Visiting Eyeries, West Cork, Ireland? Here's What the Great Outdoors Offer

Outdoor Activities If you'd considering a visit to the wonder of Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula, there's a whole range of  activities on offer: Walking The Beara Way, a well signed walking trail, completely encircles the Beara Peninsula, stretching for 196 km from the town of Glengarriff on the east coast of the Beara to Kenmare in County Kerry, and back again. Enjoy some of the most scenic parts of this enchanting circle by walking the Beara Way from Eyeries to Allihies on the tip of the Beara Peninsula and back again. During your walk, you will see some of the most spectacular sites that the West of Ireland offers: Scarrif Island rises whale-like from the middle of Coulagh Bay; the Skellig Islands break like mystical giants from the middle of the Atlantic only a few miles off the coast; walkers can often see seals, dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks hunting for prey in Coulagh Bay. And seabirds and a variety of hawks often accompany walkers as you make your way across the stunning, wave-swept shoreline. Other local walks include hiking trails along the Ardgroom-Poolleen Loop, a journey through Bere Island (accessible by Ferry from Castletownbere), or walking the Loop of Dursey on the very tip of the Beara Peninsula. Guided Walks Throughout the summer months (and occasionally in the winter months too!) local residents lead visitors on a wide range of local walks. Guides know the legends and history of this mystical area. Create a memory that you’ll never forget by joining in! For more information just ask a local or visit this blog for details as they become available. John Eagle's Bantry Bay Lighthouse Boat Trips Do you want to enjoy some of the most stunning lighthouses in Ireland from a mariner’s point of view? Then join Eyeries resident, award-winning photographer John Eagle, to tour some of Ireland's most magical lighthouses. Wide variety of Lighthouse tours - North to South Visit lighthouses, castles, trace your roots Packages include bus transfers, meals, accommodation and... Sea voyages to view Ireland's lighthouses as mariners do We also stay at lighthouses overlooking the sea, going to sleep with the lantern flashing in the windows Contact John Eagle:  Tel: +353 27 74275, + 353 87 969 3745, Email: johneagleart@yahoo.com Fishing Try it, you’ll like it! Whether it’s fishing from the rocks around Eyeries or fishing in the Atlantic, the seas around our fair village offer fishermen (and women!) exceptional sport. Fish for Pollack, Mackerel, Sea Bass, and much more. Fishing rods and tackle are available to purchase in O’Sullivan’s, located in the village. Swimming Pack a picnic and walk down to the Strand, only minutes from the centre of the village. A fine sandy shore, spectacular views, and safe protected waters make this beach a favourite among both locals and visitors. Or climb in the car and drive to Kilcatherine, just across Coulagh Bay, for more fine swimming. Perfect for both families and individuals. But please! Never swim alone. Swimming Camps for Children and Adults Too! Want to improve your swimming skills? Swimming camps are available in and around the village over the summer months. Just ask locals for details or check back to this website for schedules. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Try your hand at either one! The waters of Coulagh Bay are often crystal clear, with some of the cleanest waters in the country. Ask any of the Villagers for local knowledge on the best places to Snorkel and Scuba Dive. Plenty of sea life. Magnificent underwater rocky outcroppings and cliffs. And if you’re lucky, catch yourself a crab or lobster for dinner. But please, remember to Buddy Up! Kayaking & Wind Surfing Coulagh Bay, at Eyeries’ doorstep, is a perfect location for both kayaking and wind surfing. Bring your gear, with easy access to the Bay at the Strand or at the Pier just down the lane from the village. Bicycling Want to feel the salt wind in your face? Then join the growing popularity of bicycling and roll through the breathtaking beauty of our countryside. From Eyeries bike to Allihies, Castletownbere, Kenmare and beyond. Bicycles are available for hire from Dennis & Vera. Contact them! Email: bikenbeara@gmail.com, Mobile phone: +353-86-1280307 Golfing If the sound of a club striking a ball is more to your fancy, then play some golf at the Berehaven Golf Club in Castletownbere. This historic club, composed of both links and longer fairways, is situated right on Bantry Bay. Some of the water hazards are breathtaking! For information go to www.berehavengolf.com