Sheep's Head Way
Long Distance Waymarked Way · Cork
Sheep's Head Way is a 171.8 km strenuous waymarked loop in Cork, starting near Bantry.
Notice from the trail operator
From 8th July, due to tree harvesting on the route of the Sheep's Head Way at Barnagowlanes, the section over Mullaghmesha has been temporarily re-routed via the Mealagh Valley Community Centre and Ards, re-joining the route at Kealkil, and the same route will be in place for those travelling in the opposite direction. Please follow the diversion signs. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. ***No dogs are allowed on the Sheep's Head Way***
As recorded in the register on 2026-08-13. Check with Sheep’s Head Way Limited before travelling.
Grade
| Activity | Grade | Difficulty | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | Strenuous | Challenging | 6 days |
Getting there
Starts at Bantry West, near Bantry.
- Trailhead coordinates
- 51.68096, -9.45466
- Irish Grid reference
- V 994 486
- Ordnance Survey sheets
- Discovery Series Sheets 85 and 88
The National Trails Register's own latitude and longitude fields are empty for all 1,186 trails on it. This trailhead comes from Sport Ireland's separate Trailheads dataset, matched to this trail on its register ID.
Public transport
Daily bus service from Cork to Bantry and on Saturdays from Bantry to Durrus, Ahakista, Kilcrohane. Check up to date timetables at Bus Eireann or call (021) 508188. Bantry Rural Transport: Please check locally for timetables [027] 52727 . Hackneys: There are numerous hackneys available - please ask locally. Cork has an international airport and a ferryport at Ringaskiddy which connects with Swansea in Wales, and St. Malo, Roscoff and Le Havre in France.
About the trail
Sheep's Head is the narrowest of the fingers of land that extend from the south west mainland of Ireland out into the Atlantic, between Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay. The Sheep's Head Way is 175km length in total. It is made up of the 88km circular walking route beginning in the town of Bantry in County Cork and running out along the north coast of the peninsula to the scenic lighthouse at the very tip before returning along the south side, passing through the pretty villages of Kilcrohane, Ahakista and Durrus, with the extensions to Drimoealgue and Kealkill to the north providing the additional 87km. The narrowness of the peninsula means that you are never far from the glorious Atlantic Ocean when you walk, even when on the outward stretch when you climb to the route's highest point, 300 metres above sea level, on the heathery Seefin ridge. The terrain is very varied, and includes old boreens, open grassy and heathery moorland, field paths, quiet country roads and some short stretches of woodland paths. The aggregate ascent over the whole route is 2460m, which includes a few long ascents. In good weather those who like the uplands can extend the ridge section of the route, or use a number of alternative loops. The remains of an old copper mine, a blow hole, stone circles, standing stones, high cliffs, a Napoleonic signal tower and old churches are some of the varied attractions to be discovered along the way, while careful observance and a lot of patience may be rewarded by the sighting of dolphins and whales off the westernmost tip of the headland. There are also some shorter loop walks connected to the Sheep's Head Way.
Before you go
28 kms or 31% of the Way follows local roads. In case of emergency: Bantry Garda Station: [027] 50045 Bantry Hospital: [027] 50133 Goleen Coast & Cliff Rescue: [028] 35318 Or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the appropriate emegency service
- Waymarking
- Yellow arrow on black background
- Dogs
- No
Who manages it
Sheep’s Head Way Limited
Sheep’s Head Way Limited
Conditions and closures change. The operator is the authority on both, not this page.
Trails nearby
Measured trailhead to trailhead, in a straight line.
- Sheep's Head - Rooska Loop 0 m away · 13.9 km trail
- The Sheep's Head Looped Cycle 203 m away · 60.8 km trail
- Bantry Blue-way Blue Trail 1.3 km away · 6 km trail
- Bantry Blue-way Green Trail 1.3 km away · 1 km trail
- Bantry Blue-way Red Trail 1.3 km away · 9 km trail
- Sheep's Head - Whiddy Island Loop 2.7 km away · 6.2 km trail
Common questions
How long is the Sheep's Head Way?
171.8 km, recorded as a loop on Sport Ireland's National Trails Register. It climbs 2,190 m in total. Sport Ireland estimates 6 days.
How hard is the Sheep's Head Way?
Sport Ireland grades it Strenuous, with an overall difficulty of Challenging. Grades are set against national criteria, so they are comparable with other registered trails.
Where does the Sheep's Head Way start?
Starts at Bantry West, near Bantry. The trailhead is at 51.68096, -9.45466 (Irish Grid V 994 486).
Can you bring a dog on the Sheep's Head Way?
No. The register records dogs as not allowed on this trail.
Can you get to the Sheep's Head Way without a car?
Daily bus service from Cork to Bantry and on Saturdays from Bantry to Durrus, Ahakista, Kilcrohane. Check up to date timetables at Bus Eireann or call (021) 508188. Bantry Rural Transport: Please check locally for timetables [027] 52727 . Hackneys: There are numerous hackneys available - please ask locally. Cork has an international airport and a ferryport at Ringaskiddy which connects with Swansea in Wales, and St. Malo, Roscoff and Le Havre in France.
Who manages the Sheep's Head Way?
Sheep’s Head Way Limited. They are the authority on current conditions and closures, not this page.
More in Cork
Trail data from the Sport Ireland National Trails Register, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Trailhead coordinates from the companion Trailheads dataset. Snapshot taken 2026-08-13.