Each week, we ask someone who really knows Ireland’s twists and turns to share their favourite places. Today: Walking tour guide Peter Galvin, of Wonderful Ireland Walking Tours, on the best spots he’s found while strolling the rocky hillsides.
My background: After walking the entire Wicklow Way with a group of friends in 2001, I was a hooked on hiking and knew I wanted a career in the outdoors. I set up the company in 2004. In the first year we only had two customers. Then 40-50 in 2005 and it began to grow. In 2006, I quit my job and moved to work full-time with Wonderful Ireland.
My most memorable Irish destination: The Dingle Way
The first time I hiked the Dingle Way at Slea Head I was taken aback. The vast Atlantic in front of me, the views of the entire Iveragh Peninsula, the Skellig Islands and then when you reach Slea Head the dramatic Blasket Islands stretched out in front of you and then looking to the right Coumeenoole Beach, the most western in Europe and one of the most beautiful. It is difficult not to be impressed and warmed by the beauty of the location.
My favourite town or village: Dingle
I love the town itself — the buildings, the setting on the ocean — but I think what sets it apart is the people and the people that the town attracts. The food, the music, the writers and the artists make the town the special place that it is. It is also a great, fun place to be any night of the week.
The best place I’ve ever eaten an ice cream: Valentia Island
The first time I tried Valentia Island Ice Cream was on a sunny day at Derrynane House in Caherdaniel. You can visit the producers on Valentia Island off the Ring of Kerry and it make a good spot for a break while exploring the Island.
The best breakfast I’ve ever had: Longueville House in Mallow
We had stayed there for the night and the breakfast the next day was so sumptuous, it was almost like a dinner, with the huge choice of hams, fish, cheeses as well as the usual breakfast specialities. I particularly love a lit fire in a breakfast room, and the setting of the room helped set it apart as well.
My favourite place for a hike: Bere Island
You have the excitement of the short ferry crossing and then the magnificent views back on the mainland. On one side of the island, you have breathtaking views over Castletownbere Harbour and Hungry Hill Mountain. As you move west, you can enjoy watching the fishing boats set out into the wide Atlantic Ocean. On the south side of the island, you can see the most southerly extremes of Ireland in the form of Sheep’s Head and Mizen Head peninsula, often bathed in the summer sun.
The island has a fascinating military history and was one of the treaty ports held onto by the British for a while after Independence. The hiking is relatively easy and suitable for families as well.
My hidden gem that not many people know about: Bentee Mountain
Located just behind Cahersiveen town, Bentee mountain itself is a short accessible hike, but the views from the summit and on the way up are a revelation. When you are in Cahersiveen town itself, you can miss out the incredible beauty that lies only minutes away. You only have to clear the height of the town buildings and the dramatic scenery reveals itself.
To the north, the pilgrim mountain of Cnoc na Tobar lies across the wide estuary of the Valentia River while moving west, Doulus Head, Beginish Island and then finally, Valentia Island itself, reach out into the horizon. The coastal scenery of this corner of Kerry is a delight to discover.
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