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Sheep's Head Way

A peaceful, unspoilt peninsula, home of the Sheep’s Head Way walking route, which has some of Ireland's most beautiful scenery.

Home > Plan Your Visit > Local Interest

Local Interest

Towns, Villages & Amenities

Within the Sheep’s Head Way area there are several villages with Bantry being the main town. Not all villages have a full range of services so be sure to plan in advance. For details of local services and accommodation in each area please see the listings directory and latest news for events.

Bantry

This famous sea port and market town, with a population of around 2,750, provides a full range of services to the locality. Plenty of small shops, cafes, restaurants, food outlets and a choice of supermarkets all offer local produce, as well as the usual favourites and necessities. For entertainment it has a cinema, night club, bars, live music etc. Banking facilities, car repairs, fuel and most everyday requirements are available here. It also has a hospital with A&E, medical centres, Garda & fire stations.

Drimoleague

Drimoleague is a village with a population of around 450 and offers a good range of small shops, post office, pharmacy, supermarket, petrol & diesel, bars and food outlets.

Durrus

Durrus, with a population of around 300, is the village known as the “Gateway” to the Sheep’s Head and Mizen peninsulas. There is a general food store, post office, cafe and bars serving food.

Ahakista

Ahakista is a tiny village with a small population but a big popularity.It’s situated on the south side of the Sheep’s Head peninsula between Durrus and KIlcrohane. Internationally renown for the annual festival in August it can be a lively place despite it’s small size. It has an all year round bar with a seasonal restaurant. There is also a second seasonal bar and a cafe with gardens. Hidden away down a footpath is a small sandy beach.

Kilcrohane

Kilcrohane, with a population of around 130 is the village furthest west on the Sheep’s Head peninsula. Here you will find the office and HQ for the Sheep’s Head Way. Two bars are open all year with regular live music. It has a general store, coffee bar, pumps and post office combined which also sells petrol/diesel. Also open all year is Market shop, selling locally grown food and hand made crafts all from the locality. Both bars and the Old Creamery Cafe serve meals and snacks during the holiday season.

Tooreen

Tooreen, at the end of the road westwards towards the the Sheep’s Head lighthouse, can’t be described as a village or even a hamlet of any kind, but it does boast a cafe and public toilet facilities in the holiday season. This is the famous Bernie’s Cupán Tae where the weary walker can refresh with home made scones and hot tea.

Kealkill

Kealkill is located to the North East of Bantry within the Eastern section of the Sheep’s Head Way area. Here you will find a village store with post office.

Things to Do

Please see our directory and events listings for details.

On the Water

Fishing

Swimming

Boats & Kayaks

On the Land

Guided Walks

Bicycle Hire

Pony Trekking

Wet Weather Days

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Maps & GPS

Maps & GPS

News & Updates

The Sheep’s Head Way is closed to the public on Sunday 31st January 2021

As usual each year, the Sheep’s Head Way is closed on 31 January, unless the expressed wishes of the Landowner states otherwise. This has become a customary practice which enables the landowner to grant permission for the public to access their land throughout the remaining year without risk of any public right of way being established. We hope you will respect this necessary inconvenience.

Mount Corrin loop

Due to storm damage, the forestry section of the Mount Corrin loop walk will remain closed until further notice.

In Case of Emergency

Emergency Services

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