Question on Allihies

Monty · Senior Member

Question on Allihies

tony2phones · Guru

Some really wonderful sights and photo opportunities out on the end of the Peninsular down to the Cable car and Dursey Island. (not sure I still have the nerve for that crossing).

Monty · Senior Member

Some of the photos I have looked at online make it appear to be an area to explore sometime. Looks spectacular in a remote setting.

-- Edited by Monty on Thursday 11th of August 2011 03:26:55 PM

stewh · Guru

I've driven through a few times; it is indeed a beautiful area. It crossed my mind that it might be a good place to spend a few days but when reality set in I realized it is just too far 'out there' to make a good base. Certainly an area worth exploring though.

Stewart

-- Edited by stewh on Thursday 11th of August 2011 06:24:58 PM

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Haven't been there for a few years, but what I remember was a VERY picturesque village of BRIGHTLY colored buildings and the rugged desolation of the abandoned copper mines.

As Stewart says, it's a bit 'Out There' as a One-Off destination, but I expect that I will most assurredly revisit, the next time I manage to make it as far as Castletown Bere.

Bob

murphy · Guru

We did ROK and Dingle Penn in 2006, and Beara this year. I vote Beara hands down as thee most beautiful scenic drive of the three. Allihies was a neat town, but didn't stop, and don't know what accom. are available there. Healy pass was breath-taking, wanted to do the cable car at Dursey, but the time schedule didn't work for us, and the return trip back eastbound on the north side of Beara was 2nd to none. Dan

tony2phones · Guru

I find it curious that people rush at times lemming fashion to spend 2 or 3 days on the Dingle peninsular, very few over night on the much larger Invaragh peninsular and even less consider Beara or Mizen.

I have a couple of theories on this matter. Firstly that If Rick **** doesn't rate the place it's not worth going. and secondly my experience of certain tourists that although they want to come over here, they are almost intimidated about being the only one's of their nation in an area and extremely timid about actually speaking to strangers with funny accents. (Perhaps I frighten people)

Anyway, Beara is a great place to spend the night so you can explore over a couple of days and get to know a couple of the natives. Accommodation is not the every other house you can find in Dingle, Doolin and lots of other places but there are lots of good options. Even around Kenmare can give a full day to get out to the point and Dursey.

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g211923-i20379-k4594606-Driving_Beara_Peninsula-Beara_County_Cork.html

http://www.bearatourism.com/

-- Edited by tony2phones on Friday 12th of August 2011 05:11:08 AM

Monty · Senior Member

Great links -- thank you. Have been to both Beara and Mizen areas but need to explore more. Really enjoyed them as there were no crowds and it seemed to be to be closer to the real Ireland than other regions.

I cut across the Beara to Castletownbeare the time I was there, and did not take the time to actually follow the entire peninsula around. I need to do that for sure. The one link you had marks some wonderful walking tours from village to village. To me, that is a trip to the Irish countryside.

Appreciate it Tony.

Regards,

Monty

-- Edited by Monty on Friday 12th of August 2011 10:22:19 AM

CowboyCraic · Guru

Monty,

You know that I prefer off-the-beaten path. Allihies is certainly that and well worth the effort. I have never minded going where tourists fear to travel...In fact, i rather enjpy being the only tourist about a village. It makes for some interesting interactions, to be sure.

I have had an overnight stay and a two-night stay in Allihies. Neither of the places I stayed at were "close in" but were close enough I could stay a while at the pub and go safe home.

Mary O'Sullivan provides a warm and inviting B&B just outside of Allihies at Seaview B&B. She also has a self-cater apartment in the village itself and a small cottage for self-catering just outside of town.

WindyPoint is just short of the Dursey cable car. It sits at the water's edge and gives you some lovely views. The Sheehans ar a font of information. They treat their guests like family. I stayed with them in order to be able to grab the cable car to Dursey the next morning and wished I could have stayed more than one night.

Monty · Senior Member

Hi Bit:

Want to thank you, as I appreciate the information. The photos of that area seem to really be pulling me there!

I also enjoy the off the path places real well, as hoards of people and urban gridlock is not why I go to Ireland.

The B&B near town looks quite nice.

Thanks,

Monty

-- Edited by Monty on Friday 12th of August 2011 02:09:16 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Monty,

I love the Beara Peninsula but usually do it as a day trip from Kenmare. That B&B Bit recommended looks nice. Allihies is a very small village with colorfully painted houses and a pub or two. It certainly meets the "off-the-beaten-path" designation. The scenery around the area is beautiful with seascapes, coves, beaches, mountains.

Tony,

Tourists generally don't have the time to go off the beaten path too often. Instead they want to see the known highlights of Ireland that they have read about. For many it is a once in a lifetime trip. It is usually those who are returning again who want to see things that are off the tourist trail. We have many members here that are repeat visitors so are more apt to get off the tourist track.

Michele