West Cork · Ireland
The Sheep's Head Way
The 88km loop around West Cork's Sheep's Head Peninsula — quiet, uncrowded, EDEN-status European trail with an 18th-century lighthouse at the tip.
Updated August 23, 2026
This is the alternative to the Beara Way if you want the same peninsula geography with a tenth of the walkers. Awarded European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) status in 2009 for sustainable rural tourism. The lighthouse at the peninsula's westernmost tip is the money-shot day.
Best months: April-October
Trailhead / base town: Bantry
Nearest airport: ORK
Waymarked: Yes — signposted route
Waypoint map — 6 points
Topographic base map + trail polyline. Click each waypoint for the trail-note.
Elevation profile
Estimated — download the GPX for definitive elevation data on device.
1120m
Peak gain
Profile is an approximation from the trail's published ascent metres + typical mountain-profile shape. Real per-metre elevation available in the GPX download opened on Garmin, Gaia, Komoot, or Apple Watch.
Community reviews
Real hikers, real dates, real conditions. No premium tier — no AllTrails-style paywall.
Loading reviews…
Trail waypoints in order
- 1
Bantry (Start)
- 2
Kilcrohane
Overnight stop, day 2
- 3
Sheep's Head Lighthouse (peninsula tip)
Money-shot day
- 4
Dunbeacon
- 5
Durrus
Cheese town — Durrus Farmhouse Cheese produced here
- 6
Bantry (Finish)
Getting out of Bantry (ORK)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.The Sheep's Head Way — frequently asked
How long does the The Sheep's Head Way take to complete?
4-5 days for the full 88km (1400m total ascent). Difficulty grade: moderate.
Is the The Sheep's Head Way waymarked?
Yes — waymarked with yellow arrow + walking-man signs at every junction. You do not need a topo map to complete it, but bring one anyway for weather-diversion decisions.
When is the best time of year for the The Sheep's Head Way?
April-October. Outside these months conditions can turn technical (mud, mist, short daylight) and the value-per-effort drops sharply.
Where should I base myself for the The Sheep's Head Way?
Bantry — the trailhead is here and it's the natural place to sleep before + after. Fly into ORK, pre-book airport transfer, and pick a base hotel with parking if you're doing multiple sections.
Do I need a permit for the The Sheep's Head Way?
No permit required — the trail crosses public land, National Parks land, or is a formally waymarked national trail with open access. Respect any farm-stile signs and leave gates as you found them.