Peninsulas, Islands, and Ireland’s Southern Edge
County Cork, Ireland’s largest county, stretches from the lively streets of Cork City to some of the wildest and most unspoiled coastlines in Europe. It’s a place of contrasts — colourful harbour towns, remote Atlantic headlands, mountain ridges, and hidden islands — making it one of the best destinations for walking holidays and outdoor adventures.
At its heart are the three great West Cork peninsulas — Beara, Sheep’s Head, and Mizen — each offering spectacular long-distance trails, quiet fishing villages, and rugged sea cliffs. Inland, the Galtee Mountains and rolling valleys provide upland escapes, while the coast is dotted with bays, lighthouses, and offshore islands like Cape Clear and Bere Island.
Trails & Routes
Walking in Cork is as varied as the county itself:
- Beara Way – A 196 km circular trail around the Beara Peninsula, with mountains, sea cliffs, and stone circles.
- Sheep’s Head Way – A 93 km loop trail praised for its remoteness, coastal ridges, and quiet beauty.
- Mizen Head Loops – Day walks around Ireland’s most south-westerly point, with cliffs, sea arches, and whale watching.
- Knockmealdowns & Galtees – Mountain routes along the Cork–Tipperary border, ideal for challenging upland walking.
- Islands of West Cork – Cape Clear, Sherkin, and Bere Island all offer scenic loop trails and cultural heritage.
Adventure Highlights
- The Beara Way – a wild, less-travelled long-distance route.
- The Sheep’s Head Way – award-winning for its natural beauty and solitude.
- Mizen Head – Ireland’s land’s end, with whale and dolphin spotting.
- Colourful towns like Kinsale, Bantry, and Schull.
- Offshore islands with loop trails and cultural heritage.
- Cork City – historic streets, markets, and a lively cultural base.
Explore the Area
- Cork City – Ireland’s second city, full of food, history, and energy.
- Kinsale – a harbour town known for food, sailing, and heritage.
- Bantry & Glengarriff – gateways to the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas.
- Schull & Baltimore – lively coastal towns with ferries to the islands.
- Clonakilty – colourful town and music hub on the southern coast.
