The Beara Breifne Way

The Beara Breifne Way is a unique grass roots community-led initiative and the largest community-based project undertaken in Ireland to date. Its development has been supported by stakeholders since 2001, including The Heritage Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Local Authorities along the trail. Beara Tourism has championed this project over the past 17 years.

The Beara Breifne Way is made up of 12 existing National Waymarked Ways, spanning 700km through counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan. The route runs through the experience brand region of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and is a signature visitor experience in this destination. The route also traverses the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East destination brands.

In 2020, Fáilte Ireland was awarded funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund[ML1] to conduct a technical trail audit, trail design, wayfinding and orientation strategies, interpretation framework and provision of environmental services. In January 2020, following a successful tender process, a consultant team lead by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland was commissioned to conduct the audit.