sports
I see nothing but hills, ridges and sea: a breathtaking five-day walk around Ireland’s south-westernmost headland
The creators of County Cork’s Sheep’s Head Way had to win over hundreds of landowners to complete the ambitious project, but the result is a gloriously unspoilt trail
TL;DR
- The Sheep's Head Way is a 55-mile (88km) long-distance trail on the Sheep's Head peninsula in County Cork, Ireland.
- The trail was created by the local community 30 years ago and takes approximately five days to complete.
- It features dramatic scenery, including heathery hills, coastal cliffs, and views of Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay.
- The route is known for its relative lack of crowds, abundant wildlife (skylarks, swallows, gannets), and historical sites like Finn McCool's Seat and ancient homesteads.
- Establishing the trail required extensive negotiation with 265 landowners and aimed to promote the peninsula's charms while benefiting local communities.
- The trail has received recognition, including a European Destination of Excellence Award, and is maintained through government funding and a volunteer committee.
- The experience includes charming villages like Bantry and Kilcrohane, local pubs, and opportunities to learn about the region's folklore and history.