Beara Way : Dursey Sound - Allihies
Day 7 : Monday, 13th August.
A walk to Moscow is about 3,310kms (as a sign near the cable car station indicates), a bit too much of a good thing, so we decide to walk from Dursey Sound back to Allihies, distance about 15kms with a maximum ascent of 200 meters. This return walk to Allihies climbs to the cliffs behind the cable car station, 151 meters at the highest point, to walk along the top of the cliffs and go down to the quay in Garinish Bay.
Next we retrace our steps of the outward walk, walking below Lackacroghan to ascent to Foher and following the gravel road along the southern side of Ballydonegan to end on the road which will lead us to Allihies. It is worth while to turn around as we are climbing to look down on that impressive Dursey Sound, with the sea rushing through it and also look over to lovely Dursey Island. On the top of the ridge we see the sea below to the left, battering on the cliffs. Little boats are floating on the sea like nut shells. After a while we can see Allihies across the bay with its backdrop of mountains. Cod’s Head is the headland on the northern side of the bay. At the quay we join the road again and passing Garinish Strand, the road climbs to meet the main road into Firkeel Gap.
Next we take the outward route which ends into a track after some miles. We climb this grassy track above Garinish Bay (this is about the place we got lost on our way to Dursey Point). The weather is rainy and foggy again but luckily we haven’t lost our track. While desending we’re looking towards Allihies with its protective ring of mountains behind it. The village really looks nice with all those lovely coloured houses. We stay overnight at Sea View House again to enjoy the hospitality of Mrs. Mary O’Sullivan.
Original Source : Shamrock Memories
