Outdoor Activities

Walking
The Sheep’s Head Way has won many awards and in 2009 the title of European Destination of Excellence also the EDEN award. It is a network of walks all over the peninsular - which are spectacular - and can be accessed directly from the Sheeps’ Head Retreat. Suitable for all abilities - short or long walks (maps of the walks available). A beautiful new walk has been created opposite the bohereen to the Sheep's Head Retreat - it goes to Goradeloch (lake) and then links up to to other existing walks.

Alice West's (The Black Gate) at Letter West on the way to Toreen - café (June, July & August).
Teas, coffees, homemade cakes & scones open 12.30 pm/5.30 pm (free wi-fi).
Bernie’s Café (soup, sandwiches etc) at Toreen turning point to Sheep’s Head.
Hillwalking (guide can be arranged) care should be taken in poor weather.
Organised Walks on St Stephen’s Day, Kilcrohane and Ahakista Regatta. (August)
Walking Group Schull (see Southern Star for information)

The Sheepshead Retreat overlooking Dunmanus Bay.

Cycling   
The clearly signposted Sheep’s Head cycle route starts at Ballylickey through Bantry and ends at Ballydehob. It covers the whole peninsular and goes past the bohereen to the Retreat. Bicycle hire from Nigel’s Bike Shop, Bantry (Tel: 027 52657) and Arundel's on the Pier, Ahakista (Tel: 027-67033).

Photo © EJ Carr

Photo © Nigel Lemon

Kayaking
Excellent due to the numerous gulleys and coves to be explored. Darren's Kayaks in Durrus offers sales, rentals and instruction. (Tel: 027 61515)

Fishing
Several shore angling sites for rock fishing - no licence required.

Swimming
Kilcrohane pier, Dooneen pier (recipient of 2011 Green Coast Award as "exceptional places to visit and enjoy a rich coastal heritage and diversity and for the purity of it's water") or Tra Ruiam (about 30 minutes walk from the Sheep’s Head Retreat)

Whale Watching
Whalewatch West Cork, Union Hall (Tel: 028 33357 & 086 1200027)

Bird Watching
Cape Clear Island & Lough Ine, Skibbereen info@skibbheritage.com

Other Activities In The Area

Bantry House & Garden
First historic house to be opened to the public and still lived in by the owners. Beautiful gardens, café. Concerts and lectures.

An Sanctoir Holistic Community Centre Ballydehob
(set in a 30 acre nature reserve) Weekly and weekend courses in yoga, dance, creativity, and spiritual growth.
(Tel: 028-37155)

Agricultural Shows
Bantry - first Sunday in September (free ferry service or bus from Bantry)
Clonakilty - 8th June

Kilcrohane Carnival (July)

Annual celebration of Capt.O’Neill - and his definitive collection of Irish music - near his birthplace at Trawlebane, Nr Bantry. ‘At the crossroads’ traditional dancing & set dancing.

Gardens open to the public

West Cork Garden Trail - May onwards