Map
Details
| Start A | Cahergal |
|---|---|
| Finish B | Tooreen |
| Way Markers | 206-311 |
| Distance | 8km |
| Grade | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Colour Code |
Section 5 passes through several interesting historical areas, You start at Cahergal parking area and walk westwards via The Crimea, Gortavallig Copper Mines, past The Cove and onwards to the Lighthouse at the end of the Sheep’s Head peninsula.
A short distance along this section you pass through what is known as ‘The Crimea’, a small abandoned hamlet. The path winds around the ruined dwellings. One of the ruins has been restored.
At Post 220 the path descends towards a pond which was part of the local copper mine workings. There are several open (fenced) shafts here. The path then crosses a narrow rock ledge with a safety hand rail and wonderful cliff views.
Just before marker 222 is a ruined terrace of cottages that were occupied by the miners. The mine was worked between 1840-90.
The path climbs to the crest of the low ridge from where you look down to The Cove. Here there is a memorial to the author JG Farrell who tragically drowned here in 1979
Turn left and after a short distance along a track turn right at marker 235 and after another short distance you turn right to follow the roadway at marker 238 then follow the trail off road once more.
Follow the yellow arrows to the end of the peninsula and the lighthouse. To finish section 5 you continue on the trail, now heading east along the south side of the peninsula, until you reach Tooreen Trail head and Bernie’s “Cupán Tae”.
