Stay at the award winning Top of the Rock Pod Páirc and Walking Centre in Drimoleague on the eastern section of the Sheep’s Head Way. Each morning you will be conveyed to the start of the walk for that day.
This pilgrim walk is full of variety.... small farms, hills and valleys, a quaint villages, castles, standing stones and the spiritual exhilaration of being on an ancient pilgrim route. The area is rich in folklore, history and verse, which we are only too willing to share with you.
The first day up to 20km can be walked, and the second day just 12km. However if fitness levels are not quite up to it, there are arrangements in place to take you by car from a half way point. David or Elizabeth or a local guide will generally accompany the group (if there are over 6 people signed up) and a packed lunch is provided. Each evening you will dine in Bantry and Gougane Barra respectively. You will receive a handbook on the Eastern Sheep’s Head Way and a St Finbarr’s walking staff to keep.
On the first day you will begin the St Finbarr’s Pilgrim walk at the Top of the Rock, and proceed to Kealkil stopping off at Castledonovan and the Kealkil stone circle. On Day two we convey you to Kealkil where you take the old pilgrim route over the mountain to Gougane Barra. The descent into Gougane is particularly beautiful.
Discover the story of St Finbarr patron saint of Cork or The Taylor and Ansty whose story has be immortalised in a book of the same name.
