From Dromroe to Gleninchaquin
In 1603, after the capture of his castle at Dunboy by British crown’s forces, Donall O’Sullivan, Lord of Beare and Bantry, found himself without a home or a safe haven. O’Sullivan and 1000 of his followers commenced an epic march from the Beara Peninsula to County Lietrim. When they reached Castle Lietrim fourteen days and over 300 kilometers later, only thirty-five of the group were still together.
Today, that journey has been memorialized by the Beara-Breife Way. A walking path that follows the Chieftan’s journey. A couple of weeks ago I hiked about four miles of the trail from Dromroe to Gleninchaquin Valley.
We parked on a gravel patch where the Beara Way separates with the road in Dromroe. From there, as with any Way routes in Ireland, it was just a matter of following the signs with yellow hikers and yellow arrows.
Only a few minutes on the trail and we saw the goat skull above. Hikers beware!
About a mile into the hike we turned around to take in the view. This is looking northeast towards Kenmare. Kenmare Bay is the body of water on the right of the picture.
The trail crosses the ridge in a saddle between two high points but the views are still spectacular. This is looking north west along Kenmare Bay toward the North Atlantic.
Overlooking Lough Inchiquin in the Gleninchaquin Valley.
The trail descended past several farms and joined this small country road.
Another view of Lough Inchiquin along with some lovely wild roses.
The entire hike was about five miles and only a portion of that leg of the Beara. It was a great day for us though and a good length after months confined to within 5km of our houses. I also have to add that Paul picked us up in when we reached Lough Inchiquin and took us back to the car at Dromroe so we didn’t have to make the hike an out and back. Whew.
How to Get There
From Kenmare N71 out of Kenmare toward Bonane. After you cross over the bay, take an immediate right onto R571. Watch for The Sailor’s Bar on the left and take the road to the left immediately past it. Follow the road will split and there will be a signpost in the middle of the split with signs for The Beara Way. There is enough room to park one or two cars alongside the road. Walk along the road and look for the Beara Way sign that points you off of the road and towards the mountains.
What Else?
This is not a groomed trail and you will be hiking through grass. During wet seasons you will have to cross several small, rocky streams so while poles and hiking boots are not necessary, they are helpful.
Take water, snacks, and rain gear. It can be quite windy and chilly on the ridge so a fleece to pull on wouldn’t be amiss.
If you want to learn about Beara O’Sullivan March in detail, click here.
Happy Trails!
Leave a Reply