Bere Island

Ardnakinna Lighthouse Loop

The Beara Peninsula is undoubtedly the most rugged of the five mighty headlands that thrust into the Atlantic on Ireland’s Southwest corner. Inland, the landscape is dominated by Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountains, but the picturesque fishing villages dotted along the shoreline are where it all happens. A magnet for walkers, the 196km Beara Way takes around eight days to complete, however, take time to discover the delights of an offshoot of the main route with a trip to the sublime Bere Island via ferry from Castletownbere. With two looped routes ( details below ) on offer from the east or west side of the island, the adventurous amongst you could combine the two in a figure of eight, taking around eight hours from start to finish.



Web

www.bearatourism.com

Web

www.discoverireland.ie/southwest

Key Facts and Information

Ascent

WEST ISLAND LOOP: 248m
RERRIN LOOP: 95m

Distance

WEST ISLAND LOOP: 10km
RERRIN LOOP: 6km

Estimated Time

WEST ISLAND LOOP: 4-5hrs
RERRIN LOOP: 2-3hrs

Grade

WEST ISLAND LOOP: moderate-difficult
RERRIN LOOP: easy-moderate

West Island Loop

Catch the ferry from Castletownbere to the western part of the island. The 10km route from the pier takes around four to five hours to complete and leads you on a series of tracks, lanes and pathways past the main landmarks of the area. Take in the stunning coastal views as you ascend the 258m hill that forms the spine of the island. It’s a gradual climb, but you will be rewarded by 360º panoramic views over Bantry Bay and the Beara and Sheep’s Head Peninsulas. Check out the striking white tower of the Ardnakinna Lighthouse, which is characterised to mariners by its distinctive two white and red flashes every 10 seconds. Follow the route downhill again until you reach the starting point at the pier.

Rerrin Loop

Catch the ferry from Castletownbere to the village of Rerrin on the east side of the island. The 6km route passes several sites of historical importance, including two of the four Martello Towers originally built to defend against an attack from Napolean in 1796. Moving on, you will also spot more recent military sites, including seven gun batteries, stemming from the island’s position as a military outpost during British rule. Along the route, older archaeological Bronze Age sites are clearly marked with interpretive panels for your reference. The signposted path will guide you back to Rerrin where you can enjoy the wonderfully atmospheric pubs and restaurants dotted around the village.

Start and Finish

WEST ISLAND LOOP: Western pier via Castletownbere ferry
RERRIN LOOP: Rerrin quay via Pontoon ferry

Terrain

WEST ISLAND LOOP: lanes, tracks and footpaths
RERRIN LOOP: firm tracks

Take me to the Island

Ferry service between Castletownbere and Bere Island.
Bere Island Ferries
+353(0)2775009

The licensed car / passenger ferry " Ikom K " operates a daily car ferry service from the Pontoon to Bere Island, which is located off Castletownbere in Bantry Bay in the south west corner of Ireland.
Murphy's Ferry Service
+353 (0)27 75014