Ardgroom - Pulleen loop

This medium loop on the Beara Peninsula packs a lot into a short outing. The route covers 3.4 km / 2.1 mi with 85 m / 279 ft of climbing, reaches a highest point of 59 m / 195 ft, and usually takes about ~49 min. It starts at Cuas Quay near Bird Point and follows a compact circuit out to Dogs Point and back along the coast, with wide views over Kenmare Bay and a close look at the Coosmore sea caves near the finish.

The route

From the quay, the loop begins on a quiet tarred road before turning onto a grassy track across open ground. Old stone walls guide much of the outward leg, and the route passes the remains of farmhouses, sheepfolds and small walled fields on the way to Dogs Point. The return line keeps to the coast, where the ground rises gently above the shore before dropping back toward the trailhead and the sea caves.

Terrain and difficulty

Although short, this walk feels more varied than its distance suggests. The mix of road, grassy track and open coastal ground, together with several short climbs and uneven sections, gives it a medium feel despite the modest height gain. Good footwear is useful, especially after wet weather, and walkers should be prepared for exposed stretches beside the sea.

Getting there

The walk starts at Cuas Quay outside Ardgroom on the north side of the Beara Peninsula. For public transport, Ardgroom is served by TFI Local Link route 282 between Kenmare and Castletownbere, so walkers arriving by bus will need a short onward transfer to the quay.

Highlights along the way

This part of Beara is rich in archaeological remains, and the loop itself passes old settlement traces including ruined houses, sheep pens and field enclosures. The wider Ardgroom area is known for prehistoric monuments, including the Ardgroom stone circle, while the coast around the walk adds sea caves, small beaches and long views across the water toward County Kerry.

Nature and practicalities

The route runs through a coastal landscape of rough grassland, rocky shore and sheltered inlets on the edge of Kenmare Bay. As with many short coastal walks, conditions can feel very open in wind and rain, so an extra layer is worth carrying even for a brief outing.