Things to do in Beara Peninsula
Discover the best attractions and experiences Beara Peninsula has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the peninsula’s cliff-framed ruins and coastal fortifications that tell the story of Beara’s past.
Castle Donovan
Ruined 16th-century castle perched above the Beara coast, a dramatic reminder of the peninsula’s medieval history.
Dursey Island Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse at the western tip of Beara with sweeping sea views and a glimpse into maritime life.
Garnish Fort (Garnish Island)
Coastal fortifications on Garnish Island reflecting military history from the 18th–19th centuries.
Museums
Delve into Beara’s mining heritage, local culture, and geological wonders at these small but informative stops.
Allihies Copper Museum
Exhibits on the area’s copper mining history and local craft traditions.
Beara Heritage Centre
Local history displays recount Beara’s geology, mining and community stories.
Copper Coast Geopark
Geological and cultural insights into the Copper Coast and Beara region.
Religious Monuments
Historic churches and sacred sites dot Beara’s coastal villages, adding culture and calm to your itinerary.
St. Patrick's Church, Allihies
A 19th-century parish church known for its hillside setting above Allihies.
St. Mary's Church, Castletownbere
Historic church serving the local community with traditional Irish architecture.
National & Theme Parks
Beara is famous for its dramatic landscapes and protected natural areas.
Gougane Barra Forest Park
Scenic forest park with a tranquil lake and hiking trails set in West Cork.
Glengarriff Nature Reserve
Lush woodlands and coastal scenery just beyond Beara’s hills, ideal for nature walks.
Copper Coast Geopark
Geological and cultural landscape spanning the Beara-Cork coast with educational viewpoints.
Neighborhoods
Discover the characterful villages and ports that give Beara its unique flair.
Allihies
A cliffside village famed for its copper mining heritage and colorful streets.
Eyeries
Vibrant, windy village known for its bright yellow and red houses along the coast.
Castletownbere
Beara’s largest fishing port, with a lively harbor and seafood scene.
Dursey Island
Remote island connected by a historic cable car, offering rugged scenery and wildlife.
Free Things to Do
Many of Beara’s greatest pleasures are free or low-cost, from scenic walks to coastal drives.
Beara Way segment hike
Tackle a scenic section of the long-distance Beara Way and soak in the coastal views.
Ring of Beara drive viewpoints
Take a relaxing drive around the Ring of Beara and stop at viewpoints over the Atlantic.
Allihies Beach strolls
Walk along local beaches and rocky shores, keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Gastronomy
Seafood, local produce and cozy café bites highlight Beara’s food scene.
Seafood chowder, Castletownbere
Freshly prepared chowder featuring local catches from the harbor.
Traditional pub meals, Allihies
Classic Irish pub fare made with regional ingredients.
Café treats, Eyeries
Welcoming cafés offering coffee, scones and simple Irish fare.
Nightlife
In Beara you’ll find cozy pubs with traditional music and a friendly atmosphere.
Live music at Castletownbere pubs
Evening sessions with local musicians in harbor-front pubs.
Pubs in Allihies
Casual evenings with folk tunes and local stories.
Music nights in Eyeries
Low-key venues offering traditional Irish music on select nights.
Entertainment
Accessible day trips and scenic experiences add variety to your Beara itinerary.
Dursey Island Cable Car ride
A dramatic crossing to Dursey Island with rugged coastlines.
Boat trips from Castletownbere
Short trips to nearby coastal scenery and wildlife watching.
Garnish Island day visit
Garden walks and coastal views on a small, scenic island.
Sports
Active travelers can enjoy hiking, cycling and water activities around Beara.
Hiking Beara Way
Long-distance trail with sea views, moody cliffs and rural scenery.
Cycling the Ring of Beara
A popular cycling route with challenging climbs and coastal vistas.
Kayaking the Beara coast
Sea kayaking along sheltered coves and sea arches.
Off the Track
Hidden gems for those who want to stray from the usual routes.
Garnish Island gardens
Lush, well-tended gardens with maritime views—ideal for a peaceful wander.
Allihies copper mining trail
Follow the old mine routes and learn about the region’s copper legacy.
Dursey Island nature exploration
Visit on a clear day for wildlife and dramatic sea cliffs away from crowds.