The Beara Way is a 200 km. Circular route around The Beara Peninsula in Cork and Kerry. Though I did is as the final part of a 800 km. walk along the European 8 Trail starting in Dublin.
While the trail starts and ends in Kenmare, a nice option is to start in Killarney as it is conveniently accessible from Dublin and other parts of Ireland. The Black Sheep offered a upscale budget dormitory bed with nice kitchen, sitting room, and garden. Quinlan’s Seafood Restaurant provided a first class Fish & Chips, with 3 options; Hake, Cod, or Haddock. The Hake was fresh (they have their own fishing boat) and tender with a delicious crispy batter.
Woke early at 7 and had tea and some breakfast talking with Hannah who turned out to be Kevin Leahy’s partner and coowner at The Black Sheep. This stretch from Killarney to Kenmare is actually the start and end of The Kerry Way. About 9:15 I made it to Muckross and the Killarney National Park and spent the next several hours enjoying the beauty; lakes, forest, mountains, waterfalls, deer, cows.
Spectacular day. Best scenery and weather of the walk from Dublin.
Funny that I kept running into Germans like a Dutchman I met on The Blackwater Way said about the Kerry Way. Especially after meeting just one through hiker the previous 2 weeks. Ended up walking with 2 more German girls. Only one could speak English. They moved ahead after I stopped for lunch.
Coming over the ridge looking into the green valley below with Kenmare and the sea in view was special. Enjoyed the walk down.
The Fáilte Hostel was fine. Had a nice sitting room where I enjoyed a steaming pot of hot tea before heading out for a pint.
