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.
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.
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 walking routes and many loop walks.
Cycling Route
This cycle route starts at Ballylickey and ends in Roaringwater Bay, near Ballydehob. It is 120km long. The signposted route travels down the northern side of Sheep’s Head Peninsula, then returns to Durrus. Turn right in Durrus and ride on to Ballydehob. See our leaflet which is available at local shops & Failté Tourist Information Offices for further details.
Funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.