Gallery Snaps

The Beara Way Day Tour

Your chauffeur will escort you with care and in comfort on this 9 - hour day tour during which you'll soon discover why this particular one has become a firm favourite with guests. From the scenic splendor of beautiful wide open bays to the rugged mountains and sweeping valleys, this is a feast of natural beauty. And you see several hints of old Ireland as you witness some traditional Irish crafts being made, by hand. Add to this the ferry over to a magnificent island of exquisite beauty and you soon see why this truly is a popular tour, and why bringing a camera is essential.

Our Pictures-in-Words Route

With your senses ready to be stimulated by the prospects of the day ahead, your experienced chauffeur will calmly leave your hotel and passing through undulating pastures and hills will bring you to the Beara peninsula; one of the largest in the whole of Ireland stretching some 48 kms. It starts as we enter the picturesque town of Kenmare. It has historical links dating back more than three centuries and still reflects a bygone era. Kenmare and the surrounding area are steeped in tradition and the home to many traditional Irish crafts including weaving and pottery all of which you'll see.

Along the way you will pass through Eyeries which is the home to many archaeological artifacts of considerable historic interest, such as stone forts and Ogham pillars. These are unique and each has their own place in our history.

Allihies, nested in Ballydonegan Bay, is soon reached. You see unspoilt natural beauty here, and how glacial and volcanic activities formed this rugged and beautiful landscape, yet centuries ago, the mineral deposits here were mined by local residents.

With the Knockgour Mountains as our backdrop, we head for Castletownbere. It's major fishing port and boasts having the second largest natural harbour in the world. In history, battles raged in and around here, but for us, we remain enchanted by the peace and tranquility of this region. Look round and enjoy a delicious lunch here.

Duly refreshed, we ease along the peninsula and arrive in Glenngarriff. It is enclosed by rugged mountains and unusual rough terrain with numerous trees and shrubs that flourish in this warm southern climate. Words cannot truly describe the pure magnificence and scale of this natural area - it simply has to be experienced.

Garnish Island beckons. In a matter of minutes on the ferry you're in the different world - that of an Italian garden with its Martello Tower - the gardens are the result of a life-times' labour of love for its former own. Nearby, we also see the world famous island hermitage of St. Finbarr, a 7th century Irish hermit and founder of Cork. You'll see the lake that is reached by a causeway, too. Ruins of the cells and the charming oratory still remain; this is indeed a special place in Irish history.

We now turn and head for your hotel passing through seemingly unending mountains and open valleys to arrive at your hotel where you can prepare to have another kind of feast - this time its dinner. Enjoy!

The Beara Way is unique - it's unusual and so memorable. Only seeing these vistas and walking these lands can its rich history be felt deep inside. It is a truly special place on earth.

Summary

Heading for the Beara Peninsula, we pass through Kenmare, Allihies, Castletownbere and Glenngarriff. Crossing to Garnish Island you see the Italian gardens and the Martello Tower, and the Island where St Finbarr resided and its associated historic buildings. Our route to your hotel brings us through hills and valleys that nature has created for your absolute pleasure. Your dinner will be prepared and served shortly.