Walk in Ireland – The One With The Most Dramatic Entrance

Walk in Ireland – The One With The Most Dramatic Entrance

If you want to take a breather in Ireland and to get away from it all, then a walk on Dursey Island is definitely the place to go, especially as its the one walk in Ireland with the most dramatic entrance.

The Beara Peninsula in County Cork has often been called the treasure of Ireland’s South West coastline, with its raw and rugged shoreline and breath taking scenery.

The Dursey Island Loop

At the tip of the Beara Peninsula, the Dursey Island Loop is a very memorable walk, as in order to cross the narrow channel separating Dursey Island from the mainland you must climb aboard the only cable car on the Emerald Isle. The small cable car carries just 6 people across the 250 metre channel giving a unique introduction to this atmospheric island.

The scenic walk around the island is equally impressive. The entire route is signed as an off-shoot of the 206 km Beara Way. Begin your walk by following the island’s only lane way to its western end and return with a climb over the hill top back to the cable car stop. There are stunning coastal views throughout this walk.  The views from the Dursey include Scariff and Deenish islands, the mountains of Iveragh, Skellig Michael and to the south Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head.

The island has very few inhabitants. However dolphins, whales, seals and otters are regular visitors to the surrounding waters of Dursey Island. There are no shops, pubs or restaurants on Dursey Island – thus offering visitors a unique, peaceful experience of undisturbed tranquility. Standing stones, holy wells, ancient monasteries, the Signal Tower and the O’Sullivan Bere’s family tomb stand as a testimony to the island’s past.

Level:

Moderate Walk with 300m ascent. There are signed mountain footpaths and country lanes.

Distance/Duration: 

12km/7.45 miles. The walk takes approximately 3.5 hours to 4.5 hours.

Start & Finish at:

Dursey Island Cable Car Station – See the cable car timetable here.

How to get there:

The Dursey Island Cable Car is located at the end of the road at the southern tip of the Beara Peninsula.

Walking Check- List

Don’t forget to bring cash for the cable car fare: Adult: 10 Euro (return); Child: 5 Euro (return). Payment is by cash only. No cards.

Check the weather and pack smart – Have a fully charged phone; Water; Snacks; Wear layers of appropriate clothing, waterproof jacket and  correct footwear/hiking boots.

Leave word with someone about where you are going and approximately what time you expect to be back.

Never leave any items or valuables visible inside your parked vehicle.

Refuel 

Back on the mainland, O’Neill’s Bar & Restaurant in Allihies is the perfect place to relax and take a break after your energetic walk on Dursey Island.  The famous bright red pub on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, offers a warm atmosphere, delicious local food and a great welcome to locals and visitors alike.

Suggested walking guide book

The Beara & Sheep’s Head Peninsula Walking Guide by Adrian Hendroff.

For a warm up before your walk on Dursey Island have a look at the following video – Wild Atlantic Way – Dursey Island, Beara Peninsula by Adrian Hendroff

Dursey Island Boat Trips

To view the island from a different angle take a boat trip with Dursey Island Boat Trips.

Emergency:

Phone 999 or 112 and advise the emergency crew whether you need an Ambulance, the Gardaí (police), Fire Brigade or Mountain Rescue.

The Dursey Island Walk “Leave No Trace” principles are:

1. Plan ahead and Prepare
2. Be Considerate of Others
3. Respect all Animals and Wildlife
4. Travel on Durable Ground
5. Leave What You Find
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
7. Minimize the effects of fire.

Remember:

Minimize your impact on the environment. Leave nothing but footprints & take nothing but photographs.

Why not make a break for it? 

Experience an unforgettable vacation in Ireland with guided or self-guided walking tours, cycling tours, horse riding, surfing, sea kayaking and much more. Have a look at some of our private chauffeur vacations for some vacation inspiration. We can customize any of our Ireland Tours to make your own adventure and include your chosen activities. Whatever you decide to do is entirely up to you. You just have to pack your bags and “make a break for it” –

To take a well deserved breather in Ireland contact Specialized Travel Services

by completing the Contact form or by email to newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of the Dursey Island Cable Car in County Cork – Photographer: Arthur Ward © Tourism Ireland