The Sheep’s Head Way Ireland
- Fitness Level : Moderate
- Suitable for: All age groups
- Group: 16 persons max.
- Duration : Varies by selection
What the Sheep’s Head Way trail in Ireland entails:
The Sheep’s Head Way is a stunning 93-kilometre trail on Ireland’s Sheep’s Head Peninsula, known for its peaceful landscapes and breathtaking coastal views. This self-guided route with Hilltoptreks allows walkers to explore one of Ireland’s hidden gems, a region untouched by crowds and rich in natural beauty. The trail offers a unique combination of coastal paths, rolling hills, and rugged cliffs, providing ever-changing scenery and a true sense of tranquility.
The route is ideal for walkers of moderate fitness, with well-marked paths and manageable daily distances, making it suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. Highlights along the way include sweeping views of Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay, as well as the picturesque Sheep’s Head Lighthouse. As you walk, you’ll also pass through charming villages like Kilcrohane and Ahakista, where you can experience local hospitality and traditional Irish culture.
Hilltoptreks ensures a seamless hiking experience by arranging comfortable accommodations at welcoming B&Bs and guesthouses each night. With luggage transfers provided, you can hike with just a light daypack, free to enjoy the scenery without carrying heavy bags. Detailed maps and route notes help guide you along the best paths, so you can walk at your own pace while taking in all the area has to offer.
Walking the Sheep’s Head Way is a journey into a quieter, more secluded side of Ireland, where rugged beauty meets warm community spirit. This trail offers a peaceful and immersive way to experience the west of Ireland, with panoramic views, fresh sea air, and an authentic connection to the land and its people.
- Bantry
- Glanlough
- Cahergal
- Kilcrohane
- Durrus
- Dursey Sound
- small coastal villages
(The distances below may vary slightly due to accommodation locations.)
- Day 1: Arrive in Bantry.
- Day 2: Bantry – Glanlough 17Km
- Day 3: Glanlough – Cahergal 19Km
- Day 4: Cahergal – Kilcrohane.
- Day 5: Kilcrohane – Durrus 20Km
- Day 6: Durrus – Bantry 16Km
- Day 7: Bantry
- Day 1: Arrive in Bantry.
- Day 2: Bantry – Glanlough 17Km
- Day 3: Glanlough – Cahergal 19Km
- Day 4: Cahergal – Kilcrohane.
- Day 5: Kilcrohane Rest Day
- Day 6: Kilcrohane – Durrus 20Km
- Day 7: Durrus – Bantry 16Km
- Day 8: Bantry
Here’s a quick list of essentials to bring for a self-guided walk in Ireland:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers – Irish weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain.
- Comfortable, sturdy walking boots – Trails can be uneven and wet, so good grip and support are essential.
- Map and Trail notes (we provide these for you).
- Layers of clothing – Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures, with a warm layer like a fleece.
- Hat and gloves – Even in summer, it can get chilly on higher ground or in the wind.
- Backpack – A small, comfortable backpack for carrying essentials.
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes.
- Snacks or packed lunch – Some hikes may not have food stops along the way.
- Sun protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be strong even on cooler days.
- Camera or phone – Capture the stunning landscapes!
- Personal medication – If needed, bring any essential medications.
A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking.
The balance of the cost of your tour / walk is due not less than 6 weeks prior to scheduled departure.
If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.
- Friendly and family run guest Houses and B+Bs (Irish Tourism Board Approved)
- Breakfasts each morning with a wide selection to choose from.
- Detailed maps, Water Proof Map Cover
- Sheep’s Head Way Book with interesting facts of areas visited and route descriptions.
- Luggage Transfer each day.
- Phone support along the way. (Accommodations and pickup numbers)
- All Information on public transport required will be given.
- Extra accommodation before and after your trip.
- Pickup from Cork / Kerry Airports.
- We choose the accommodation very carefully, a mix of quality B&Bs and Guest Houses.
- There is Free WiFi in all the accommodations we use.
- All the rooms are en-suite.
- The accommodation we use are well used to us bringing them guests after a day’s walk and know that they somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
- Loss of deposit applies for cancellations made 6 weeks or more in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 40% applies for cancellations made less than 41 days in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 80% applies for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance, or in case of no-show.
Ticket Price
7Day €765pps Single supplement: + €360 |
8 Day €875pps Single supplement: + €420 |
Select number of days while booking. Secure your Booking Now with Just 10% Deposit. Private tours for groups are available upon request. |
Pickup:
Pickup from Cork / Kerry Airports. |
Got a Question?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
17 Dodder Lawn, Dodder Valley Park, Firhouse Dublin 24, Ireland
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FAQs
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Yes, this is part of the service and your luggage is transferred each day and will be at your next accommodation before your arrival. So, you can shower and freshen up quickly after arriving
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All the information to get you to the start of your walk will be given to you, ie, bus times, train times etc. We can also organise a transfer for you from Airports or accommodations.
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The terrain of this walk is from forest tracks, to open hillside, old roads, country lanes and Irish Bog. The walks are generally of a moderate level with approx. 15 – 20Km per day walk. It is possible to have your day shortened by letting us know and we can organise transfers to shorten the walk for you
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We use a mix of Guesthouses on these Self-Guided Walks as we believe they give you a more personal service and many of them will provide you with a packed lunch and a hearty breakfast before you start your day. They are also locals to the area and know the best places for music, food and drink.
- We choose our accommodation very carefully and have known the owners for many years now and have built up a close relationship with them
- We can depend on these accommodations to give you the best service and assistance with any queries you may have.
- The accommodation providers are well used to guests arriving after a day’s walk and know that they want somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
- They are all fully qualified and recognised accommodations with Tourism Ireland
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In many of the towns along the way, there is a choice of restaurant or Pub (Pub cuisine in Ireland is fantastic now with a wide variety of food at a high quality in most).
- Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals, breads etc.
- Lunches for the walks: Some of the accommodations may provide a packed lunch for you. If not, they will let you know of a close by Deli or shop where you can have one made up the way you would like it.
- Evening Meals In most towns there are restaurants and Pubs, Wicklow Lamb is famous throughout the world for its quality.
- Dietary requests such as Vegetarians or Gluten free can be catered for with prior notice, although many locations in Ireland are well used to specific foods.