Eyeries: Coulagh Bay and Coastal Walks

Eyeries is located just off the R571 between Castletownbere and Kenmare. The village overlooks Coulagh Bay and is surrounded by mountains. At the foot of Maulin, at 623 metres the highest peak in the Slieve Miskish mountain range, the bay and a striking mountain ridge come together as defining features of the landscape. Eyeries therefore offers various points of interest for planning your trip: coastal scenery, walks and hikes, and culture in the village.

Coulagh Bay and the Mountain Landscape

The Creha Quay Loop runs along a rugged, rocky coast. Along the way, it offers impressive views of Coulagh Bay and, in the distance, the coast of Kerry. This lets you experience the landscape around Eyeries not only through views of the bay, but also along the changing coastline. Maulin provides a distinctive topographical feature: it lies at the foot of the village and is the highest peak in the Slieve Miskish mountain range.

Coulagh Bay, right by Eyeries, is suitable for kayaking and windsurfing. The bay is easily accessed from the beach or pier. Both activities are seasonal options; conditions and the availability of providers may vary. If water sports are important to your trip, check current conditions and offerings in advance.

Circular Walks and the Beara Way

The Eyeries Eco Walk follows the Creha Quay Looped Walk and uses information boards to highlight the area's rich biodiversity. The information boards may change; if these details are important to you, check what is available on site before setting out.

The Eyeries–Creha Quay Loop starts and ends at the road junction immediately south of O'Sullivan's Food Store. This gives the circular route a specific start and end point. The section of the Beara Way from Allihies to Eyeries is different: it is a 3–4-hour hike along remote trails and quiet roads to Eyeries.

Two different details are useful for planning: on the Eyeries–Creha Quay Loop, the starting point is also the endpoint; for the Beara Way section, both the direction from Allihies to Eyeries and a time frame of three to four hours are given. This makes it easier to choose the route and duration that suit your travel plans.

Church, Film and Local Produce

Eyeries' cultural history also offers specific points of interest. St Kentigern's Church in Eyeries has extraordinary stained-glass windows. The village also served as a setting for the 1977 film “The Purple Taxi,” starring Fred Astaire, Peter Ustinov and Charlotte Rampling. The church and the film offer different ways to explore the village's history: one through its stained-glass windows, the other through its connection with a well-known film production.

Another local point of interest is Milleens Cheese, which is made in Eyeries. Together with the landscape and cultural highlights, it adds to the varied picture of the village, while allowing each interest to stand on its own.

Planning Your Trip

Its location on the R571 offers another way to orient yourself: Eyeries lies between Castletownbere and Kenmare.

Discover more destinations: Ballylickey, Coachford, Schull, Ahakista, Belgooly, Ballincollig, Midleton, The Terrace.

For the broader travel overview: Cork.