Sheep's Head - Poet's Way Loop

Hike: Dursey Island Loop, at the tip of Cork’s Beara Peninsula. This is one of Ireland’s most memorable walks, thanks to how you access it. To cross the narrow channel separating Dursey from the mainland, you must climb aboard the country’s only cable car. A tiny cabin that carries just six people across the 250m channel, it’s a unique introduction to an atmospheric island. The walk around the island is equally impressive. The entire route is signed as an off-shoot of the 206km Beara Way. You begin by following the island’s only laneway to its western end, then climb over the hilltops on your return. Historic landmarks include an old monastery and a Napoleonic signal tower, while stunning coastal views are standard throughout.

Start and Finish at: Dursey Island cable car station.

Get there: The cable car is located at the end of the road at the southern tip of the Beara Peninsula. See durseyisland.ie for the cable car timetable.

Level: Moderate — signed country lanes and mountain footpaths, with 300m ascent.

Length / Time: 12km / 3½-4½ hours.

Pack: €10 and plenty of courage for the cable car, and a route map from irishtrails.ie

Refuel at: Book O’Neill’s Bar and Restaurant (oneillsbeara.ie). Enjoy hearty food at bright-red landmark pub in Allihies.