Glengarriff is located at the head of the rugged Beara peninsula on Ireland’s southwest coastline.
How to get to Glengarriff by Car
From Cork (1 hour 20 minutes)
The N22 is the most direct route to Glengarriff. Follow signs for Macroom, then exit onto the R585 at the signpost for Bantry. Keep following the Bantry signs until you come to the coast at Ballylickey. Here, turn right onto the N71 for Glengarriff.
Alternatively, the N71 Coast Road via Bandon, Clonakilty and Skibbereen is a scenic route but takes much longer to reach Glengarriff (over two hours).
From Killarney (1 hour) and Kenmare (30 minutes)
The N71 driving route from Killarney to Glengarriff via Kenmare takes one hour. It brings you on a scenic drive over the Caha Pass and through the famous tunnels, with wonderful views over Bantry Bay.
You may also choose to take the scenic route from Kenmare around the coastline of the Beara peninsula, which is beautiful but more challenging if you are not used to driving on rural roads.
From Rosslare Harbour to Glengarrif (3 hours 45 minutes)
By car, the most direct journey from Rosslare to Glengarriff takes under four hours. The route from Wexford to Cork brings you through Ireland’s Ancient East before you reach the Wild Atlantic Way and the West Cork coastline.
Follow the N25 to Cork, where you can pick up the route to West Cork on the N40 > N22 > R585 (the fastest route) or the N40 > N71 (the coastal route).
How to get to Glengarriff by Coach, Bus & Train
From Rosslare and Cork to Glengarriff
Bus Eireann provides an hourly service from the ferry dock at Rosslare Harbour to Cork Bus Station. Change at Cork Bus Station onto the Glengarriff service. You can find the Cork to Glengarriff bus times here. (Cork bus station is within 10 minutes walk of Kent Station – Cork city’s train station.)
Several of Glengarriff’s attractions are within walking distance of the bus stop in the village centre. You can easily visit the Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve and the Bamboo Park on foot, and Garinish Island is just a short boat-trip away.
The West Cork Sailing Centre in Adrigole, the lively port of Castletownbere, and the heritage town of Bantry are just a short bus ride away. In Bantry, you can visit Bantry House and other attractions including Whiddy Island easily from the town centre.