West Cork has long been a long favourite for people looking to properly slow down.

Tucked between the Atlantic and the mountains, the Beara Peninsula feels wonderfully removed, yet it’s easy to reach and endlessly rewarding.

Think coastal walks, quiet roads, open fires, good food and striking scenery.

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GETTING HERE

From Cork

Car: The easiest way to reach us. The drive from Cork City takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, via Bantry. The final stretch along the bay is particularly beautiful.

Public Transport: Bus Éireann services run to Adrigole, with a stop approximately 1km from Mossie’s. This works well for guests planning to walk the Beara Way, however we strongly recommend having your own car to make the most of the peninsula and explore at your own pace.

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From Kerry

Car: Coming via Kenmare offers one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, crossing the Healy Pass and down into Beara. Allow plenty of time -you’ll want to stop along the way.

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From further afield

Cork International Airport is the closest option and has plenty of direct connections to major European cities including Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Zurich, making travel to and from Beara straightforward. The drive takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.

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WHERE TO STAY

For a truly relaxed, comfortable and stylish stay, we just happen to think Mossie’s is pretty perfect. The house is a thoughtfully restored historic building that blends traditional charm with modern comfort.Set on seven acres of gardens and woodland, it has five individually styled bedrooms, open fires, sea views and a light-filled conservatory where breakfast is served. With friendly hosts and spaces designed to feel calm and easy, Mossie’s works just as well for couples as it does for families or full-house groups - somewhere you can properly settle in and make yourself at home.

Another place we'd happily recommend during your time in West Cork is NATIVE, located in Ballydehob.

EATERIES

• An Sibín, Lauragh
      Our absolute favourite! Just over the Healy Pass and always worth the drive, especially after a spin through the mountains. Stunning and thoughtfully prepared menu.
• Breen’s Lobster Bar, Castletownbere
      A Beara classic, and in our opinion home to the best seafood chowder around.
• Blairscove House, near Durrus
      If you’re looking for something a bit more elevated (like a very special occasion), this is a good one. Beautiful setting and a proper experience.
• Piccolo Coffee at Forest & Flock, Bantry
      Always great coffee, lovely local crafts, and a nice place to potter around for a while.
• Manning’s Emporium, Ballylickey
      One of our go-to lunch spots. A small, charming deli with good wines, tasty bits to take home, and the best soup-and-sambo combo.

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ACTIVITIES

Day One
Start the day with a drive over the Healy Pass - one of those roads where you’ll want to stop more than once. From there, head to Derreen Garden for a walk, then continue on to one of our other favourite spots, Uragh Stone Circle - a beautiful, slightly other worldly place where time feels like it has stood still.

Carry on to Kenmare for a wander around the town, a coffee or a late lunch. On the way back, take the Caha Pass, and aim to be home in time for a cosy grazing board and a drink by the fire, back here at Mossie’s.

Day Two
Head to Glengarriff and hop on the ferry over to Garnish Island — a beautiful garden and well worth the visit. Take your time wandering the paths and soaking it all in. On your return, grab a drink and some lunch from the food trucks at Quill’s car park, then finish the day with a walk in the Glengarriff Nature Reserve, where you’ll find plenty of trails to suit all legs and moods.

Day Three
Set off west towards Castletownbere, the main fishing town on the peninsula and a working harbour that’s well worth a wander. Stretch your legs along the pier, watch the boats come and go, and have a look around the town before continuing on.

From there, follow the road on to Dzogchen Beara, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist centre set above the water. The grounds are open to visitors, and the café is a lovely spot to stop for coffee and a light lunch.

Continue on to Allihies, a former mining village with a wide beach and dramatic scenery. Walk along the strand, explore the old copper mine paths, or simply take in the views.

Carry on through to Eyeries, the last village on the loop and one of the most colourful spots on Beara. Have a stroll around the village, then head out on the Creha Quay Trail - a beautiful and easy coastal walk that takes around 2 hours, before making your way back around the loop and home to Mossie’s.

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STAY

Back at Mossie’s, there’s plenty to enjoy without going anywhere. Book a session in the sauna, sit on the balcony and take in the view, spend the evening by the fire(inside or outside) and enjoy a drink, or settle in with a good book in one of our cosy lounges.

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If you’d like ideas, routes or reservations, we’re always happy to help.

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