We thought we’d share three of our favourite walks around West Cork & Kerry. These are the walks we keep coming back to, the ones we head out & do on a Sunday or after work on a weekday. All right on our doorstep or just a short drive away.
Gleninchaquin Park – The Beara Peninsula, Co.Kerry
Valley with spectacular waterfall (visit after heavy rain for a real roar!). 5 trails from gentle short walks to a full days trek up round the valley. We love the 2-hour loop over the top of the Waterfall. Great views back across the valley to Kenmare Bay. Dogs welcome on leads.
For more visit the Gleninchaquin Park website here.
The Cailleach Beara Loop – Bonane, West Cork
One right in our back yard that we do with the family to blow the cobwebs away & stretch the legs between Christmas & New Year. Stunning views from the top at Turners Rock down to Bantry Bay, Garnish Island & North over to Kerry & The Magillicuddy Reeks. Stop to see the Neolithic Copper Mine on the way – look out for the stile on your left!
For more on this trail have a read of this Irish Times article.
Glengarriff Nature Reserve – Glengarriff, West Cork
Our go to for quick & easy weekday stomps. An incredible 300ha reserve with ancient sessile oak woodland, rivers, streams & waterfalls. Huge range of well surfaced & signed trails to suit all abilities. Our favourite is The Big Meadow Walk, a 40min stroll on the flat (rare round here!) taking you past the namesake meadow with huge old oaks. The trail follow the river through beech & oak woodland back to the main car park. Dogs welcome. If you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of one of the resident red squirrels!
For more visit the Glengarriff Nature Reserve website here.
We hope you enjoy donning the boots & stretching the legs & lungs on one or more of these walks!
Not living locally!? Why not make Glengarriff home for a few days this Summer with a stay in our beautiful botanical themed accommodation. We’re a perfect base for walking West Cork & Kerry & can offer lots more recommendations of hidden gems to explore & local flavours to taste during your stay.
