Kealkill to Bantry (East)
This stage of the Sheep’s Head Way (East) takes you from Kealkill back to Bantry town. The official route returns from Kealkill to Mealagh, and ascends Mullaghlesha but instead of returning to Castledonovan, it follows the Glanbanoo Linear Walk and then on to Bantry using the same path as the first stage.
In the map below we give another option, following quiet country roads from Kealkill to Bantry. This allows the Sheep’s Head Way (East) to be walked in a large loop. Using this version, you could plan to have extra time in Bantry and visit other attractions such as, a trip to Whiddy Island, a visit to the gardens on Garnish Island or a tour of Bantry House.
There are also many other activities, e.g. sailing, kayaking, horse riding.
This section is 11.6 km in length, and follows gentle sloping quiet country roads.
Interactive map
The Kealkill to Bantry section of the Sheep's Head Way is shown below as a solid yellow line. The main walk is yellow and dashed-black, and the loops and linear walks are different solid colours. The loop and linear walks start at major and minor trail heads, shown as walking person icons on the map. The map has many useful features and you can learn about them here.
Kealkill to Bantry Details
| Distance | 11.6 km |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Estimated Walking Time | 3 hrs |
| Ascent | 174 m |
| Descent | 201 m |
| Min. Height | 1 m |
| Max. Height | 107 m |
Kealkill to Bantry Description
From the car park by Carriganass Bridge, head east into the village and turn left back up past the church. Before the left turn to the stone circle, stay heading east. This road will take to almost the whole way to Bantry. The road joins the N71 and there is a footpath that will take you back to Bantry town. Along this stretch you pass Bantry Golf Club and Bantry Garden Centre.
Trail Marker
