Allihies, situated 12 miles west of Castletownbere, on the Ring of Beara Route, is a region of unspoiled natural beauty. Glacial and volcanic movement of yore played their part in the formation of this most rugged, most unusual and yet most beautiful landscape. Such activity, the geologists tell us, left in its wake the large store of mineral deposits so successfully mined throughout the 19th century and much more of which is still here with us – if deeper down. Plans are advanced regarding the siting of a Mining Museum in Allihies.
Situated on the land around Ballydonegan Bay, Allihies was once the base for the thriving copper mines in the area, which reached the peak of production in the last century. Do take special care in the area of the old mine workings as there are many old mine shafts which are dangerous. The attractive village of Allihies looks out on the Bay, from which the copper ore was exported by sea.
The drive from here along the north coast of the Beara Peninsula to Eyeries and Ardgroom following the signposted ‘Ring of Beara Drive’ offers superb views of the coast and mountains of Iveragh, the peninsula across the Kenmare Bay which contains the Ring of Kerry tourist route.
