Sheep's Head Cycle Route
The Sheep's Head Cycle Route circumnavigates the Sheep's Head Peninsula, a narrow finger of land that juts into the Atlantic. The route begins in Ballylickey, north of Bantry, traveling first along the North side of the peninsula, rounds Sheep's head, continue along the peninsula's southern flanks. Along the way cyclists are treated to numerous historic and archeological sites, not to mention pristine rural beauty increasingly rare in modern Ireland.
The Sheep's Head Cycle Route begins roughly in the town of Bantry, where cyclists should proceed south for 2 miles along the busy N71 before turning off onto the quietude of Sheep's Head peninsula. Look for signs taking the first right past the West Lodge Hotel. The first half of the journey takes in the north side of the Peninsula, along the way enjoying vast expanses of unspoit bog land, spectacular views of the Bantry Bay, Bere Island, and the Beara Peninsula. One such memorable vista comes at the fishing pier of Gerahies, a photo opportunity if there ever was one. Cyclists should continue along the coast road, but have two options for side journeys. The first comes just 2 km past Gerahies, where a turnoff to to Glenlough brings them inland across the mountains. The second side journey, along Goat's Path road to Kilchronhane, is perhaps more enticing, as cyclists are treated to spectacular panoramic views both of Mizen Head and the Beara Peninsula, from Seefin, or Seat of Finn, at 349 meters the highest point on the peninsula. From the township of Letter, a 6 km road spurs off the main route for 6 km to Toreen, at the head of the Peninsula. From this vantage, more spectacular vistas, with Mizen Head plainly visible to the South.
The second half of the journey, from Toreen to Durrus covers some 40 km (25 miles), cyclists are treated to plenty more pastural beauty. The small village of Ahakista is the site for an O'Daly Castle and stone circle, well worth exploring. Cyclists have their choice of two routes, both culminating in Durrus. The first follows the Coast Road along Ahakista Harbour, while the inland route avoids some traffic and ascends to higher lands, providing vistas of Dunmanus Bay. Both routes culiminate at Durrus, a colourful and lively little village where cyclists are rewarded with restaurants, shops, pubs and gardens.
