Cape Clear Walks
This circular loop walk explores Cape Clear Island off the south-west coast of County Cork.
The island is significant as Ireland’s southernmost inhabited Irish-speaking island, at 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. The peaceful island is a lovely place for a walk with picturesque harbours, cliff top views and a pretty lake. It's also great for wildlife with a wide variety of sea birds to look out for on the walk.
Cape Clear Open Street Map 
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Cape Clear Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head east towards Skibbereen and you could visit Lough Hyne. Here you will find a significant Marine Nature Reserve with cliffs, salt marsh, beach and a popular circular walking trail. Near here there's also Galley Head where you can explore the sand dunes at Long Strand beach before heading towards the 19th century lighthouse at the end of the headland.
To the west there's Mizen Head which is traditionally regarded as the most southerly point of mainland Ireland. The stunning coastal area includes the Mizen Head Signal Station & Visitor Centre where you can learn all about this special area.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Towards South Harbour, Cape Clear. Located 3 miles west of the island is the solitary Fastnet Rock. Saint Ciarán, believed to be Ireland's earliest pre-Patrician saint, was born on Cape Clear. Each year on the 5th of March, Islanders gather at Trá Chiaráin to celebrate his feast day at Saint Ciarán's well, one of the first features encountered upon arrival.
Heather and gorse clad cliffs on Cape Clear Island. To the northwest stretches Mizen Head, the mainland’s most southerly point. Cape Clear’s untamed, romantic scenery, with its sparkling harbours, cliffs, bogs, and lake, contributes to the island’s unspoilt charm. Heather, gorse, and wildflowers adorn the rugged hills.
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Signal tower and old lighthouse. Numerous stonewalls create a patchwork effect on the diverse landscape. Megalithic standing stones, a 5000-year-old passage grave, a 12th-century church ruin, and the 14th-century O’Driscoll castle (cannonaded in the early 1600s) all reflect bygone eras.
Cape Clear’s remote island location, combined with its proximity to the continental shelf, makes it Ireland's premier birdwatching destination. Whales, leatherback turtles, sunfish, dolphins, and sharks are spotted regularly each year.
Oileán Cléire North Harbour. Most of the 120 inhabitants speak both Irish and English. Removed from mainland life's hustle and bustle, Cape Clear offers relaxation, nature, and tranquillity, making it an ideal setting for Cape's two Irish summer colleges.
Towards South Harbour, Cape Clear. The island is bisected into east and west halves by an isthmus known as the Waist, with the North Harbour on the landward side and the South Harbour facing the seaward side. Regular ferries ply between the North Harbour and Schull and Baltimore on the mainland. During the summer months, the South Harbour becomes a sought-after mooring spot for yachts and pleasure boats.