A Guide to Beara Peninsula
Read our travel guide on Beara Peninsula in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on top attractions, where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Situated in the southwest of Ireland, the Beara Peninsula is known for the beauty of its rugged landscape, wild seascapes, traditional villages, and ancient heritage sites.
Driving along the Beara is also one of the best things to do when road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way, which is often considered to be one of the top-rated scenic drives in the world.
It's still relatively quiet compared to the iconic Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, while the scenery is as good as in its more popular neighbors.
The main reason to visit Beara Peninsula is the Ring of Beara, a 150-kilometer driving loop route that allows you to drive around the whole peninsula and see some of the finest and most beautiful places in Ireland.
In the grand scheme of things, the peninsula is not about bucket list attractions but rather about disconnecting from the world and enjoying the pleasures of slow travel.
So here's everything you should know about Beara Peninsula before you go.
What to See and Do
Even though we mentioned at the beginning of this article that this area is not about checking the items off your list, there are still plenty of things to see and do in Beara Peninsula.
For better navigation, we listed the top attraction on Beara Peninsula in the order we encountered them.
Therefore, you can easily use it as your Beara Peninsula itinerary.
By the way, if you have more time, an array of activities can be enjoyed in Beara, including golfing, cycling, fishing, and water sports.
So, here are some of the best stops in Beara Peninsula that you should not miss.
Ring of Beara
Similarly to the neighboring Ring of Kerry or Sheep's Head Peninsula, the main attraction on Beara is the scenic road that circumnavigates the peninsula.
Even without making any stops along the way (which would be a shame, though), Ring of Beara is worth exploring.
There is something so alluring and engaging about the open roads of Beara that will allow staying in the moment. It's hard to explain and has to be experienced to be grasped.
Even though driving along the coast is fun, keep in mind that some of the roads are extremely narrow.
The main upside of this fact is that tour buses still avoid Beara and stick to the Ring of Kerry. On the other hand, driving along these roads can be a bit stressful, especially if you're in a hurry.
The solution to this problem is fairly straightforward.
Be sure to add extra time to your trip and read our tips for driving in Ireland to explore Beara without being stressed out.
Castletownbere
Situated on the south coast of Beara, Castletownbere is the main town on the peninsula.
Thanks to its location, Castletownbere is a great base to explore Beara, as it's really easy to visit some of the most beautiful sites from this little town.
There are a few pubs with Irish beer on tap, restaurants serving local seafood, and bed and breakfasts to stay in.
Bere Island
Birdwatchers, walkers, cyclists, history lovers, and people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland might want to consider visiting Bere Island.
Guarding the entrance to Bantry Bay, Bere Island is a perfect retreat for nature lovers, adventurous, and those seeking a serene vacation destination.
The island has marked hiking trails, heritage sites, Martello towers from the Napoleonic wars, breathtaking views, and an amazing coastline perfect for water sports.
By the way, some of the most popular trails are Lighthouse Loop, Doonbeg Loop, and Rerrin Loop.
Not many international travelers include Bere Island on their itineraries, which is a bit shame.
We were one of many who were forced to skip the island, as one of the hard truths of traveling is that you can't see it all.
Bere Island is easily accessible by ferry from Castletownbere.
Dunboy Forest Recreation Area
Another lovely stop along the southern coast is Dunboy Forest Recreation Area, which is home to Dunboy Castle, a lovely beach, and some nice walking trails.
One of the most popular trails in this area is Bullig Bay Loop, which will take you along the coast and through the woods.
The 15th-century castle ruins are off the main R572, and the site at the end of a very narrow road is not visited by many people.
While the views from the shore are beautiful, there is not much left of the castle itself. And what is left is covered with overgrown grass, shrubs, and bushes.
The impregnable walls of the fort succumbed to artillery bombardment during the siege in 1602, while most defenders were killed and executed.
Surely, don't expect to find Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel here, but rather a peaceful area perfect for getting away from it all, if only for an hour or so.
By the way, the nearby neglected Puxley Mansion is a former manor house that seems to be in the process of being transformed into a luxury hotel, and it's currently fenced off.
If you want to see more beautiful castles in Ireland, check out this guide.
Dursey Cable Car
When you reach the tip of Beara, your epic journey around the peninsula is about to culminate.
In recent years, Dursey Cable Car, which connects the mainland with Dursey Island, has become a popular tourist attraction.
This rickety aerial link traversing the Dursey Sound, known for its treacherous tides and reefs, is rightfully one of the best things to do in Beara Peninsula.
It takes about 15 minutes to get to the other side, but the only cable car in Ireland is prone to bad weather and may be closed at any time.
Unfortunately, it was under maintenance at the time of our visit, so we could admire the island only from a distance.
Honestly, it was so windy at the parking lot near the station that we were sort of relieved that we didn't have to endure the journey across the restless waters of Dursey Sound.
Dursey Cable Car reopened in the summer of 2023. Now, the journey takes about seven minutes one way, and the cable car accommodates six passengers.
Dursey Island
Thanks to the Dursey Cable Car, Dursey Island is more accessible than ever. But that doesn't mean that it's crowded, quite the opposite.
Only a few local farmers live there, so you will see more sheep than people while there.
The island is known for its good network of walking trails and great bird-watching opportunities.
If you have time, hiking the 14-kilometer Dursey Island Loop Walk is the best way to explore the island.
Dursey Island is home to nesting colonies, and it's easy to see gannets, puffins, razorbills, and more species of seabirds when walking around this rugged rock surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
By the way, once you reach the westernmost point of Dursey Island, you will have a chance to spot the impressive Bull Rock island.
Ballydonegan Beach
This lovely stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing and water activities in the summer and walking any time of the year.
The views are beautiful, the waters are crystal clear, and the adjacent Allihies Camping is a perfect place to stay overnight while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Simply put, Ballydonegan is one of the most beautiful beaches in Beara.
Allihies Copper Mine Museum
If you're looking for a bit more recent history and want to step back in time, then Allihies Copper Mine Museum might catch your interest.
The museum has informative displays dedicated to the history of copper mining on the Beara Peninsula.
Even though it's tiny, it allows you to learn more about the past, life, and hardships that shaped this little village.
The entrance fee is €6 per person. There is also a cafe attached to the museum.
By the way, Allihies is one of many colorful villages in Beara that you can easily explore on foot while exploring the peninsula.
Eyeries
Situated near the junction of R575 and R571, Eyeries is a charming village on the north side of Beara known for its colorful houses and tranquil atmosphere.
There is not much to do in the village, but some travelers might be intrigued to use it as a base for exploring the peninsula.
Derreen Gardens
If walking in serene gardens is your thing, and places such as Powerscourt Gardens or Birr Castle gardens are among your favorite places in Ireland, then you probably don't want to skip Derreen Gardens.
This woodland area covers 60 acres and features 12 kilometers of walking trails, Derreen House, sub-tropical gardens with exotic plants, rhododendrons, coastal views, and mountains in the backdrop.
If you have time, it's a lovely place to visit to relax and unwind, especially for families with kids.
Kilmackillogue
Before heading to Healy Pass, there is one more stop you should consider including in your Beara itinerary, at least if checking Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points off the list is your thing.
The Kilmackillogue scenic viewpoint is located on R573 and offers nice ocean views.
Glanmore Lake
On the way to Healy Pass, the views of Glanmore Lake with the mountains in the backdrop are surely among the highlights of this journey.
Even on this narrow road, there are a few spots to pull over safely, allowing you to take in the amazing scenery.
Healy Pass
If you're still not convinced why Beara Peninsula should make it on your Ireland road trip itinerary, we still have an ace up our sleeve. And it's a big one.
Healy Pass is often to be considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Ireland.
We drove from Lauragh to Adrigole and luckily met only a few cars along the way.
Honestly, driving across the Healy Pass is a great experience, and we enjoyed it even more than the iconic Gap of Dunloe, which is probably on your list as well.
Eventually, this beautiful stretch of road will connect directly back to R572, which will eventually take you back to Glengarriff.
Beara Way
One of the best long-distance trails in Ireland, Beara Way is a perfect hike for all outdoor enthusiasts.
The trail is clearly marked and signposted and will take you through a landscape full of rugged mountains and seacoast scenery.
This 200-kilometer loop that encircles the peninsula features many side trails and optional circuits and can be walked in about ten days.
Gleninchaquin Park
If you don't mind paying for access to nature, Gleninchaquin Park features hikes of varying length and difficulty for all types of hikers.
The trails are well-marked and well-signed, and the scenery featuring valleys, a waterfall, and greenery everywhere is simply breathtaking.
But be prepared that you will have to deserve some of the most beautiful views, and the trails can be moderately challenging, especially during or after rain.
Access to the park entrance is via a narrow road, so drive slowly.
By the way, if you're traveling in Ireland on a budget, you might want to visit places such as Killarney National Park, Wicklow Mountains or Connemara National Park, which you can enter for free.
Priest's Leap
At the end of the day, we still had some time left, so we decided to explore the Priest's Leap, one of the less visited places in this area.
This road is also a great alternative to N71, which connects Glengarriff with Kenmare. There is nothing wrong with N71.
In fact, this stretch of the national road is also very scenic and includes Caha Pass and the carved-out Turners Rock Tunnel.
But the steep, winding, and narrow Priest's Leap offers even more breathtaking views while standing on the border of County Cork and County Kerry.
Even though this scenic drive is not technically located on the peninsula, it was a perfect way to end our adventure on Beara Peninsula.
How Much Time Do I Need
As usual, one of the hardest questions to figure out before you go is how long it will take to drive the Beara Peninsula.
For starters, you will need at least three to four hours just to complete the Ring of Beara loop, and that's without any stops along the way.
Consequently, we believe it's worth it to make it all the way down to the tip of the peninsula, even if you don't want to take a cable car to Dursey Island.
Speaking of which, the island is one of the top attractions while exploring the Beara Peninsula.
Even though it takes only 15 minutes to get there, you can easily spend there another four hours.
Therefore, we recommend spending a full day in Beara to enjoy the unique sights and opportunities this peninsula has to offer.
But not everyone has that much time, and we believe that even if you have only half a day to spend there, you can still see some of the most beautiful places on Beara Peninsula.
Allowing yourself four hours for the drive and additional two hours for sightseeing may be a good compromise for those who are pressed for time.
This option is great if you plan on visiting one of the neighboring peninsulas in a single day.
Keep in mind that the current weather plays a huge part in how you spend your time.
Visiting Beara Peninsula on a rainy and foggy day is not as fun as on a clear one and will probably make you reconsider your travel plans.
When to Go
While summer is the best time to visit Beara Peninsula, there are a few more things about this topic you should know before you go.
This season also attracts lots of tourists, so be prepared for steep hotel rates, sold-out accommodations, and busy attractions.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds and the high prices, visit either in the shoulder season or even winter.
Spring and autumn are great seasons to visit Beara, as there will be fewer tourists and you might find better deals on accommodation.
And compared to winter, you won't have to worry about what will be closed and what not.
Don't forget that while there is usually not much snow and ice on Ireland's west coast during the winter, the days are still short, wet, and cold.
The lack of daylight can really affect your entire trip, so make sure to figure out when to visit Ireland to avoid disappointment.
We visited Beara in May, and this time, we lucked out on the weather, though some parts of the peninsula were still super windy.
So it was not perfect, but we can't complain.
And it won't come as a surprise when we say that seeing the Beara Peninsula in relatively good weather was a great experience.
What to Pack
The golden rule of packing for every road trip is to pack light.
Bring a windbreaker for short walks on sunny days. Otherwise, always have a lightweight rain jacket in your daypack in case it rains.
You don't really need much for short walks and hikes, but you should never leave without proper footwear. Good trail runners should be fine in most situations.
Also, don't forget to bring along your own bottle to fill up with water.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
Honestly, there isn't much difference in driving the Beara Peninsula clockwise or counterclockwise.
Being said that, we drove around Beara Peninsula in a clockwise direction for two reasons.
Firstly, we did clockwise the entire Emerald Isle, and secondly, we believe you will get slightly better views along the way.
But we still think that the difference is marginal in this case.
So if you're starting in Kenmare or Killarney, do the Ring of Beara counterclockwise.
When arriving from Mizen Head or Sheep's Head, feel free to follow in our footsteps and travel Beara Peninsula in a clockwise direction.
How to Get There
Without any doubt, the easiest way to get to Beara Peninsula is by car.
Furthermore, driving is by far the most popular way to travel to get around Beara.
Luckily, renting a car in Ireland is easy.
Beara Peninsula has two starting points, Kenmare and Glengarriff, and we've already talked that it doesn't matter where you will kick off your trip.
We started in Glengarriff, explored the southern side of Beara first, drove all the way to the Dursey Island Cable Car Station, and then headed out to the peninsula's north coast.
On the way back, we climbed to Healey Pass and then drove back to Glengarriff and eventually made it to Kenmare, where we stopped for the night.
Car
Killarney is 40 kilometers north of Kenmare, and it's easy to get there via N71.
From Kenmare, it's about 70 kilometers to the westernmost point of Beara Peninsula.
Kenmare can be reached via N22 from Cork, which lies about 100 kilometers east of the town.
However, we believe it's better to take the Wild Atlantic Way via Kinsale, Baltimore, and Bantry in case you have more time, as it's more scenic.
The drive from Limerick, home to Shannon Airport, to Kenmare (N20, N72) is 140 kilometers and takes more than two and a half hours.
The journey from Dublin takes about five hours. Galway is a four-hour drive from here.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
One of the problems with relying on public transport to get around Ireland is that it doesn't allow you to get to more remote places, such as Healy Pass in the case of Beara.
So you can take a bus from Cork that goes to Castletownbere via Glengarriff or a bus that runs between Killarney and Kenmare, but then you need to figure out your next move.
Are you going to hire a driver, hitchhike, cycle, or even walk around the peninsula?
As you can clearly see, using public transport is only a partial solution this time.
And we believe having your own transport is a huge advantage for this area. Read more in this guide on how to get around Ireland.
Tours
Alternatively, you can take the Ring of Beara Tour from Killarney.
Where to Stay
We've already mentioned that you will need about a full day for Beara Peninsula. So the first question that pops out after this revelation is, why not stay there overnight?
Obviously, the best option is to find a hotel directly on Beara Peninsula, at least if you want to get away from the bustling cities.
Just be prepared that you will find mostly bed and breakfasts, apartments, and guesthouses with limited capacity there, so book early. On the other hand, getting in touch with locals is one of the best ways to get the most out of your Beara trip.
Furthermore, there are plenty of accommodations around the peninsula. Towns such as Glengarriff and Kenmare serve as starting points for exploring Beara and are one of the most popular options among travelers.
Some people prefer to end their day in Killarney, which has some of the best hotels in this area, before heading out to Ring of Kerry.
Here we hand-selected the best hotels on Beara Peninsula.
Glengarriff | Eccles Hotel and Spa - Overlooking the Bantry Bay, Eccles Hotel and Spa is one of the best accommodations in Glengarriff. The hotel is set in a beautiful location and features modern rooms with panoramic sea views, a fabulous spa, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
Adrigole | Mossie's - One of the best bed and breakfasts in Beara, Mossie's features individually decorated rooms with sea views, a beautiful garden, a shared lounge, a bar, on-site parking, and wonderful hosts.
Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel - Situated in a quiet location in Kenmare, Brook Lane is a charming boutique hotel that features stylish rooms with floor heating and large and comfortable beds, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
Staying Safe
It won't come as a surprise when we say that Beara Peninsula is a very safe place to visit in Ireland.
Still, the roads are narrow, the weather is unpredictable, and the opportunistic thieves never sleep.
Therefore, drive slowly, pack according to the weather, and never leave valuables in your car.
So when it comes to Beara, there is not much to talk about, but you should still read our post packed with tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Beara Peninsula Worth Visiting?
Beara Peninsula is rightfully among the top experiences of any visit to the Emerald Isle.
If stunning coastal drives, breathtaking views, rugged mountains, and heritage sites are your thing, this is the place to go.
Beara Peninsula may not be as famous as the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula, but it's definitely worth visiting.
Thanks to its unparalleled beauty and deserted roads, it was one of our favorite places we visited while road-tripping Ireland.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
