Eyeries: Bay, Mountains and Trails

Eyeries looks out over Coulagh Bay and is surrounded by mountains. This makes it an appealing destination for anyone who wants to combine coastal scenery and walks with cultural discoveries. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you want to focus your trip mainly on the bay, the trails or the village’s distinctive details.

The Bay and Mountains as a Backdrop

Eyeries lies at the foot of Maulin. At 623 metres, it is the highest peak in the Slieve Miskish range. The mountain gives the surrounding landscape a striking character, while Eyeries also opens out towards Coulagh Bay. If you are looking for a holiday rental in a place connected to these landscapes, this offers a specific starting point for planning your trip—without implying any particular features of the accommodation.

The coast is particularly striking along the Creha Quay Loop: the trail runs beside a rugged, rocky coastline and offers views over Coulagh Bay and, in the distance, the Kerry coast. The route therefore combines views of the bay with a far-reaching outlook across the sea. The Beara Way is also worth considering when planning your day: the section from Allihies to Eyeries is a 3–4-hour walk along remote trails and quiet roads, leading to Eyeries.

On Foot or on the Water

The Eyeries Eco Walk follows the Creha Quay Looped Walk. Information boards along the trail highlight the area’s rich biodiversity. As well as views of the coast and bay, this offers an opportunity to take in the surrounding natural environment more mindfully. The Eyeries–Creha Quay loop starts and ends at the road junction just south of O'Sullivan's Food Store. If you are planning a walking route, you can use this start and end point to find your way.

Coulagh Bay itself offers another way to experience the landscape: it is suitable for kayaking and windsurfing. The bay is easily accessed from a beach or pier. This brings together a range of travel interests—a walk along trails and quiet roads, views along the rocky coast, or activities on the water. Which of these you want to shape your stay may play a role in deciding whether to make Eyeries your holiday destination.

Eyeries’ Distinctive Details

The village’s history also includes an appearance on the silver screen: Eyeries served as the setting for the 1977 film “The Purple Taxi”, starring Fred Astaire, Peter Ustinov and Charlotte Rampling. The Church of St Kentigern features remarkable stained-glass windows. If you are interested in cultural details, you can include these two sights in your explorations of Eyeries.

A local food product is also directly connected to the village: Milleens Cheese is made in Eyeries. Together with the church, the film connection and the scenic trails, it adds up to a picture that goes beyond a simple stay by the bay.

Eyeries lies just off the R571 between Castletownbere and Kenmare.

Discover More Destinations

If you would also like to consider other places, you can find Ballydehob, Dromkeen, Ballinhassig, Cloyne, Tracarta, Doneraile, Castletown-Bearhaven and Belgooly here.

For the broader travel overview: Cork.