Eyeries: Cork’s hidden gem on the Beara Peninsula

TL;DR: Eyeries: Cork’s hidden gem on the Beara Peninsula , Eyeries is a ridiculously photogenic village on Cork’s Beara Peninsula where pastel-painted houses cling to hillsides overlooking Coulagh Bay. Unlike the tourist-packed Ring of Kerry next door, this place offers genuine Irish charm, epic coastal walks, ancient ruins, and that “did I really just stumble into a postcard?” feeling. Whether you’re into hiking the Beara Way, photographing every colorful doorway, or just nursing a pint while locals share stories, Eyeries delivers that elusive authentic Ireland experience.

What Makes Eyeries Different from Every Other Irish Village You’ve Seen on Instagram

Look, I’m going to level with you. Ireland has no shortage of “quaint coastal villages.” But Eyeries? This place hits different.

Located on the northern slopes of the Beara Peninsula, this tiny village (and we’re talking really tiny—population around 300) has somehow managed to stay under the radar while its flashier neighbors on the Ring of Kerry get all the attention. Which, honestly, works perfectly for anyone who prefers their Irish experiences without tour buses.

The village’s claim to fame is its rainbow of brightly painted houses—think sunshine yellows, ocean blues, coral pinks, and lime greens cascading down the hillside. But here’s the thing: unlike some villages that paint themselves up for tourists, Eyeries has been rocking this colorful aesthetic since way back, making it feel authentic rather than staged.

The View That’ll Make You Forget to Check Your Phone

From pretty much anywhere in the village, you’re staring at Coulagh Bay with the Slieve Miskish Mountains as your backdrop. On clear days, the water sparkles like someone went overboard with the saturation slider. When the mist rolls in (which it does, because Ireland), the whole scene gets this moody, mysterious vibe that’s equally stunning.

Getting There (And Why the Journey Is Half the Fun)

Eyeries sits roughly 90 minutes from Cork City and about 2 hours from Killarney, depending on how many times you pull over to photograph sheep, ancient stone walls, or yet another jaw-dropping coastal view.

The drive along the R571 from Castletownbere or the approach from Kenmare via the Healy Pass is genuinely spectacular—we’re talking hairpin turns with ocean views that’ll have you muttering “wow” every few minutes. Just remember: Irish country roads are narrow. Like, “hopefully-nobody’s-coming-the-other-way-around-this-blind-curve” narrow.

Pro tip: Rent the smallest car you can comfortably fit in. Your stress levels on those single-track roads will thank you.

What to Actually Do in Eyeries (Beyond Taking 500 Photos)

Walk the Beara Way

Eyeries sits along the Beara Way, a 206km loop trail that’s less crowded than the Kerry Way but equally gorgeous. You don’t need to tackle the whole thing—even a few hours walking the coastal sections near the village will give you clifftop views, hidden beaches, and that wonderful feeling of having the landscape mostly to yourself.

Explore the Hinterland’s Ancient Past

The countryside around Eyeries is basically an outdoor museum of Bronze Age and medieval Ireland. Within easy reach, you’ll find:

• Stone circles and standing stones scattered across the landscape like ancient breadcrumbs
• Ogham stones (those mysterious carved pillars from early medieval Ireland)
• Ruined churches and graveyards where weathered Celtic crosses lean at thoughtful angles
• Ring forts hiding in farmers’ fields, some over 2,000 years old

Nobody’s charging admission or selling tickets. These places just exist in the landscape, waiting for anyone curious enough to seek them out.

Hit the Nearby Beaches

The Beara Peninsula isn’t exactly famous for beach weather, but the beaches themselves are stunning:

• Ballydonegan Beach (about 15 minutes away) offers golden sand and turquoise water that looks almost Caribbean on sunny days
• Allihies Copper Mine Beach combines coastal beauty with industrial archaeology
• Multiple tiny coves accessible only on foot if you’re feeling adventurous

Tackle the Healy Pass

If you’ve got a car and nerves of steel, the Healy Pass connecting Cork and Kerry is one of Ireland’s most dramatic mountain roads. The views from the top—overlooking multiple valleys and mountain ranges—will absolutely wreck you (in the best way).

Where to Eat, Drink, and Actually Talk to Locals

Eyeries isn’t going to overwhelm you with dining options, but what’s here is solid:

The Village Inn serves as the social hub—traditional pub grub, local gossip, and a genuine welcome. This is where you’ll end up chatting with farmers, fishermen, and fellow travelers who all seem to have a story about how they ended up in this corner of Ireland.

For provisions, there’s a small shop in the village, but for bigger grocery runs, you’ll want to hit Castletownbere (about 15 minutes away), which also has several good seafood restaurants worth the short drive.

Staying in Eyeries and Surroundings

Accommodation options include:

• Self-catering cottages scattered through the village and countryside—perfect for settling in and living like a local for a few days
• B&Bs offering that classic Irish hospitality and insider tips on hidden spots
• Nearby Castletownbere and Allihies have additional options if Eyeries itself is fully booked

Book ahead during summer months. This place is small, and word is getting out.

The Best Time to Visit (Honestly Depends What You’re After)

Summer (June-August): Longest days, best weather odds, wildflowers everywhere, but also peak season pricing and crowds (though “crowds” here means a dozen extra people)

Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October): Milder weather, fewer visitors, dramatic lighting for photography, though pack for rain

Winter (November-March): Moody, stormy, incredibly atmospheric if you don’t mind horizontal rain and short daylight hours. Nearly empty landscapes feel almost otherworldly.

Real talk: You should probably pack rain gear regardless of when you visit. This is the southwest Irish coast. The weather does what it wants.

Day Trips from Eyeries

The entire Beara Peninsula deserves exploration:

• Castletownbere: Working fishing port with real character and excellent seafood
• Allihies: Former copper mining village with industrial heritage and stunning coastal walks
• Dursey Island: Accessible by Ireland’s only cable car (thrilling/terrifying depending on your perspective)
• Garnish Island: Subtropical gardens that shouldn’t exist this far north but somehow do
• Kenmare: Charming town perfect for restocking supplies or enjoying upscale dining

Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting Eyeries

Cell service can be patchy. Embrace it. This is actually a feature, not a bug.

Sheep have right of way. Always. They know it. You’ll learn it.

The weather changes constantly. Sun, rain, wind, maybe more rain, then sudden sunshine that makes everything glow—sometimes all in the same hour.

Locals appreciate visitors who respect the landscape. Close gates, don’t trample crops, ask before photographing people’s homes up close.

There’s no ATM in the village. Bring cash or plan accordingly.

Why Eyeries Matters (Beyond the Pretty Pictures)

In an Ireland increasingly dominated by tour buses, selfie sticks, and “authentic Irish experiences™” manufactured for mass consumption, Eyeries represents something increasingly rare: a place that’s simply itself.

This is a working village where real people live, farm, fish, and raise families. The tourism happens around the edges of actual life rather than replacing it. When you visit, you’re stepping into someone’s home territory, and that requires a certain level of respect and awareness.

The colorful houses weren’t painted for your Instagram feed—they’re part of a tradition of coastal communities using whatever paint was available to brighten long, gray winters. The ancient sites weren’t preserved as tourist attractions—they’ve simply survived because this landscape has been inhabited for thousands of years.

Making the Most of Your Eyeries Experience

The village rewards slow travel. Instead of rushing through for a few photos before speeding to the next “must-see” attraction, consider:

• Staying multiple nights so you can sink into the rhythm of the place
• Walking rather than driving whenever possible to actually see details and meet people
• Shopping locally at the village shop and supporting community businesses
• Asking questions in the pub—locals often know incredible stories and hidden spots
• Leaving the itinerary flexible for spontaneous detours and discoveries

The Bottom Line

Eyeries isn’t going to give you castle tours, whiskey tastings, or organized folklore shows. What it offers instead is something harder to find and infinitely more valuable: a genuine glimpse of Irish coastal life, landscapes that’ll permanently recalibrate your definition of “beautiful,” and the kind of peaceful, restorative experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned to normal life.

Whether you’re a serious hiker tackling the Beara Way, a photographer chasing perfect light on colorful walls, a history buff exploring ancient sites, or someone who just needs a few days away from the chaos of modern life, this little rainbow village on the edge of Ireland delivers.

Just do yourself a favor: Don’t rush it. Eyeries isn’t a checkbox on an itinerary. It’s a place to breathe, wander, and remember why you started traveling in the first place.

Getting there: Closest airports are Cork (90 minutes) and Kerry (2 hours). Car rental essential.

Budget: Mid-range. Accommodation €80-150/night, meals €15-30, activities mostly free or low-cost.

Ideal length: 2-4 nights to fully explore the village and surrounding peninsula without rushing.

Now go. And when you’re standing on that hillside watching the sunset paint Coulagh Bay in shades of gold and purple, you’ll understand exactly why some travelers stumble upon Eyeries and end up rearranging their entire Ireland itinerary to stay longer.