Beara Way

This tour is suitable for regular walkers and it is advisable to do several longer walks of a similar distance on varied terrain to build up your fitness before setting off.

The terrain consists of mainly quiet tarmac roads, bog roads, cliffs, and woodland paths. Some sections cross open moorland and at times it can feel rough underfoot.

Although the paths are not very high, the area can feel quite isolated and you are exposed to the elements. During rainy weather some of the trails can be muddy, and boggy, and visibility might be low.

There is some road walking but the road walking is scenic and mostly along quiet lanes with little traffic, although a few short sections are along busier main roads where extra care and attention are needed.

This route ranges from easy-to-moderate to moderate-to-strenuous, depending on which itinerary and day you take on. Each tour variant has its own overall grade, and within that, individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

Accommodation along the Beara Way is varied, with comfortable family-run B&Bs, cozy guesthouses and small hotels offering a warm welcome and traditional Irish hospitality throughout. We always try to use the specific accommodations detailed in your itinerary, but because some overnight stops are in remote areas with limited availability, we sometimes need to book you into an alternative - this is particularly common around Adrigole. Where this happens, we'll either arrange a transfer or it will only be a short walk from the trail, and we'll confirm the details with you in advance.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

A hearty breakfast is included every morning, usually with a choice of cereals, toast and yogurt, plus a full cooked Irish breakfast made to order. Lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the options around you. Most of your accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch if you ask in advance, or you can pick up supplies at a local shop or stop at a cafe along the way - your route notes will tell you where cafes and shops are available each day. Note that Sundays can have more limited opening hours, so it's worth carrying a packed lunch or snacks just in case. In the smaller villages, it's a good idea to book your dinner table online or directly in advance.

This tour is best enjoyed between May and October, and you can start on any day of the week, subject to availability. If you're traveling between June and August, especially in a group, we recommend booking well ahead to avoid disappointment.

Spring is one of the best times to visit, when wildflowers are in bloom across the Beara Peninsula. July and August are the busiest months, with accommodations filling up quickly, though you'll enjoy long daylight hours and few midges. September offers a quieter experience as the crowds begin to thin.

Irish weather is unpredictable year-round, and conditions can turn wet and windy at any time, particularly early and late in the season, so check the local forecast each morning before setting off.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg/39lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

This route is well-waymarked for the most part and easy to follow. Depending on the time of year and recent weather, the trail may be boggy in places, which could reduce your average walking speed.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Cork Airport is the most convenient airport for this tour, served by airlines including Ryanair and Aer Lingus from cities such as London, Manchester, Glasgow, Munich, Zurich and Amsterdam. On arrival, take the #225 or #226 bus (the #266 bus if you're on the 6-day tour) from the airport to Cork Parnell Bus Station, services run roughly every half hour. From Cork Parnell Bus Station, catch a bus to Glengariff, with 3 departures a day (morning, afternoon and early evening), the journey takes around 2h20. Alternatively, you can take a direct train from the centre of Dublin to Cork (around 2h35), then a bus from Cork Kent Train Station to Cork Parnell Bus Station for the onward connection to Glengariff. Bus Eireann's website is a useful resource for planning your journey. If your tour begins in Castletownbere, a private transfer from Glengariff to your accommodation there is included, please let us know your arrival time in Glengariff as soon as possible after booking.

On your return to Cork, you can take a taxi to Glengariff and retrace the same journey, though a less expensive option is to take a bus from Kenmare to Killarney (3 times a day on weekdays, twice on Saturdays and once on Sundays, so plan accordingly), the journey takes around 45 minutes. From Killarney, trains run to Cork (around 1h30 to 2 hours depending on stops) or direct to Dublin if you'd prefer. Again, the Bus Eireann website is the best resource for planning this leg of your journey.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

Because there are no official rights of way in Ireland, you'll do some walking on quiet roads each day as part of this route. We recommend walking on the side facing oncoming traffic, and wearing bright or reflective clothing if you want extra visibility.

Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in the remote sections of the peninsula, so if you're traveling solo it's worth bearing this in mind. We also recommend booking well in advance, since local accommodation is limited and we keep group sizes small (generally no more than 6-8 travelers) in the more remote stretches.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation