Beara Peninsula

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Mountain road near Healy Pass, Cork, Ireland

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Overview

After Kerry and Dingle, the Beara Peninsula is the third major 'ring' (circular driving route) in Ireland's southwest. Its intricate coast and sharp-featured mountains are a geologist's paradise of exposed and contorted rock strata, making for dramatic scenery at almost every turn.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Ilnacullin

Beara Peninsula

This horticultural miracle of an island was created in the early 20th century when the island's owner commissioned architect Harold Peto to design a…

Dunboy Castle

Beara Peninsula

The ruins of this 15th-century castle, a former stronghold of the O'Sullivan Beare clan, sit on a promontory overlooking the southern entrance to the…

Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve

Beara Peninsula

The valley of the Glengarriff River, to the northwest of Glengarriff village, was once the private estate of the Earl of Bantry. As such its ancient oak…

Bere Island

Beara Peninsula

Only 12km by 7km, Bere Island has around 200 permanent residents and attracts scores more to summer holiday homes. There are ruined Martello towers,…

Ewe Experience

Beara Peninsula

More than 20 years in the making, this interactive sculpture garden is imaginative, thought-provoking and humorous, with nature and art working together…

Milleens Cheese

Beara Peninsula

The town of Eyeries is home to Milleens cheese, first created by the late pioneering producer Veronica Steele. Visitors are welcome to visit the Steele…

Gleninchaquin Park

Beara Peninsula

This working sheep farm offers a whole range of things to do, from waymarked history and geology walks to trout fishing and feeding the lambs (in spring),…

Derreen Gardens

Beara Peninsula

Derreen Gardens were planted by the fifth Lord Lansdowne around the turn of the 20th century. Mossy paths weave through an abundance of interesting plants…

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