Eyeries - Creha Quay Beara Peninsula Loop Walk

3.7 miles (6 km)

This waymarked circular loop walk explores the coastline and countryside surrounding the village of Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula in County Cork.
Eyeries itself is one of Ireland’s most colourful villages, with brightly painted houses lining its quiet streets, set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
The walk begins in the village, leading you past traditional cottages before opening out to sweeping views of Coulagh Bay. The coastal path takes you along rugged cliffs where the waves crash below, and on clear days, you can see across to the Skellig Islands and the distant Kerry coastline. The air is fresh with sea spray, and seabirds such as gannets and cormorants can often be seen gliding above the water.
As the loop turns inland, the landscape changes to rolling fields and wildflower-filled hedgerows. The walk is particularly beautiful in spring and summer, when purple heather, yellow gorse, and delicate wild orchids bloom along the path. The quiet country lanes are home to butterflies and bees, while you might also spot foxes or hares darting through the fields.
Reaching Creha Quay, a small, peaceful inlet, you’ll find a sheltered spot where fishermen’s boats are moored, with stunning reflections of the hills in the still water. From here, the route returns to Eyeries, offering more breathtaking coastal views as you follow the quiet backroads. The combination of ocean vistas, vibrant flora, and the charming village setting makes this loop an unforgettable walk.
To continue your island walking in the area you could head to the nearby Dursey Island and pick up the Dursey Island Loop. There's also Bere Island where there are another 2 waymarked loop walks to try.