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.
