Spent a day driving the Beara Peninsula a couple years back and just fell in love with it. We were based in Kenmare at the time and just got as far as Allihies and back-- never made it to Castletown-Bearhaven or anywhere along that coast; hoping some seasoned Beara travelers can share thoughts on your favorite home base [other than Kenmare] for a 3-day visit? Thanks!
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88 posts
It not far down the peninsula, but we've visited Glengarriff a few times and enjoyed ourselves. Wherever you stay, try and visit the Ewe Experience. It's an outdoor art gallery, full of quirky stuff.
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Colorado Springs
2850 posts
You won't encounter a lot of traffic so you could stay anywhere and cover the entire peninsula on a short drive. Just depends on whether you're looking for a BnB, hotel, or self catering.
Some highlights from our last trip there:
The Dursey Island cable car is the only one in Ireland, and will take you over to an area that still bears the scars of the famine years.
The drive over Healy Pass is a highlight - really spectacular. Don't stop for the old geezer at the top however.
There's an abandoned village (an entire valley actually) that requires a short hike in the middle of the peninsula. Takes some getting to but if you're interested I can provide directions.
The Beara Way hiking trail circles the area and is universally gorgeous. You can get maps at any of the local TI's.
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20 posts
We spent two nights at Summer Hill B&B in Castletownbere with a REI hiking tour, and found it comfortable and convenient. It's short walk to town where there are several good restaurants. We also spent a day hiking Bere Island, which is reached via a 15 min. ferry you board right in town.