Page 48 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

46 BACK ROADS IRELAND

w Sheep’s Head Peninsula
At the start of the drive out to the end of Sheep’s Head from Durrus,
the road runs through Ahakista, which has a peaceful waterside
memorial to those who died in the Air India disaster of 1985. From
Kilcrohane onwards, the road narrows and becomes more scenic,
with stone walls, heather, craggy hills and breathtaking views left to
Three Castle Head and the Mizen Peninsula, and right over to the
Beara Peninsula. On the way, there are lots of little side turnings and
stopping-off points to explore the lakes, churches, beaches, holy
wells, burial grounds and secluded coves. Follow any of the brown
signs. The road ends at the Tooreen Turning Table, where there is a
car park and a Visitor Centre with a small café. From here, there is a
Above Traditional shop front in Kilcrohane on marked, circular walking trail out to the Sheep’s Head lighthouse on
Sheep’s Head Peninsula the point and back. If the keeper is there, it may be possible to see
inside the lighthouse.
VISITING BANTRY
Tourist Information A two-hour walking tour across a helicopter pad. The views
The old courthouse, The Square, Bantry;
027 50229; www.discoverireland.ie/cork This walk is a small part of the from here over the sea and over
Sheep’s Head Way, a stunning long- to Mizen Head are breathtaking,
Parking distance walk which runs around the and whales and dolphins can often
Parking in the town centre is free but
limited to 2 hours. Unlimited parking is entire peninsula. The walk goes be spotted, especially between July
towards the sea end of the square. around the very tip of the peninsula and September.
to the lighthouse, with spectacular At this point, follow the steps
panoramas of the neighbouring down to reach the lighthouse 3
WHERE TO STAY
peninsulas along the way. at the tip of the headland. On the
Information is available from return from the lighthouse, halfway
SHEEP’S HEAD PENINSULA Bernie’s Café 1, but the path is up the steps, go around to the left-
Blairscove House marked all the way along with hand side of the green container and
inexpensive–moderate
Dating from 1760, this relaxed country blue arrows, and the signposts are follow the path, which leads to the
house is surrounded by lush gardens. made from local stone or Irish oak, northern side of the Sheep’s Head
It offers B&B, self-catering cottages and in keeping with the beauty of peninsula. The path passes along
apartments, and has an atmospheric the surroundings. a scenic route, but the first part can
restaurant in a converted stable.
Durrus (located 2.5 km/1.5 miles south The trail passes rocky outcrops be boggy, with a slightly uneven
of Durrus on R591 to Golleen); 027 until it reaches Lough Akeen 2. The surface. Upon reaching the top, the
61127; www.blairscove.ie easiest and safest way to cross the path runs close to the cliff edge and
lough is via the wooden boardwalk could be dangerous, so extreme care
BANTRY to the right, but it can be skirted is needed along this stretch of the
Bantry House moderate along the cliff edge as well. The path route. There are spectacular views
Staying in this historic stately home
(see p47) is a treasured experience. then goes up a rocky incline and over to the Beara Peninsula as well
There are just six rooms, all in the east
wing overlooking the splendid gardens.
Bantry Bay; 027 50047; www.bantry 0 metres 500
house.com; open Easter–Oct
AROUND BANTRY 0 yards 500
Ballylickey Manor House moderate
This lovely house, 5 km (3 miles) from
Bantry on N71 to Glengarriff, is set in Cliffs
its own grounds with beautiful Bernie's
gardens and views over Bantry Bay. Cafe
027 50071; www.ballylickeymanor
house.com; open Apr–Sep Lough
Akeen
GLENGARRIFF
Glengarriff Park Hotel
inexpensive–moderate Lighthouse
Comfortable, modern hotel at the
start of the Beara Peninsula, with a
warming bar too.
The Village, Glengarriff; 027 63000;
www.glengarriffpark.com
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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