Ring of Beara

The Ring of Beara is a beautiful 80km or 128 km (55 to 80 miles) depending on which route is taken. Leave Kenmare on the N71 towards Glengarriff crossing the Suspension Bridge.

Stop and visit Lorge Handmade Chocalates.  A visit to his shop on the side of the road is a must. Take a bag of mixed chocolates to nibble as you continue your excursion!

Bonane Heritage Park has an abundance of well preserved multi-period archaeological sites from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age right up to pre-famine times.

Molly Gallivans Cottage and Traditional Farm – gives an insight into life before the advent of modern conveniences. Displays of skills and crafts of the rural past.

The tunnels of the Caha pass were hewn from the rocks and form the border with County Cork. Spectacular views of Bantry Bay.

Glengarriff is a picturesque village with a unique micro climate. Garnish Island with its tended gardens and sub-tropical vegetation is a must visit.

In the village of Adrigole you can opt to take a shorter Ring and cross the mountain pass of Healy Pass.  This offers a 55 mile loop from Kenmare with beautiful water views from the Pass but if you have time we strongly recommended you continue on the coastal road to experience the fully beauty of the Beara peninsula.

Healy Pass – The winding road of the Healy Pass provides a shorter circuit with spectacular views.

Castletownbere is home to one of Ireland’s largest fishing fleets.  The ruin of Dunboy castle, which was a stronghold of Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare, a Gaelic clan leader from the early 17th century, are close to the town.

Take the short detour to Dursey Island and if possible take the Cable Car trip to the island.  Ireland’s only cable car brings you across the waters of the sound to the weather torn landscape of Dursey Island.

Dursey and the three villages of Allihies, Eyeries and Ardgroom are quintessential Irish villages.  They ooze character and combined with the majestic landscape are the catalyst for attracting a high number of visual artists to call the area home.  Many of these artists have galleries in their houses and are pleased to welcome visitors.

Eyeries has been the location for several movie and TV productions such as The Purple Taxi (1977) starring Fred Astaire, Peter Ustinov, and Charlotte Rampling, and the 1998 TV series Falling for a Dancer.

Ardgroom – Near the village lie a number of megalithic monuments, the most picturesque of which is probably the stone circle to be found to the southwest of the village.

Direen Gardens in Lauragh is another worthwhile stop.  Protected by a narrow bay and the tepid waters of the Gulf Stream, the mild climate provides the perfect conditions for the unique vegetation and planting to flourish.

Gleninchaquin Park and Mountain walk – This idyllic valley has walking routes around the waterfall, cascades, streams, woodlands and lakes. These are accessible for all ages.