The Sheep's Head Peninsula in County Cork, Ireland, offers a stunning five-day walking experience along the Sheep's Head Way, a 55-mile loop trail that opened 30 years ago. The trail, which required negotiations with 265 landowners, showcases unspoilt scenery of hills, heather, and Atlantic views, with abundant birdlife and historical sites.
Trail Overview and Scenery
The Sheep's Head Way, originally 55 miles (88 km) but now officially 63 miles, attracts fewer hikers than the Kerry Way or Dingle Peninsula trail, providing a peaceful experience. The route begins and ends in Bantry, a harbour town with pubs and restaurants. Hikers encounter wildflowers, boggy paths, and panoramic views of Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay. The trail features high stiles, abandoned 1840s stone homesteads, and a 345-metre viewpoint called Finn McCool's Seat.
History and Community Effort
The trail was founded in the mid-1990s by local farmer James O'Mahony, now 82, and the late Tom Whitty. O'Mahony noted the challenge of securing permission from 265 landowners, as there is no crown land in Ireland. The trail aimed to revive old pathways, including funeral and mass paths. It took 18 months to complete and won a European Destination of Excellence Award in 2009. Landowners receive upkeep payments from the government, and a volunteer committee oversees the trail.
Walking Experience and Highlights
The walk is traditionally split into five or six days. On the first two days, hikers pass only sheep, with cuckoos, stonechats, and hooded crows. Day 3 features a trek to the lighthouse on the peninsula's furthest cliffs, with views of Mizen Head. The trail is well-signed with yellow markers. Historical gems include a Bronze Age stone circle and ruins of a bardic school, considered one of Europe's oldest universities by some accounts.
Accommodation and Logistics
Prearranged road transfers are needed for the first two days due to few settlements. Bantry offers many pubs, including Ma Murphys bar, which serves Murphy's stout. The village of Kilcrohane serves as a base for the third night. The final day's walk from Durrus back to Bantry is 11 miles. Ireland Walk Bike Hike offers seven-day self-guided packages from €885, including B&B, transfers, and luggage transfers.
Quote from Founder
James O'Mahony said, "We had 265 different landowners to speak to, all on the route. Some of the farmers couldn't believe their land might appeal to hikers. They'd say, 'Why would anyone want to walk my old hill?'" He added, "One of the aims was also to keep our old pathways alive. Lots of them were funeral paths, mass paths, church paths. That was very important."
