Kilcrohane to Durrus (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 starts off in Kilcrohane and passes through Ahakista, proceeding along quiet roads and hillside to Durrus. There are several historical sites along the way, Dromnea Bardic School, Dromnea Holy Well, Gorteanish Stone Circle, Brahalish Ring Forts, Coolnalong Castle, Ahagouna Bridge, Church of St James the Apostle (Durrus) and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church (Durrus).

As you pass through Ahakista, there are two pubs Arundels and the Tin Pub. The strand below the Tin Pub is a popular swimming location. In Durrus there is a shop called the Village Grocer and several pubs; Ross’, The Long Boat and Sullivan’s.

Western Main Trail Details

Distance18.4 km
GradeStrenuous
Estimated
Walking Time
6 hrs
Ascent378 m
Descent404 m
Min. Height2 m
Max. Height297 m

The Sheep’s Head Way starts out of the village and travels along the main road eastwards. You pass the Church on your left and the Old Creamery on your right. About 0.5km. along the road you will see the way marker indicating a path through fields to the right. A small track leads you down to the coast at Farranamanagh. The track continues on between the sea and Farranamanagh Lake until you cross a stone flag bridge. The path climbs uphill and away from the coast to meet with the main road again at Dromnea parking area.

Cross the road to follow the trail. The path turns to the right along the old road between Kilcrohane and Ahakista. Take the left turn to the Stone Circle then continue on until you meet the road at marker 459, turn right, downhill. The Sheep’s Head Way trail goes off the road to the left after 330 meters at marker 462.

The road leads into Ahakista, so if you wish to break your walk here continue to the road junction and take a right turn down hill to the next junction. Here turn left and walk a short distance to find the Ahakista Trailhead. Tthe path turns off the road at way marker 462. This route crosses varied terrain with open hillside, grassy fields, tracks and short road sections. It passes by a ring fort and a fortified manor house before it joins the road again to enter the village of Durrus.

To join this section from the Ahakista Trailhead follow the arrows, towards Kilcrohane. At the first road junction turn right (towards Ahakista Church) then almost immediately you will take the first road to the left. The Sheep’s Head Way trail goes off the road to the right at marker 462.

Follow the markers up the hill and then downwards to join a small roadway, keep to the track and marked route through farmland until you come to another road at marker 490. Cross the road to follow the trail and continue over open land. The trail heads up to a low ridge along an old track and passes two small lakes. It then meets with a small road at marker 512. Turn right to follow the road and turn right, off the road, across pasture and past Brahlish ring fort. Past the fort, the path heads for the corner of the field. It then turns to the left, goes through a gate into another field and joins the road again. Shortly after at marker 524 the path turns off to the left onto a track. crosses some fields and then joins the road again at 530.

At 532 the path leaves the road again and heads off across fields and at marker 536 there is a cillín – a little churchyard – hidden in trees just down a farm track. Turn right onto a track and follow it to where it joins the road at 553 Turn left onto the road and then, at 554 , leave the road again over a stone stile and continue on past the ruin of a Fortified House.

At the end of the tree-lined track, turn left onto the road at 560 and follow it down to St. James’ Church where you go through the church-yard and turn left onto the main road which you follow into Durrus. Durrus Trailhead is positioned at Philip’s Green community centre which is just at the top of the road opposite the village shop.