Activities - things to do in West Cork
Exploring the Beara Peninsula
There are endless exciting things to do while being in West Cork. Check out below options.
Walking
Take in some of the most scenic views the Beara Peninsula has to offer, whether you're a serious walker or a Sunday morning rambler!
The Beara is the quietest and most striking of the three main peninsulas of the southwest of Ireland.
The unspoilt Beara Peninsula is shared between counties Cork and Kerry. It is encircled by the Beara Way, 197 kilometre long and offers spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. Towns on route are Glengarriff, Castletownbere and Kenmare. Villages in between are Adrigole, Allihies, Eyeries and Ardgroom. A trip by ferry to Bere Island or a cable car to Dursey Island will offer excellent walking.
​
There are also many loop walks nearby including the Glengarriff Nature Reserve.
With time to wander off the beaten track, pause for a chat with the locals and an excuse to enjoy a pint of Guinness at the end of every day, you will experience the real Ireland.
Cycling
The Beara Peninsula draws cyclists seeking a less travelled, Irish coastal experience.
The Beara Way Cycling Route is a National Cycling Route and for most parts is on country roads and stays close to the coastline. The route travels along the entire Beara Peninsula passing through towns and villages along the way. The entire route is 138 kms. There is no start or finish so you can join the route in any town and village on the peninsula. The route is sign-posted with a logo and a bicycle symbol.
​
ROUTES
-
Glengarriff to Adrigole - 21kms
-
Adrigole to Castletownbere - 16kms
-
Bere Island - 14kms
-
Castletownbere Dursey Sound and Eyeries - 32kms
-
Eyeries to Tuosist - 28kms
-
Tuosist to Glengarriff and Spur to Kenmare - 27kms
​
For more information, click here
Fishing
The perfect destination for planning a sea fishing holiday.
On the Beara Peninsula the shore fishing is still being discovered. Catches of coalfish, mackerel, conger, pollack, etc. are regularly taken.
The fishing kicks off in May and improves as summer progresses into autumn. Bring suitable clothing and ideally a pair of hiking boots for the rock hopping.
Being a peninsula there's fishing available whatever the weather, just fish the opposite side to the prevailing wind.
​
In the Republic of Ireland, a State Licence is required to fish for both salmon and sea trout. You usually need to buy a local permit in addition to your State Licence before fishing.
For trout, pike and coarse fishing, a licence is not required (but you may need to purchase a local permit). You can fish in the sea for almost all species without the need for a licence or permit.
Read more information about fishing regulations, here.
Kayaking
Enjoy kayaking with seals in the sheltered waters of Adrigole Harbour.
Adrigole Harbour is only 2km away from the campsite. You can rent kayaks and canoes from the West Cork Sailing Centre who are located at the pier. They have a full range of wetsuits available to suit all ages.
​
The sheltered waters of Adrigole Harbour make it easy and safe to paddle, also for families with children. Take in the stunning scenery with Hungry Hill forming a spectacular backdrop to your adventure!
There's a colony of curious seals in the harbour so you might see a few heads bobbing up in the water. Remember it's their habitat so stay back and enjoy from a distance.
​
Adrigole harbour is also a perfect location for sea swimming!
Parkrun Glengarriff
Enjoy a free 5km (3 Mile) parkrun or walk around Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve
The Glengarriff event has been running since 2016 with an average of 60 participants each week. Parkrun is a global programme running in 22 countries with 144 locations currently in Ireland alone. For more information, click here.
There are several other parkrun events in our area such as Bere Island, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom and Killarney.
​
Glengarriff parkrun is every Saturday morning at 09.30am. Buggies and dogs are welcome. It is a totally volunteer based initiative with the aim of promoting and facilitating physical and mental wellbeing. You can drop in and out as you see fit and you need only register if you'd like your time recorded.
