The Ring of Beara

The Ring of Beara (Beara Ring in English) is a tourist circuit that will let you discover the best of the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, Ireland. It is a 195km route that winds between lakes, forests, and mountains, while following the coastline with its beaches and bays. A circuit to do by bus or car!

Discover the Ring of Beara

From Kenmare to Ardgroom (Co. Kerry)

The Healy Pass – © Luis

Kenmare opens the route on the N71, immediately offering a succession of bays and coves bathed in exceptional colors. Rolling plains and rocky cliffs plunge into the deep blue ocean.

A marvel.

Also note the possibility to see throughout these landscapes the very beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, located not far from Kenmare. There are many designated areas along the road to make stops, stretch your legs, and admire the view (maybe take some photos?).

Follow the road to Lauragh, leave the town, then take the Healy Pass, a narrow road winding for 11km that allows you to reach a summit at no less than 334 meters high.

At the top, the view is simply magnificent, offering a splendid panorama over Glanmore Lake, the valley dotted with abandoned stone walls, and the surrounding mountains. To say it right away: this is one of the most beautiful views of the entire Beara Peninsula! Not to be missed under any circumstances!

Once descended, follow the direction of Ardgroom. This road will take you along many forests sheltering fabulous coves and bays, barely visible. The colors are once again splendid, and we recommend stepping onto their clear sandy beaches: the beauty of the landscape is truly worth the detour! It is at this precise moment that you leave County Kerry and enter County Cork…
From Coulagh Bay to Glengarriff (Co. Cork) Caha Pass Road – © Luis

Destination: County Cork! We are now on an ascending road that will take you through the Slieve Mishkish Mountains towards Allihies. Once descended, you will find yourself in Allihies and can follow the magnificent Garinish Bay. The view is breathtaking and worthy of the most beautiful postcards sold all over Ireland.

Now take the R572 towards Dursey Island, a small island accessible by a paid cable car (average cost €4). If you wish to set foot there, know that there is a superb 11km loop circuit allowing you to tour the island.

Once your visit is over, get back in your car and follow the direction of Castletownbere, a picturesque village mainly living from fishing. The pubs are pleasant for a drink, and the small fishing port is absolutely charming: some fishermen are untangling their nets while other large boats leave the port heading offshore to enjoy the prolific waters of the Atlantic.

If you go a little further than Castletownbere, you will reach Bantry Bay, the peninsula’s stopping point. Again, the view is splendid and will let you discover breathtaking landscapes and colors.

The peninsula circuit forms a loop, so you can then head back in the other direction towards the destination of your choice.