Today we stroll along the harbor in Castletownbere before taking a short ferry ride to Bere Island for a spectacular day of island hiking on one Ireland’s best kept secrets. Strategically guarding the entrance to Bantry Bay, Bere Island’s rich heritage includes archaeological sites from the Bronze Age to Medieval times along with many reminders of its great importance in Ireland’s military history from the 16th century onwards. Boasting a mixture of splendid isolation and breathtaking coastal scenery, Bere Island has also been voted Ireland’s tidiest Island, with Islanders extending the warmest West Cork welcome to all visitors. We’ll hike to a lighthouse, have lunch at a signal tower, and follow old military tracks along the Beara Way before returning to the mainland where we can conveniently amble to a famous pub to celebrate the day or back to our comfy B&B. Overnight in Castletownbere. All meals included.
Hiking: 7-11 miles, 4-5 hours; Terrain: Waymarked walk over rolling hills, which can be boggy and disused military roads; some sections on quiet tarred roads.; All walks include 1.5 miles of quiet road walking from B&B to ferry and back.; Ex: Ardnakinna Lighthouse Loop short is 5.5 miles, 650′ ascent; Lighthouse Loop long is 8.7 miles, 1050′ ascent. No driving.