Bantry to Glanlough (West)
The Sheep’s Head Way (West) starts in Bantry town, then travels the north side of the peninsula to Sheep’s Head lighthouse, returning to Bantry from the south side.
This section goes from Bantry to Glanlough, starting off in Bantry and proceeding along quiet roads and countryside before ascending to Boolteenagh. From there it travels the ridgeline to Glanlough.
This section is 14.2 km in length, with a steep climb from sea level to Boolteenagh at a height of 233 m. The terrain on the ridgeline is boggy and rocky, and requires adequate hill walking gear.
The starting point is just off Wolfe Tone Square in Bantry town on the N71. At the start of the quay is the Sheep’s Head Way information board and map, which is also across the road from the Eastern Gatehouse of Bantry House.
Interactive map
The Bantry to Glanlough 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.
Bantry to Glanlough Details
| Distance | 14.2 km |
| Grade | Strenuous |
| Estimated Walking Time | 4.75 hrs |
| Ascent | 432 m |
| Descent | 374 m |
| Min. Height | 0 m |
| Max. Height | 233 m |
Bantry to Glanlough Description
Follow the N71 pass Bantry Pier. Near the sailing club you see the arrows indicating a turn left into the grounds of the West Lodge Hotel. Follow the path past the ponds and up through the grounds and exit by the main entrance in front of the hotel car park. Cross the busy main road, take the first turn on the right signed ‘Dromclogh’. Follow the yellow markers westwards along small lanes and tracks. They will lead you up to the ridge at Booltenagh.
At Booltenagh car park, a track turns off from the road to follow the ridge westwards with views to both sides over Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay.
Along this section are several cairns constructed when the first Ordnance Survey maps were being drawn in the early nineteenth century.
If you want to visit the prehistoric hut site, follow the fence to the right before crossing the stile. The site can also be seen below way markers 40-41 as you walk.
At marker 48, the path crosses a track that connects Clashadoo and Rooska.
Between marker 60 and 61, you’ll pass an Ordnance Survey ‘triangulation point’. This concrete pillar marks the hill’s high point at 224 metres.
This section of the Sheep’s Head Way ends at the parking area in Glanlough.
Trail Marker
