The Official Opening of the BEARA BRIDLE WAY took place yesterday by Minister Heather Humphreys

The Official Opening of the BEARA BRIDLE WAY took place yesterday by Minister Heather Humphreys. The official opening took place at the Urhan Inn in urhan Beara, West Cork.

A fantastic day with beautiful sunshine and a group gathered to welcome the minister.

The minister was joined by Mayor of Cork County Council Gillian Coughlan,

Well done to Jim O Sullivan and Beara Tourism for the work they have done in getting this up and running and to all those who have been involved in the project.

The Beara Bridle way

Welcome to the Beara Bridle Way

Etched into the sides of the Miskish and Knockgour mountains of the Slieve Miskish range which knuckles the Beara peninsula west, the Beara Bridle Way is Ireland’s first ever horse trail. The main trail hugs the flanks of the mountains, overlooking 23 kilometres of rugged mountain scenery, stunning seascapes and dazzling island views. It includes some optional but highly recommended detours that climb to access even better vistas from elevated viewing points. The Bridle Way links Clonglaskin townland several kilometres west of Castletownbere town with the colourful village of Allihies, once famous for its Coppermines, and the coastal townland of Urhan near picturesque Eyeries village. Despite the wildness of the scenery, the terrain has something for all experience levels and can be undertaken at any pace. Straddling counties Cork and Kerry, the Beara peninsula in southwest Ireland is one of Ireland’s most compelling and beautiful locations. The Miskish and the Caha mountains form the rugged spine of the peninsula which pokes into the wild Atlantic ocean ensuring that the coastline is ever-present. This maritime influence allows subtropical trees and shrubs to escape domesticity and go native in the endless hedgerows lining the leisurely roads that meander between Beara’s cosy, colourful villages and parishes. The peninsula is densely studded with Bronze Age remains: wedge tombs, stone circles and standing stones. Rich deposits of copper drew prehistoric settlers to the peninsula and, for a time at least, the industrial revolution in the 19th century. The economic importance of the sea has never waned, however, and Ireland's largest whitefish fleet is based in Castletownbere. The Beara Bridle Way is a linear route. Riders can start in Clonglaskin west of Castletownbere or in Allihies or Urhan. There is a short loop route in Allihies and plans are in place two extend the trail and make three loops. Parking is available in Clonglaskin, Allihies , by the Urhan Inn and Travara beach . Locations of parking on google maps

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAPS ETC bearabridleway

VIEW THE MAP OF THE BEARA BRIDLEWAY ON THIS LINK nebula.wsimg

BEARA TOURISM WEBSITE bearatourism

THE URHAN INN The-Urhan-Inn

IF you would like to purchase any of my pictures of Beautiful Beara please visit my website shop or contact me on 087 2386068

or Call into my NEW GALLERY OPENING ON THURSDAY 29TH JULY AT WEST END, CASTLETOWNBERE.