Durrus, Ahakista & Kilcrohane

The village of Ahakista is located midway along the coast road between Durrus and Kilcrohane on the Sheeps Head peninsula. It is a wooded coastal village with a deep and sheltered harbour. The harbour is home to both fishing boats and pleasure craft and the annual Ahakista Regatta is held every August bank holiday weekend. There is a small sandy beach, and the 90 km of marked trail comprising the Sheep’s Head Way criss-crosses through the village.

A memorial garden and sundial that honour the memory of the victims of the 1985 Air India disaster can be found in Ahakista. Air India Flight 182 was an Air India flight operating on the Montreal–London–Delhi route. On the 23 June 1985 the airplane operating on the route, a Boeing 747-237B, was blown up by a bomb at an altitude of 9,400m and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while in Irish airspace. A total of 329 people were killed, including 280 Canadians, 27 British citizens and 22 Indians. The incident was the largest mass murder in modern Canadian history. The sundial was sculpted by Cork sculptor Ken Thompson and was donated by the people of Canada, India and Ireland.

Kilcrohane takes its name from the Church of St. Crohan founded in the 8th century. Little is known about Crochan except that he is believed to have lived about the time of St. Patrick (mid 5th century). There is a ruined church in the grounds of the cemetery, thought to be where Crohan built his cell.

You are spoiled for choice with easy access to the Sheep’s Head Way, the Beara Way and the Drimoleague Heritage Walks. Find more information on these under the Walking section.

The nearby Bantry Bay Golf Club is a demanding 18 hole course, designed by Christy O’Connor, Jnr.

The area offers a great diversity of fishing from the many convenient rocks and piers along the bay –Durrus pier (grey mullet), Kilcrohane pier (pollock and wrasse) and Dunoon pier (pollock, wrasse, mackerel, ling and the much prized sea bass). The ‘Airport Beach’ towards Bantry is a famous dogfish and ray location. From both the rocks and Dunoon pier you will be able to spot sea urchins and large star fish.

There are also plenty of places to charter a boat if deep sea angling is more your style

Near Durrus are the spectacular golden sands of Barley Cove. This is a fantastic beach with good surf in the right conditions. In the summer months the beach is manned by lifeguards and whilst it can get reasonably busy, it is never packed.

Another great beach is the one at Ballyrisode. This is a much more family friendly beach as it’s shallow and more enclosed. There is also a small beach in Ahakista, again very family friendly and easily accessible. There are lots of little bays and inlets around the area and no doubt you may find one that is your own little secret.

Sheep’s Head is filled with small attractive harbours, where you can swim from the piers.

Just outside the village of Kilcrohane is a small, sheltered harbour. The water here is clear and of good depth. As you swim you will have good views across Dunmanus Bay. Go through the village of Kilcrohane and watch out for a left turn signposted for the Pier.

A few kilometres past Kilcrohane is another pier, this time at Ruaim Harbour. Here the water is choppier as the harbour is less well protected. Access to the water is via the stone steps and the water is lovely and clear. Travel a few kilometres beyond Kilcrohane and watch out for a left turn signposted for Ruaim.

If you want to get away from it all then this might be the place for you. Located on the far side of the peninsula to Durrus and Kilcrohane, Gortnakilla is quite remote. This is a narrow inlet harbour, with steps and a slipway giving access to the harbour. From Durrus head towards the village of Gerahies. After the village watch out for a right turn signposted for the harbour.