The Sheep’s Head Way is a wonderful walking route that is over 170km long and has a further 300km in loop and spur/linear walks and is a spectacular showcase of what West Cork has to offer.
The Sheep’s Head Way mainly comprises of the Eastern Trails and the Western Trails.
The Eastern Trails include the following walks, which incorporate the Drimoleague Heritage Trails: Castledonovan Loop, Deelish Cascades Walk, Drimoleague Heritage Trail, Glounaclohy Walk, Glanbannoo Linear, Mealagh Woods Loop, Mealagh Valley Loop, Moyny Bridge Walk, Mullagmesha Loop, Póc an Tairbh Loop, Top of the Rock Walk, St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path, Srón na Gaoithe Loop, Shronacarton Walk.
The Western Trails include: Barán Loop, Barnageehy Loop, Caher Loop, Cahergal Loop, Coomkeen Loop, Farranamanagh Loop, Foilakilly Loop, Funeral Path Loop, Glanlough Loop, Gortnakilly Loop, Lighthouse Loop, The Mass Path, Mount Corrin Loop, Peakeen Ridge Linear, Poet’s Way Loop, Rooska Loop, Seefin Loop and Whiddy Island Loop.
Shorter and less strenuous walks on the Western Trails that can generally be done in under an hour include: Traffic Ruaim Loop, Holy Well Letter East, Dooneen Loop, Glanroon Fishing Loop, Brahalish Ringfort Loop and Dunbeacon Stone Circle.
For full details on the trail grades, trail safety and further information, visit the Sheep’s Head Way website.
General note on hiking with small kiddies… some of the trails do come close to cliff edges so always exercise caution when on those trails, especially the Lighthouse Loop and the Cahergal Loop. Parents are usually the best judges of what their children are capable of, but if you stick to the trails, which are well marked and easy to follow, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable hike.
West Cork with Kids 
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