The Bullig Bay Loop in the Dunboy Woods just outside of Castletownbere is a lovely walk to do with kids. The full loop is almost 5km, but we have enjoyed doing this as a ‘there and back’ along the same trail to keep close to the water and to enjoy the water views both ways.
From the main road, you drive through the old gates towards Puxley’s Mansion and then passing the mansion on your right, you will find a small car park.
There is an information board showing some of the bigger loops that can be done here too, but the coast hugging trail – and short loop – is a delight.
Along the way, you will find lovely spaces for skimming stones and watching the boats go in and out of the mouth of the harbour. The lighthouse is Bere Island’s ‘Ardnakinna’ and was first built as a beacon in 1850 and then as a proper lighthouse in 1965.
Puxley’s Mansion has an interesting yet tragic history. It belonged to John Puxley who formed the Allihies Mining Company in 1812. The original mansion, along with its gothic extension, was gutted by fire in the 1920s. In the early 2000s it was earmarked to be developed into Ireland’s only 6-Star hotel, but the project stalled with the collapse of the Celtic Tiger.
There are picnic benches dotted around the trails so it makes a lovely spot for a picnic too.
For further information on the 15 walks in the area visit the Beara Tourism website which details the walks and gives further information on Beara.
West Cork with Kids 