Durrus to Barnageehy (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.

The stage of the Sheep’s Head Way heads south from Durrus to Dunbeacon Church, before climbing Mount Corrin and on to Barnageehy car park. There are three different ways to go from Durrus to Barnageehy, with this version being the longest at 20km. The other two options head east from Durrus and are about 10km each.

The terrain ranges from quiet country roads, to high hill, pasture and forestry.

There are several historical sites along the way, Dunbeacon Stone Circle, Coolcoulaghta Stone Row, Péicín na gCloch and Booley Huts and Derreenalomane Barytes Mine Cable Car Structure (unfortunately almost nothing remains of this).

Durrus to Barnageehy Details

Distance20 km
GradeStrenuous
Estimated
Walking Time
7 hrs
Ascent780 m
Descent571 m
Min. Height6 m
Max. Height295 m

Durrus to Barnageehy Description

The version shown on the map above starts in Durrus and heads south along the road. You then head up a quiet country road and pass Dunbeacon Stone Circle and Coolcoulaghta Stone Row. Just beyond these, you head west along a quiet road popular with locals (known as Libeen Hill). The walk ends here at Dunbeacon Church, at which point you must turn around and retrace your steps. Walking back in this direction is not a waste, as it will give you views towards the south-east, including Mount Gabriel and further a field.

You then head east up to Mount Corrin. At the summit you can explore Péicín na gCloch and Booley Huts, before descending to Barr a'Bhealaigh car park. From here you head east into pasture and then forestry. the walk then descends to the road, which arrives at Barnageehy car park.

For the alternative routes, when starting from Durrus you head east and follow the signage. These alternative routes are marked on the interactive map (the dashed yellow and black line heading east from Durrus).