks. Please be aware of unguarded cliffs, bogs and weather conditions. Children must be accompanied with an adult. YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR CONCERN. Always carry a mobile phone. Wear sturdy boots with ankle support. Notify somebody as to when you should be expected to come down from the hills. Mountains are not suitable for unexperienced walkers in bad weather or poor visibility conditions. In case of EMERGENCY phone 999 or 112. To identify your location quote the number of your nearest waymarker post/pole.
Our logo (the rams) is a registered trademark. It is from a bible story and is depicted on the 6th century 'Kilnurane Stone' located on the western side of Bantry - it symbolises resilience.
LEAVE NO TRACE
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plan ahead and prepare
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be considerate of others
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respect farm animals and wildlife
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leave what you find
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camp on approved sites or with landowners permission
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dispose of waste properly
Practising a Leave No Trace ethic is very simple:make is hard for others to see or hear you and leave no trace of your visit.
The Sheeps Head Peninsula is an EDEN destination of excellence, the area won the award in 2009. The European Destinations of Excellence is a project promoting sustainable tourism across the European Union. The 2009 award focused on sustainable tourisn in protected areas, the Sheeps Head peninsula has protected species of bird, namely the Chough and Peregrine as well as several protected plant species found on the hill, the Pale Dog Violet (Viola lactea) and Spotted Rock Rose (Tuberarla guttata) are but a few, the Kerry Slug is also known to the area. http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/eden
Guide for Responsible Tourists
The EDEN destinations are unique regions typified by exemplary beauty and cultural diversity. When you visit and EDEN destination, please respect some key guidelines
- Use the local transport and hospitality services. This will help you get to know the region and people better while contributing to the local economy.
- Remember to respect the environment leaving behind only your footprints but no trace pf passage - no rubbish, keep to paths, do not disturb plants, animals and their environment.
- Open your mind to the local culture and be tolerant and respectful of diversity, cultural traditions, resources and practices.
- Contribute to the local economy by purchasing locally produced souvenirs, such as handcrafts, products and food specialities that can be found in the region.
Walking information Links:
See www.irishtrails.ie for information on walking in Ireland and on the Sheep's Head
For information and downloadable maps of Failte Ireland Loop Walks on Sheeps Head go to www.discoverireland.ie and click on Walking & Hiking, Looped Walks.
See www.sheepsheadroutes.ie for good information on routes
OSI Discovery Series Map 88 4th Edition indicates the routes and some loops
Funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.