Hiking Collection by Adie
Old Paths to the Ocean's Edge — Sheep's Head Way
10 routes
53:29
180km
4,140m
Each step brings more solitude: remote coastal cliffs, hidden beaches, and the ever‑present steely-blue shimmer of the Atlantic stretching out to the horizon. Beyond the peninsula, the Sheep’s Head Way (East) offers an inland loop through peaceful farmland, wooded valleys, and high open moors. This eastern arc gives a richer sense of West Cork’s landscapes and quieter charms.
It is a panorama of year-round beauty, although Irish weather can bring all four seasons in a day. Waterproofs are essential. The best conditions are typically found from April to September, with longer days and milder weather. Please note that dogs are not permitted on any section of the Sheep’s Head Way.
Accommodation options are limited and likely to book up quickly. Wild camping is not permitted in Ireland unless you have explicit permission from a landowner.
Reaching Bantry, the start and finish point of both loops, is straightforward. By car, you can reach Bantry via the N71 road, which connects major cities like Cork and Killarney. For public transport, regular bus services run to Bantry from Cork.
For walkers seeking depth and solitude, and a deeper understanding of Ireland’s Atlantic edge, the Sheep’s Head Way offers old paths well worth following.
Visibility:
Anyone
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Old Paths to the Ocean's Edge — Sheep's Head Way
161km
3,560m
3,560m
Last updated: July 31, 2025
Do it yourself!
Premium
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Activities
1. Stage 1: Bantry to Glanlough — Sheep's Head Way
14.5km
04:20
350m
300m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2. Stage 2: Glanlough to Cahergal — Sheep's Head Way
16.8km
04:54
460m
430m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4. Stage 3: Cahergal to Kilcrohane — Sheep's Head Way
23.4km
07:27
500m
550m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5. Stage 4: Kilcrohane to Durrus — Sheep's Head Way
17.6km
05:18
300m
330m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
6. Stage 5: Durrus to Bantry — Sheep's Head Way
23.1km
06:34
520m
520m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. Stage 6: Bantry to Drimoleague — Sheep's Head Way
20.6km
05:42
390m
330m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8. Stage 7: Drimoleague to Mealagh — Sheep's Head Way
17.6km
05:12
520m
490m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
9. Stage 8: Mealagh to Kealkill — Sheep's Head Way
19.0km
05:23
390m
450m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10. Stage 9: Kealkill to Bantry — Sheep's Head Way
11.4km
03:05
140m
180m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
10
Distance
180 km
Duration
53:29 h
Elevation
4,140 m
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