The County of Cork has some or Ireland's best and scenic walking routes. Whether it is hill walking in on the peninsulas or Ballyhoura or simple strolls around Cork City you will not be disappointed.
Local tour guides are available, and as many of them operate B&Bs they are in a position to asst with you moving your luggage onto the next overnight stop. Book your accommodation in advance.
Some more popular and well known routes being the Sheeps Head Area, The Beara Way, The Blackwater Way and the The Ballyhoura Way.
If you choose to go on an unguided walk be sure to check the weather, wear sensible footwear, and take any necessary clothing, warm or waterproof clothing, enough water and food and a mobile phone in case of emergency, and most importantly enjoy your wonderful scenic and peaceful walk along some of Corks best walking trails.
West Cork Walks specialise in providing self guide and special guided walking holiday tours on the Beara Peninsula area in West Cork, Ireland. Our walking tours are slow climbing with a safe mountaineering plan staying away from steep scrambling ground. Here your friendly guide can tailor make a personal mountaineering experience visiting some stunning locations in West Cork that are off the beaten track, offering classic views of the Irish landscape
Walking the Sheeps Head and Bantry area is catered for by theHillside Walks at Seamount Farm B&B. They offer a number of different walking routes along the Sheeps Head Peninsula area ranging from Bantry, Glen Lough to Kilcrohane Village, Durrus and Ahakista to the Beara Peninsula and further to Mizen Head Peninsula, with some of the best West Cork scenery on view, come and join us. Check out our West Cork accommodation
There are a series of four self guided heritage walks around Cork City. Each route is interlinked and colour coded and lasts approximately 90 minutes. They include The South Parish Walk, The Shandon Walk, Cork City Island Walk and the University Walk.
Ardnakinna Lighthouse Loop, Bere Island, West Cork, Looped Walk starts at the western end of Bere Island and the estimated time is 3 hours.
Ballycotton Head Looped Walk, Ballycotton, Co Cork - Looped Walk is a beautiful cliff walk, through farmland, coming across a small tiny beach on the way its is 13 kms and takes 5 hours.
Banane Loop, Banteer, Co Cork - Looped Walk. Take the woods entrance at Knightfield, Banteer, Co Cork to start this 5 km walk should take about 1.5 hours.
Barán Loop, Ahakista, Co Cork - Looped Walk. Starting with Arundel's Pub behind you head off following the marked arrows on this 9 km walk passing Gorteanish on the way.
Barane Looped Walk, Fermoy, Co Cork - Looped Walk. Follow the Blackwater River on this 3 km walk and enjoy as the river trails off towards Castlehyde and head up Glenabo Glen.
The Blackwater Way consists or two walking routes - the Avondhu Route and the Dunhallow Route, which covers from Clogheen (Tipperary) right across to Muckross (Kerry). With the Knockmealdown Mountains to your back leaving Clogheen, passing the well known scenic area called The Vee, the route will take you along roads, hills and forest tracks and with Castle, forest and river views, which can be spaced over a good few days to get the best from the walking route. The route taking in Clogheen, Araglin, Fermoy, Killavullen, Ballynamona, Bweeng, Nad Bog, Millstreet, Shrone and Muckross.
Bullig Bay Loop, Castletownbere, Co Cork - Looped Walk starting in Dunboy Woods in Castletownbere this 4 km walk is a short walk.
Claragh Loop, Millstreet, Co Cork - Looped Walk starts from St Patricks Church in Millstreet and follow the arrows for this 10 km walk which should take 2.5 hours.
Clogheenmilcon Looped Walk, Blarney, Co Cork - Looped Walk can be complete at a gentle stroll, along 100 acres of wetland set on a surfaced track and there is picnic facilities and car park at the begining.
Coastguard Station Loop, Eyeries, Co Cork - Looped Walk Starting at Sullivan's shop in Eyeries village and finishing in Eyeries village the Coastguard Loop is 9 kms taking 3 hours.
Drimoleague Heritage Loop Walk, Drimoleague, West Cork - A stunning country walk beside a gentle flowing stream the best way to explore Irelands countryside, take in the Moyny Bridge Walk also.
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If you are looking to enjoy walking in West Cork start with Hillside Walks Bantry at Seamount Farm B&B which offers a number of different walking routes along the Sheeps Head Peninsula area ranging from Bantry House, Glen Lough to Kilcrohane Village, Durrus and Ahakista to the Beara Peninsuala and further to Mizen Head Peninsula, with some of the best West Cork scenery on view, come and join us.
The Ballyhoura Way is ideal for walkers with limited experience starting at John's Bridge, and onto Ballyhea, Ballyorgan, Ballylanders, Lisvernane, and finishing at Limerick Jct. Taking in road, forest tracks, taking in the great views of the Galtee Mountains and following beside the River Aherlow and the well know Glen of Aherlow. The Ballyhoura Way remembers the O'Sullivan Bere clan which fled Dunboy Castle on the Beara Peninsula to Leitrim in the 1600's.
The Beara Way follows along from Glengarriff, Adrigole, Castletownbere, Bere Island, Dunboy Castle, Allihies, Dursey Island, Ardgroom, Tuosist, Kenmare. This scenic route starting from wonderful Glengarriff, following Magannagan Stream, taking in Gowlbed Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, passing along the colourful Allihies village, and coastal walk of Coulagh Bay and the village of Adrgroom. The Beara Way takes in roads, farm tracks, bog and mining roads. The area has a number of interesting historical standing stones, wedge grave ring fort, castle and old churches.
Bunane To Glengarriff - Scenic walk of 11 kms taking 3 hours mainly on minor road and track.
Dún Béag Loop - 4.8 kms taking 2 hours
Rerrin/Lonehort Loop - 6.8 kms taking 3 hours
Dursey Island Loop - 4.5 kms taking 2 hours
Ballaghboy Billeragh Loop - 4.5 kms taking 2 hours
Garnish Firkeel Loop - 10 kms taking 4 hours
Allihies to Eyeries - 12.8 kms taking 4.5 hours
Eyeries Loop - 6 kms taking 2 hours
Eyeries to Ardgrooms - 13.25 kms taking 4 hours
Pulleen Loop - 4.5 kms taking 1.25 hours
The Old Head Kinsale
Are you planning on renting a car in Cork? We will compare the best car hire companies to get you the best price and overall deal. One way Car Rental is available. Rent a car at Cork Airport, and drop it off at Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport or Belfast, we will give you an all inclusive quote.
With free cancellation and no credit card fees you can book well in advance and lock the best price in.