BANTRY & BEARA GLENGARRIFF CASTLETOWNBERE WITH SHEEP'S HEAD & MIZEN PENINSULAS - 2019/2020 Free - West Cork
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BANTRY & BEARA
GLENGARRIFF • CASTLETOWNBERE
WITH SHEEP’S HEAD & MIZEN PENINSULAS
2019/2020 Free
contents Welcome to West Cork
IF YOU take the N71 through West Cork you’ll pass through one
• Page 3-5 Bantry – About & History of the most isolated and little-known corners of Europe, a place,
which has cast its spell over visitors for decades.
• Page 6-7 Bantry Town Map Even if you do not diverge from this ‘main road’, you will see
• Page 8-11,14 Bantry – Food & Shopping memorable scenery, getting ever more rugged as you go further
west. When you do have time to stop along the way, or take a
• Page 11-13 Bantry – Entertainment detour from your route, you may stumble upon that combination
of people and scenery, music and food, nature and history that
• Page 15 Bantry – Arts & Crafts will bring you back again and again.
We have set out this guide in the form of easy to follow maps
• Page 16-18 Bantry – Activities and lists of things to do in response to the visitor’s questions:
“Where can we go, what is there to see and do, and where do
• Page 19-22 Sheep’s Head Peninsula we eat?”
Mark out some places that you think would be worth visiting
• Page 23-27 Mizen Head Peninsula
and plan your route around them; you will not be disappointed.
• Page 28-29 A Grand Day Out Map You’ll find more open spaces, scenery and tranquility than it is
possible to take in during one visit. Many people return year
• Page 30 Annual Events / Festivals after year to re-experience the peaceful rhythm of the fishing
and farming community, where the seasons are paramount and
• Page 31 Ballylickey people do notice how fast the grass is growing!
There is a well-balanced blend of modern and traditional in
• Page 32 West Cork Markets West Cork towns and villages; old stone buildings have been
lovingly restored and shop frontages are in keeping with the
• Page 33-38 Glengarriff tradition. Look off the beaten track and you will find clues to
• Page 39 Activities a rich archeological heritage: ruined castles, ring forts and
standing stones. You’ll find the easy-going nature of the local
• Pages 40-42 Beara Art, Craft & Sculpture people invites you to relax and enjoy life at a more gentle pace.
As they say, there’s time for everything in West Cork!
• Page 43-45 Castletownbere
• Page 46 Beara Wildlife Front cover photos: A view of Bantry Bay; looking for treasures in
Glengarriff; Pork crubeens from the all-day dining menu at Eccles
• Page 47 Bere Island Hotel, Glengarriff and a new addition of the local wildlife.
• Page 48-49 Allihies, Eyeries & Ardgroom Thanks to Niall O’Sullivan (www.niallosphoto.com); John Eagle,
• Page 50 Beara History & Archaeology (johneaglephoto.com); Mike Brown (mikebrownphotography.com) Niall
Duffy (westcorkphoto.com) and Margo Finn McCarthy for photographs.
• Page 51-53 Beara Walking & Cycling Thanks to all who contribute information for this guide and also to all the
businesses without whose support this publication would not be possible.
• Page 54-55 Beara Map
Publisher’s Statement:
This publication has been carefully produced by West Cork People
Please call West Cork People on 023 8835698 or Publications Ltd. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that details
email info@westcorkpeople.ie to advertise in this guide. are correct, the publishers cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions.
Permission from the publishers of this guidebook has to be obtained for
reproduction of photographs or information in the guide.
Kerry
Cork City
Glengarriff
West Cork Bandon
Ballylickey
Eyeries Whiddy
Kinsale
Castletownbere Bantry
Dursey
Allihies
Durrus Clonakilty
Bere Island
Ahakista
Kilcrohane Skibbereen
Ballydehob Rosscarbery
Schull
Baltimore
Sherkin
Cape Clear
2
BANTRY ABOUT/HISTORY
A colourfulHerbert, pastwith
and present
to France, an English eet,
to France, an English eet, over Bantry Library and vying over Bantry Library and vying
under
under Admiral Herbert,
Admiral with same for
same for attention is
attention is
entered the bay searching
entered the
entered the bay another interesting building.
bay searching
searching another interesting
another interesting building. building.
THE beautiful
for them.
them. thetown
In the battle of that
Bantry nestles Builtamong 1825,drumlins
in 1825, noatfewer the
for
head of In
Bantry battle
Bay, that on one
flanked Built in
side by the ititSheep’s
has no
has fewer
Head
followed,
followed, the the French out- than fteen stained glass
Peninsula andFrenchon theout- other by thethan Bearafteen stained Bantry
Peninsula. glass
manoeuvered
manoeuvered the
the English
English and
and windows,
windows, commemorating
commemorating
town is that perfect fusion of the past, present and future. With
made theirtheir escape.
escape. different persons
persons and and groups
groups
amade
history
In 1697, stretching
troops of back
William
different
to Neolithic
from times,
the when humans
community. The left
In
their 1697,
first troops
imprints of
in William
places like from the
Killnaruane, community.
through to The
the
of Orange
of Orange were were landedlanded in in interior has
interior has justjust recently
recently been been
tumultuous
Bantry. On era of
15th the French Armada
December and Theobald
renovated, and is Wolfe
well worth
Bantry.
Tone; On
from thewas15th December
frenetic commercial renovated,
mackerel and and is well
pilchard worth
1796,
1796, Bantry
Bantry was once once again again viewing.
viewing. The The congregation
congregation
fisheries
the destination of
destination of the l9th
of a and
a French
French early 20th centuries
here hadhad a to
a real the
real treat busy
treat this
the here this
cosmopolitan
eet: 43 ships town
and it15,000
is today, Bantry year has
when always
celebrating offeredtheir
eet: 43 ships and 15,000 year when celebrating their
delights
men set set for sailall theBrest
from senses. to Christian heritage,
heritage, by by having
having
men sail from Brest to Christian
The famous
support Friday market on The Square a is burstingused with
support the Irish patriot, Wolfe
the Irish patriot, Wolfe on on the
the altar
altar a chalice
chalice used
delighful
Tone, a
Tone, sights, member
a founder
founder smells and
member of tastes;
of in an
in theatmosphere
the parish from
parish from echoed 1635 and
1635 and
through
the United
United theIrishmen,
town’s winding who streets with their
another frommany 1764,shops, and the the
the Irishmen, who another from 1764, and
bars
was and restaurants. On soft Autumn and Spring days, you’ll
was determined
determined to to establish
establish Baptism
Baptism Register
Register from from 1788.1788.
often
an Irish
an spot
Irish a rainbow
Republic
Republic by armed
by in the ever-changing
armed These are
These aresky now
now above, with a
computerised
computerised
backdrop
rebellion. of green storms
Easterly pastures slipping for down to the shoreline.
rebellion. Easterly storms for the convenience of tourists
the convenience of tourists
offNighttime
off the Irish
the Irish coastduringdispersed
coast summer months
dispersed andushers
and locals in
locals who
who thewish sounds
wish to check
to of
check
traditional,
the
the eet,
eet, and andclassical
while some
while and contemporary
some up on
up on music to the streets,
family history.
family history.
hostelries
succeededand
succeeded in grounds of beautiful Bantry
in anchoring
anchoring Bantry Abbey
Bantry House,cemetery
Abbey a place
cemetery
which
in Bantry
in Bantry commands
Bay, many
Bay, many wonderful
were views
were was
wasover the inner
originally
originally thebay.
the site of
site of
With such
scattered
scattered in
in thecolour
the and beauty
Atlantic.
Atlantic. On
On everywhere
a
a Franciscan
Franciscan you Abbey
Abbey look, built
Bantry
built
is naturally
27th
27th January
January a haven
1797, an
1797, for order
an writers, musicians,
order probably c.1460.
probably visual artists
c.1460. The and
The
sculptors.
was given The
was given to range ofthe
to abandon
abandon cultural activities
the few remaining
few available
remaining stones
stonesthroughout
of
of
the year is invasion,
attempted
attempted unbeatable,
invasion, andtempting
and the
the visitors
the
the buildingto stay
building have
have longer
beenand
been
remaining sea
experience
remaining sea
more. worthy ships
worthy ships assembled to
assembled to form form an an altar
altar
sailed
sailed backback to to France.
France. Bantry Bantry where
where open-air
open-air Mass Mass is is
Town Commissioners
Town Commissioners at at their
their celebrated near
celebrated near the the centre
centre of of
very rst
very rst meeting
meeting voted voted to to the burial
the burial ground.
ground.
change
change the the namename of of thethe town
town Towards
Towards the the seaward seaward side side
square from
square from Egerton
Egerton Square Square of the
of the cemetery
cemetery stands stands the the
to
to Wolfe
Wolfe Tone Tone SquareSquare in in 10foot
10foot highhigh Famine
Famine Cross Cross
1896.
1896. erected by
erected by Tim
Tim Healy Healy and and his his
In 1969,
In 1969, the the supertankers
supertankers brother Maurice
brother Maurice in in 1878
1878 in in
—
— Universe
Universe Ireland Ireland etc etc — — memory
memory of of the
the hundredshundreds of of
were frequent
were frequent visitors visitors to to victims of
victims of the
the 1846/48
1846/48 great great
Bantry
Bantry Bay, Bay, bringing
bringing oil oil from
from Irish
Irish Famine
Famine whose whose bodies bodies
Kuwait to
Kuwait to Bantry
Bantry via via Cape
Cape of of were thrown
were thrown into into faminefamine pits pits
Good
Good Hope Hope for for transhipment
transhipment in
in this
this area.
area. It It is is inscribed:
inscribed:
to
to European
European re reneries
neries in in ‘To
‘To mark
mark the the Famine
Famine Pits Pits of of
smaller tankers,
smaller tankers, as as Gulf
Gulf Oil Oil 1846-8 May
1846-8 May God God give give restrest
Co.
Co. established
established a a Crude
Crude to
to the
the souls
souls of of the the faithful
faithful
Oil Tank
Oil Tank Farm Farm on on Whiddy
Whiddy departed’.
departed’.
BANTRY
Island. has
The tanker an interesting National Tidy Towns, “The
Island.
blend ofThe tanker explosion
architecture explosion
in its
Tim
Tim Healy
outstanding
was
was a
Healy physical a native
native
location
and
and the loss
loss of of over 50
50 lives son, born
born in Bantry in
in 1855,
built the
was aenvironment,
tragic happening.
over
happening.from lives
fine
The
son,
of the
in Bantry, in Bantrywith
married
building now occupied
1855,
occupiedits
was a
historic tragic
buildings to the The in the
heritage building
is unique now in the
complex
complex is now
is now owned owned by
by by
by Bank of Ireland.
Bank of Ireland. He
He
modern
the State, design, for example
and operating
operating on southwest”
became an andIrishsimilarlynationalist
the
the State,
fine and
curved design of on
the became
“Bantry isan Irish
worth anationalist
visit just
a
a smaller
smaller scale,
scale,atititWolfe
is
is used
used to
to politician,
politician, journalist,
journalist, author,
author,
Garda Station Tone to stroll about the streets”.
hold
hold the
the and national
national reserve
reserve of
of barrister
barrister and
and one one of
of the
the most
most
Square,
oil. Bantry Library, While strolling
controversial Irish about,Memberswhy
oil.
standing on the site of the controversial
not pop into Irish
the Members
quaint little
The
The Church
Church of Ireland
ofMills
Ireland ‘St
‘St of
of Parliament
Parliament (MPs)
(MPs) in
in the
former
Brendan Woollen
the Navigator’
Navigator’ in Bridge
is a a Bantry
the House Museumof Commons.
Commons. behind
Brendan
Street, the
built in the shape is of the
Fire House
Station. of Here you will find
spectacular
spectacular cut-stone building On 6th
6th December, 1922,
a dolmen. Ofcut-stone course, no building
visit On
a range December,
of items from 1922, bygone
in
in Wolfe Tone Square and he was sworn in
in as First
to Wolfe
BantryTone Square without
is complete and he
days was swornfrom
ranging asthe
First famous
well worth
well worth a a visit.
visit. Built
Built in in Governor General
Governor General of of the
the
calling to Bantry House, West Cork Hooded Cloak to
1818,
1818, it is noted for its carved Irish Free State – the king’s
fameditfor is its
noted for its carved
tapestries and Irish Free State
the bastible hanging – thefrom king’s the
wood and
wood and stained
stained glass glass representative. The
representative. The Healy
Healy
exotic artefacts, with its crane to the Coomhola anvil
window.
window. Pass
Pass in the Beara Peninsula
restored gardens in such a whichinisthe Beara
a relic Peninsula
of the smelting
St.
St. Finbarr’s
Finbarr’s R.C.
R.C. Church
Church is
is named
named in
in his
his honour.
honour.
spectacular setting. According industry carried on in that side
in Chapel
in Chapel Street, towering towering
to a recentStreet, adjudicator of of Bantry.
5
3
5
BANTRY ABOUT/HISTORY
The history and folklore of past the present library, was
this town goes back a long arched over, together with
way. According to an ancient the Alley River which flows
Irish manuscript, ‘An Leabhar along Glengarriff Road. This
Gabhala’, known as the Book formed the streets as well
of Invasions, the first colony as a small portion of The
to arrive in Ireland landed at Square. In 1846 the Square
‘Dún na mBarc’ — the fortress was extended to the Church
of the boats — Donemark, of Ireland, while in 1895
one mile north of the present Bantry Estate donated part of
town of Bantry, on the N71 the foreshore plus £500.00
route. to extend the Square to its
The area was well present state. The add-on car
populated for many of the park was provided by Cork
early centuries, as evidenced County Council in more recent
by the many stone circles, times.
megalithic tombs, ring forts beneath this is a carving of na bhFiach). A short distance Bantry town and
and so on, which can be four horned animals, butting from here along the wayward surrounding countryside was,
seen dotted around the each other. The lower panel marked walkway, we find a relatively speaking, sparsely
surrounding countryside. on this face is apparently fine example of a wedge tomb populated, and untouched by
One such example of a stone unique in Irish art. It is the – another evidence of life in outside influences, leaving
circle is signposted close to earliest surviving depiction of the Bantry area almost four it completely gaelic up until
the nearby village of Kealkil, a curragh-type boat, which thousand years ago. Here you 1591 when some English
while at the edge of Bantry appears to be skin covered, can take a short stroll along merchants arrived. They were
town stands the famous and it moves through a sea of the ridge of the hill and enjoy lured here by the abundance
Kilnaruane Pillar Stone. This crosses. Pedestrian access is some of the most breathtaking of fish in the bay, and the
impressive carved monument available to this monument, views of Bantry Bay and its enormous shoals of pilchards
is not only unique in County through a field from the road islands as well as the valleys available in Bantry Bay. Great
Cork but has no parallels in marked ‘Rope Walk’, which of the mainland and the numbers were employed at
Ireland. It represents an early runs along from the side of distant mountains, including the fishing, and the merchants
Christian settlement in the the Westlodge Hotel complex. Knockbue (Cnocbaoí), to the accumulated great riches from
area, and the carvings are Continuing your journey north, the highest mountain the poorly paid labours of the
dated to 750A.D. Two faces along the Rope Walk, after peak in County Cork. fishermen. The pilchard fish
of the stone are decorated visiting Kilnaruane Pillar The name Bantry were a great source of fish
for approx. two thirds of their Stone, travel past Bantry (Beanntraí) is reputed to oil, and a mechanical process
length. The north west face Hospital up to the amenity be derived from one of the was devised to extract the
is divided into four panels. area/car park and picnic area earliest chiefs of the district, oil from the fish. The oil was
The top panel is composed at the top of the Sheskin hill, Beannt, a grandson of the then exported.
of a series of interweavings, know as Knocknaveagh (Cnoc famous Conor MacNeasa, Bantry Bay is one of the
King of Ulster in the first finest and safest harbours
century, whose descendants in Europe. Being very deep
settled in the region. Initially, and sheltered, it has been
Bantry Tourist Office the name Bantry applied to used from earliest times by
Call into the Bantry Tourist the bay and surrounding area, fishermen and merchant ships
Information Office on the while the town at the time had as a safe haven. For centuries
Square for helpful advice and the older name of Ballygobbin the fleets of England, Spain,
THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY, information on all aspects of France and Holland fished the
(Baile Góban) after St. Goban
stretching 2,500km along tourism in West Cork. bay, paying harbour dues and
whose cell is said to have
Ireland’s beautiful untamed fishing tax to the O’Sullivan
been at Kilnaruane Pillar
coastline from Malin Head Old Courthouse
Stone. Incidentally, the older Beres who controlled the bay.
in Donegal to the Old Head Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry,
gaelic name for Bantry Bay From Bantry, ships sailed
of Kinsale in West Cork, is 027 50229
was Cuan Baoí, which links loaded with recruits for the
the world’s longest touring
with Dursey Island (Oileán French, Spanish, Austrian
route. The route features 188 Opening Hours:
Baoí) and Cnocbaoí, the and Dutch armies. In
‘Discovery Points’ including ‘15 Mon – Sat: 10am - 6pm
Wonders of the Wild Atlantic highest mountain peak. March 1689 a French fleet
Sunday: mornings only
Way’; in other words, iconic It’s interesting to note that sailed into Bantry Bay with
must-see sights along Ireland’s many of the principal streets 7,000 soldiers, arms and
west coast, three of which in Bantry town, as we know ammunition to aid James
are located in West Cork — them today, were actually 11 in his war with William of
Dursey Island, Mizen Head tidal or waterways up to the Orange. Many of the soldiers
and the Old Head of Kinsale. nineteenth century. The sea were killed in the battles of
Look out for its unique zigzag lapped the end of Church Derry and the Boyne.
signage. Road. In 1832 the Mill Pond As the French sailed
Stream, that flows down down Bantry Bay returning
4
BANTRY ABOUT/HISTORY
to France, an English fleet, over Bantry Library and vying
COEN’S
under Admiral Herbert, with same for attention is
entered the bay searching another interesting building.
for them. In the battle that Built in 1825, it has no fewer
followed, the French out- than fifteen stained glass
manoeuvered the English and
made their escape.
windows, commemorating
different persons and groups PHARMACY
In 1697, troops of William from the community. The
of Orange were landed in interior has just recently been
Bantry. On 15th December renovated, and is well worth
1796, Bantry was once again viewing. The congregation
the destination of a French here had a real treat this
fleet: 43 ships and 15,000 year when celebrating their
men set sail from Brest to Christian heritage, by having
support the Irish patriot, Wolfe on the altar a chalice used
Tone, a founder member of in the parish from 1635 and
the United Irishmen, who another from 1764, and the
Visit us for...
was determined to establish Baptism Register from 1788. Healthcare Advice
an Irish Republic by armed These are now computerised
rebellion. Easterly storms for the convenience of tourists Skincare, Sun products
off the Irish coast dispersed and locals who wish to check
the fleet, and while some up on family history. Baby Products
succeeded in anchoring
in Bantry Bay, many were
Bantry Abbey cemetery
was originally the site of
Beauty & Fragrances
scattered in the Atlantic. On a Franciscan Abbey built
27th January 1797, an order probably c.1460. The Prescriptions dispensed on all schemes.
was given to abandon the few remaining stones of
attempted invasion, and the the building have been
Forgot your prescription or tablets?
remaining sea worthy ships assembled to form an altar Call in. We will help
sailed back to France. Bantry where open-air Mass is
Town Commissioners at their celebrated near the centre of Open: Mon to Sat 8.30-18.30
very first meeting voted to the burial ground. Sundays & every Bank Holiday Monday
change the name of the town Towards the seaward side 11.00-12.00
square from Egerton Square of the cemetery stands the
to Wolfe Tone Square in 10foot high Famine Cross
1896. erected by Tim Healy and his
In 1969, the supertankers brother Maurice in 1878 in
— Universe Ireland etc — memory of the hundreds of
were frequent visitors to victims of the 1846/48 great
Bantry Bay, bringing oil from Irish Famine whose bodies
Kuwait to Bantry via Cape of were thrown into famine pits
Good Hope for transhipment in this area. It is inscribed:
to European refineries in ‘To mark the Famine Pits of
smaller tankers, as Gulf Oil 1846-8 May God give rest
Co. established a Crude to the souls of the faithful
Oil Tank Farm on Whiddy departed’.
Island. The tanker explosion Tim Healy was a native
and the loss of over 50 lives son, born in Bantry in 1855,
was a tragic happening. The in the building now occupied
complex is now owned by by Bank of Ireland. He
the State, and operating on became an Irish nationalist
a smaller scale, it is used to politician, journalist, author,
hold the national reserve of barrister and one of the most
oil. controversial Irish Members
The Church of Ireland ‘St of Parliament (MPs) in
Brendan the Navigator’ is a the House of Commons.
spectacular cut-stone building On 6th December, 1922,
in Wolfe Tone Square and he was sworn in as First
well worth a visit. Built in
1818, it is noted for its carved
Governor General of the
Irish Free State – the king’s
Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry
wood and stained glass representative. The Healy (027) 50531
window. Pass in the Beara Peninsula
St. Finbarr’s R.C. Church is named in his honour. Fax Number: 027 50701
in Chapel Street, towering Email: coens.bantry@healthmail.ie
5
BANTRY TOWN MAP
Maps © West Cork People Publications
6
BANTRY TOWN MAP
7
BANTRY FOOD & SHOPPING
Organico is a haven for food lovers
cut-out & keep recipe
Organico Green
Smoothie
Enough for 4-6 people
• 1 pineapple
• 4-5 bananas, frozen
• 125g spinach
• 100g kale
• 2 tsp spirulina powder
• 500mls coconut water Peel oranges
• 5 tbs protein powder Place the pineapple,
• 1 avocado avocado, oranges, frozen
• 500mls fresh cloudy banana and greens into a
apple juice big blender jug along with
• 1-2 limes (depending on the apple juice and blend
how sweet the pineapple adding coconut water if it
is) gets too think.
• 2 oranges Then add the protein pow-
der, spirulina and the rest of
Prep the pineapple by cutting the coconut water and blend
the top and tail off, peeling until really smooth.
and cutting into chunks. Taste and depending on
Wash the spinach and kale how sweet it is add lime juice
and take off any big stalks, to taste.
Owners Rachel roughly chop. This smoothie last for up to
& Hannah Dare Peel and dice avocados. 24 hours chilled in the fridge.
ORGANICO Cafe Shop and made cosmetics as well as and offers an amazing
Bakery (No. 2 Glengarriff international brands such as organic lunch menu with lots
Road, Bantry) is a great spot Dr Hauschka, an extensive of vegetarian options (and a
to have a delicious lunch and range of supplements few non-vegetarian options
a good browse. Run by sisters including Solgar and A.Vogel, too including Gubbeen Open
Hannah and Rachel Dare, the baby essentials such as Ham sandwiches and spelt
shop is one of Ireland’s most nappies and wipes and lots sausage rolls from locally
admired wholefood shops of treats too. All the staff are reared free-range pigs).
and is packed with everything experienced and friendly and They serve great organic
from handmade spelt bread you are encouraged to take coffee, organic juices, fresh
to olives, organic wines, full advantage of their natural and imaginative sandwiches
cheeses and amazing organic health knowledge. and a gorgeous display of
vegetables. Organico Cafe is spacious, cakes from their own bakery
Organico is now catering comfortable and contemporary including many gluten free WHEN Valerie Kingston
for zero waste shopping (with seating over two floors) options. began bringing cheesecakes
with a new bulk refill area There is also free Wi-Fi, to sell at Bantry market in
stocking dry goods such as takeaways, comfy leather 1997, she found that people
pulses, cereals, nuts, dried couches, regular exhibitions just loved the rich tasty milk
fruit and more, in whatever from local artists, and a great produced on the family farm in
quantity you need. Bring play area for smaller children Drimoleague.
your own container or use on a wet day. Today, Alan and Valerie’s
their organic cloth bags – no Look up www.organico.ie for cheesecakes, yoghurts and
plastic to take home! There more information, and check desserts have gained a
reputation across Ireland and
are also lovely glass jars out Facebook (Organico-
beyond, and the farm is a hive
available to purchase – they Bantry) for events and menus.
of activity.
make organising the kitchen Phone 027 55905/51391. But while the business has
cabinet and keeping track of Open from 9 to 6pm Monday grown, the cows continue to
ingredient amounts so easy. to Saturday; closed Sundays lead a blissful life by the Ilen
You will also find locally and Bank Holidays. River.
8
BANTRY FOOD & SHOPPING
O’Connors Seafood Restaurant has been awarded Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland
in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 by The GoodEating Guide, Yes Chef and the Michelin Guide
O’CONNOR’S
cut-out & keep recipe
Pan seared
Castletownbere SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
cod THE SQUARE, BANTRY | T: 027 55664
with cheesy garlic
potato, topped with a
Donegal rapeseed oil
A true taste of West Cork
salsa Verde
Head Chef Anne Marie Butler
Kiely of O’Connors Seafood
Restaurant shares one of her
favourite creations.
This recipe is based on 7. Finish with a decent knob
locally sourced readily of butter for flavour and allow
available ingredients in West rest for 3-4 minutes before
Cork. Serves 4. serving.
Ingredients: 8. For the salsa verde, finely
• 4 x cod fillets (200g each) chop all the herbs into a bowl
• 1 bunch flat leaf parsley (large enough to mix at the
• 1 bunch coriander end).
• 2 sprigs rosemary 9. Finely chop in the garlic
• 2 sprigs mint and olives and add in.
• 2 vine tomatoes 10. Remove the seeds from
• Anchovies x 100g the tomatoes and finely chop
• 10 black pitted olives into the bowl. Recommended in the Michelin Guide 2019
• 6 cloves garlic 11. Finely chop in 100g of & Lucinda O’Sullivan’s Little Black Book of
• 1 full lemon, zested & juiced anchovies (these are optional ‘Great Places to Stay & Eat’
• 50g butter as are very strong in flavour)
• 10 potatoes, sliced very “Head Chef Anne Marie Butler has been wowing diners
12. Finely season with Irish with her culinary style and talent at this popular Bantry
finely
Atlantic sea salt and cracked
• 100ml cream restaurant for the past few years. The menu changes
black pepper and add in the
• 50g grated cheddar regularly, as you’d expect with fresh seafood, and there’s
lemon juice and zest.
• Salt and pepper to season plenty to please the concerned fishophile, but,
13. This salsa is more of a
• 1 bottle Donegal rapeseed if you get a chance, try their signature dish of monkfish
dressing than a salsa so the
oil and smoked venison risotto.”
oil is important. Add in 200ml
of Donegal rapeseed oil and Lucinda O’Sullivan
1. Finely slice the potatoes
mix well. Consistency should
and place in a tray.
2. Boil up the cream adding
be loose. Open: Monday – Sunday
four crushed garlic cloves,
14. For plating, place the Lunch 12.30pm - 3pm
garlic potato at the bottom in
salt and pepper and whisk in Dinner 5.30pm - 9.30pm
the centre of the plate.
the grated cheddar.
3. Pour over the potatoes
15. Sit the fillet of cod on top. New Kid’s Set Menu
16. Place a good spoonful of
and cover with tin foil
salsa verde on top of the cod
2 courses for €10 • 3 courses for €12.50
4. Bake for 40 minutes or
until soft to a knife tip.
and drizzle extra around the
plate. Early Bird Menu: Nightly from 5.30pm
5. For the cod, heat up a
17. Finish with a garnish of 2 course / 3 course Menu available
non-stick pan with Donegal
choice and a lemon wedge. Recommended by the Coeliac Society of Ireland
rapeseed oil.
I use locally grown sprouting for its 95% coeliac friendly menu. Also vegetarian friendly.
6. Cook skin side down first,
but some rocket salad would
two minutes on either side
be just as good.
and finish in the oven for a
further six minutes.
9
BANTRY FOOD & SHOPPING
Where to eat...
YOU’LL receive a warm its premises on the quay. oysters and mussels. The with chat all day and into
welcome and delicious “The Snug Bar & Restaurant philosophy here is to try not the evening. Great for tasty
food from the owner/chef in Bantry is in pole position to interfere with the fish they home cooking and delicious
at The Snug & O’D’s on with some of the best are serving, which comes pastries and desserts.
the Square. In business for restaurants in Britain. simply presented with skin
Offering accommodation,
over 25 years, in the last few Simply the best.” The Daily side up, along with a variety
food, a traditional Irish bar
years The Snug expanded Telegraph of simple butters or sauces
and live music The Bantry
on top or on the side. The
At The Maritime Hotel you Bay in the centre of town
chefs are always exploring
can choose to eat in the is a popular destination for
new ideas and flavours and
bar or the Ocean restaurant good food and a relaxed
have recently incorporated
– both combine a world of pub atmosphere any
native seaweeds, one of
flavours and influences with time of the day. Serving
nature’s superfoods, to the
the finest local ingredients to breakfast, lunch and dinner
menu. Never fear if fish isn’t
create a modern Irish dining with quality local produce
your thing, they also serve
experience. you’re sure to be served
steak and a lovely vegetarian
up a delicious meal with
The Fish Kitchen is a family option. Walk in or call for a
great friendly service here.
run restaurant, located on reservation on 027 56651.
Dishes to try include their
New Street in Bantry, that
Mingle with the locals at The traditional Irish breakfast,
specialises in the freshest of
Bake House, which buzzes Pie or Roast of the Day for
locally caught fish, lobster,
lunch or Skeaghanore Duck
and Bantry Bay Mussels for
dinner – this is certainly no
ordinary bar food! Vegetarian
options and Kid’s Menus are
also available so plenty of
choice for everyone.
Overlooking Wolfe Tone
Square, Bia Restaurant’s
classic style serves mouth-
watering dishes using quality
local produce, seafood
and meats that are given a
French twist by their Head
Chef, Gilles Eynaud: “Good
Home of the Earls of Bantry
BANTRY HOUSE is not only stay the night in the B&B
one of the finest historic located in the East Wing.
houses in Ireland, but it also The original design of
commands one of the best the garden which dates
views overlooking Bantry Bay. back to the second Earl of
It has been open to the public Bantry’s (1800-1865) travels
since 1946, the first to do so can still be seen today. He
in the country and possibly transformed the house and
also in the British Isles. garden into a ‘Palazzo’ like
The house is still owned those he had seen on the
by descendants of Richard continent.
White (First Earl of Bantry). The house frequently
Today visitors can explore hosts highly atmospheric
the house – which houses an musical recitals in conjunction
important private collection of with West Cork Music. See
furniture and objects of art – westcorkmusic.com.
and the formal garden, have www.bantryhouse.com
tea in the tearoom or even
10BANTRY FOOD & SHOPPING
cooking starts with good The Brick Oven has an
produce and when you have extensive range of mouth- Traditional
the richness of the West Cork watering pizzas from their Irish Bar
larder to choose from there’s authentic wood-burning
Serving Breakfast,
an opportunity to really stove, together with a range
excel.” Bia’s front-of-house of pasta, steak and seafood
Lunch & Dinner
team create a welcoming, options. With daily specials, Live Music
relaxed atmosphere for you including vegetarian options, Wolfe Tone Square
to enjoy, while you savour and a children’s menu, this
Bantry
your food and wine to the restaurant caters for all tastes
fullest. The menu includes and budgets. Booking a table
T: 027 55789
exciting specialties such as is recommended in busy www.bantrybay.ie
Braised Short of Rib, Salmon periods and you can also
Confit, Ribeye Steak and order pizza/pasta for delivery
Bantry Bay Scallops with or take away. They also offer
Clonakilty Black Pudding. an extensive catering menu
Vegetarian dishes, Daily suitable for lazy days when
Specials are also available, you just don’t feel like going
and Set Menus can be out for dinner but want to eat
created for Groups of 12 or something homecooked – an
more. For reservations call ideal option for self-catering
027 55789 holidays.
BANTRY ENTERTAINMENT Classic Style
Restaurant
West Cork Chamber Music Festival Local produce
with a French Twist
June 28 – July 7, 2019
Wolfe Tone Square
ONE of the highlights of the
Bantry
summer is the West Cork
Chamber Music Festival,
T: 027 55789
which presents world-class
chamber music on the
shores of Bantry Bay.
Bantry’s 24th annual
celebration of chamber
music has invited 110
musicians, masters and
students, established
composers and apprentices,
string players and wind
players, solo sopranos and
vocal consorts, pianists and
harpsichordists, national
and international Baroque
ensembles, young prize- Authentic
winners and living legends, Wood-Fired
to gather in Bantry for 10 Pizza
days of intense music-
making. Seafood, Steak
There are up to & Daily Specials
The Quay, Bantry
six concerts and four Eat In or Take Away
T: 027 52501
masterclasses each day, www.thebrickovenbantry.com
plus a series of Fringe instrument-makers and bow-
events, public artist makers.
interviews and talks and More details on www.
a major exhibition of Irish westcorkmusic.ie
and international string
11BANTRY ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy a ‘session’ with local musicians
IN MANY parts of Ireland, reed melody instruments Nicole Maguire, Damien at Wild nightclub, which will
informal ‘sessions’, or mixed predominate, especially Dempsey, Luka Bloom, keep you dancing until 2am
gatherings of musicians fiddle, whistle, flute, uilleann Declan O Rourke, Hermitage and is open at weekends.
performing for their own pipes, also concertina and Green, Kris Drever, The Experience one of the
enjoyment, take place on accordion, and percussion Original Rudeboys and last and rare Irish drinking
a weekly or more frequent instruments are of minor Larry Campbell and Teresa establishments in Ireland
basis in bars, hotels, or clubs. importance. Williams. Live music every at Ma Murphy’s pub. Little
Admission is usually free but Over the years Bantry Friday and Saturday nights has changed in this unique
sometimes there is a nominal has become a centre of so check out their monthly bar, family-run since 1840.
charge. Posters outside the music, both traditional and music line-up to see what’s Groceries can still be
premises will tell you who is contemporary. Many of on when visiting! purchased in the shop whilst
playing that night. Bantry’s bars host live music A regular feature on their the snug is still in operation,
Traditional Irish music is nights throughout the year. events calendar are Stand Up where once only the ladies
of rural more than urban Comedy shows with recent were allowed to drink and
origins. Solo performance, acts including Joe Rooney, traditional matchmaking was
in which subtleties of style Kevin McGahern, Chris performed.
can best be heard, is the Kent and Bernard Casey all
basis of the tradition, but showcasing the best of their
group performance is now national tours! Ross Browne
common. Singing is normally of RED FMs KC & Ross
unaccompanied. In the is performing his Bojangle
music session, instruments show on June 20th (tickets
are played in unison in The ‘Barrel-House via EventBrite). These are
combinations of any number. Sessions’ at The Mariner fantastic intimate comedy
The bulk of the music venue in Bantry is fast nights which will keep you
instrumental music played is becoming a mecca for live smiling long after the event
fast isometric dance music music in West Cork. You will so watch out for new acts on
— jigs, reels and hornpipes find local musicians and up their website. The cobbled beer garden is
for the most part. This dance and coming bands belting out Popular live music is bursting with colour and the
music has associated solo their tunes before handing something you can be certain new bar, which used to be
and group dances, which over the reins to more of at The Bantry Bay. the old forge, has become a
are also a major part of Irish established bands to rock Hosting everything from solo renowned venue for great live
tradition. the dance floor ‘till late. Over artists to traditional music traditional music.
From the thump of the the last number of years, The sessions, you will find live A popular drinking hole
Bodhrán to the airy rasp of Mariner has hosted some music seven nights a week amongst the locals and
the wooden flute, celtic music great music acts including here during the summer. tourists, Ma Murphy’s always
is known by its instruments. Liam O’ Maonlaoi, Cathy What’s more, you can attracts a friendly and
String, wind, and free- Davy, Don Baker, Eric Bell, continue your night next door colourful crowd.
Chief O’Neill Festival Bantry BBQ
September 6 – 8, 2019
EACH YEAR the musical legacy in America, but he never lost his
Festival
of Chief O’Neill is celebrated love for the Irish music he had
August 3 – 5, 2019
in Bantry with a traditional learned as a child growing up in
music festival to highlight his Tralibane, near Bantry. O’Neill THE streets of Bantry
achievements as a collector noticed that Chicago, with its come alive with the sound
of traditional Irish music. The large Irish population, was home of music and BBQ’s being
festival is an opportunity to to brilliant musicians from across fired up to make the most
enjoy O’Neill’s amazing legacy Ireland so he set about building of the August Bank Holiday
and achievements through a unique collection of the tunes weekend. Enjoy this free
some of the best contemporary they played: a songbook for O’Neill helped to safeguard the event with tasty BBQ fayre
musicians brought to Bantry the musicians of the future. future of traditional Irish music available throughout the
for a packed programme of Chief O’Neill not only collected on both sides of the Atlantic.
concerts, workshops, sessions traditional tunes from Irish weekend whilst you listen
Help honour his achievements to live music in the bars and
and musical fun. musicians in Chicago, he also by coming to Bantry for the
As the famous ‘Chief’ of the published them in an impressive pubs and on the streets.
Chief O’Neill Traditional Music
Chicago police force, Captain series of books which are still Festival.
O’Neill won fame and affection in print today. In the process,
12BANTRY ENTERTAINMENT
West Cork Literary Festival
July 12 – 19, 2019
An
independent
bookshop for
independent
readers!
Eimear O’Herlihy, Festival Director West Cork Literary Festival.
Pic: Darragh Kane
THIS YEAR’S West Cork are singer-songwriter and Boyne, Joseph O’Connor Bantry Courthouse is the
Literary Festival programme bestselling author Tracey and Hugo Hamilton; the two venue for a special crime
is packed full of readings and Thorn (one half of duo authors of the phenomenally writing reading with Catherine
workshops by leading writers Everything But the Girl); popular The Importance Ryan-Howard and Catherine
from Ireland and overseas. Canadian poet and essayist of Being Aisling and many, Kirwan. New York Times
As well as the series of five Anne Carson; writers many more. bestselling author Tana
day workshops and readings, Sinéad Gleeson and Emilie Dublin poet and playwright French will be in Bantry
the programme also includes Pine; Laureate for Irish Stephen James Smith, so House while Mark Boyle will
children’s and young adult Fiction Sebastian Barry and central to the rise of the talk about his life without
events, a Letter Café, Laureate na nÓg Sarah vibrant spoken word scene technology and read from
Festival walk and talk on Crossan; Esi Edugyan,who in Ireland today, appears in his book The Way Home in
Whiddy Island and a Festival was shortlisted for the the Maritime Hotel and also Future Forests, Kealkil.
swim in Bantry Bay. Man Booker Prize 2018; tutors a free teenage poetry The West Cork Literary
The evening events Irish Times writer Rosita workshop in Bantry Library. Festival is generously
featuring Mary Robinson and Boland; travel writer Adam John Boyne, E R Murray and supported by The Arts
Graham Norton events are Weymouth; poets Liz Berry, Cethan Leahy read from their Council, Cork County Library
sold out but there are still Doireann Ní Ghríofa and work in St Brendan’s School and Arts Service and Fáilte
tickets available for many of Jessica Traynor; novelists Kit Hall while Fighting Words Ireland. Booking online at
the other events throughout de Waal, Sarah Moss, Patrick present free creative writing www.westcorkliteraryfestival.
the week. Gale, Anjali Joseph,Claire workshops for teenagers and ie or by ringing 027 52788.
Among those appearing Adam,Tessa Hadley, John children.
Masters of Tradition Kupala Festival
August 21 – 25, 2019 June 23, 2019
MASTERS of Tradition is performances take place in CELEBRATE the summer to play traditional games and
a five-day traditional music Bantry House and in one solstice with a day of taste traditional foods. Everyone
festival held each August of Bantry’s other special multicultural midsummer is welcome to this free event
celebrations at Bantry Kupala so come along, get your flower
in Bantry, featuring a series venues, St Brendan’s
Festival on Wolfe Tone Square. wreath, join the dancers, watch
of performances that cover Church. This festival is a colourful the fire show and enjoy live
the full spectrum of Irish The event provides a celebration in the style and taste music until late!
traditional music. The platform where subtle of cultures from around the
and sometimes obscure world and is something for all
elements of Irish traditional the family to enjoy.
music can be heard. By Fun events include face
seeking the heart of the painting, balloon modelling,
a food and craft market and
music we find a universal
so much more. Meet with real
voice that has widespread Vikings and Slavs in their village
appeal reaching across and watch live history lessons,
many cultural and musical battles, crafts and rituals.
barriers. Admire traditional Mexican,
westcorkmusic.ie Indian, Nepalese and Polish
dancers and musicians, learn
13BANTRY FOOD & SHOPPING
Shop ‘til you drop
BANTRY TOWN has armchair for parents! names like Avoca and
a fantastic selection of There are a lot of special Caroline Kilkenny and also
shops. From clothing and interest sections in the shop, Irish bag brand Zohara
shoes to home interiors, mindfulness, bereavement, from the Giant’s Causeway.
hardware, furniture, crafts, dementia, psychology, There is also a lovely
toys, kitchenware, beauty business, environment, selection of Irish designed
products, organic and health and lots of local authors. A gifts to bring home to friends
food products, you’ll find whole shelf is dedicated to Ladies, be sure to stop and family such as Irish
everything you are looking the classics and the poetry at The Changing Room linen and silk scarfs, Irish
for and a few surprises as section is expanding all the on Barrack Street, which tweed throws or luxury
well! time. You’ll even find a book offers great choice in quality scented candles and reed
Calm and spacious Bantry on Chinese wallpaper! preloved and new clothing diffusers from the world’s
Bookshop on William Street Stowaway Crafts & Toys and accessories. Whether oldest candle company,
is a hub in the community is also located on William you’re shopping for a stylish Rathborne.
for book lovers, book Street. This shop has new outfit or for an occasion, For fragrances, skincare or
clubs, young people and a something for all members this is the perfect shop to sun products head straight
resource for writers. of the family from Yankee browse in. You’re sure to to Coen’s Pharmacy on the
There are secondhand as candles for Mum to the latest find something special at the Square. They stock a huge
well as new books on sale toys for the kids – what right price. range of Clarins as well as
and a special section for better way to keep them When in Rome…for lots of other brands and of
older hardback titles offers entertained than a new Irish labels visit The Webb course they offer healthcare
great value. puzzle or boardgame? The boutique on Main Street advice and emergency
A dedicated children’s shop is filled with quirky and Bantry (also in Macroom). prescriptions if you are
section has small chairs unusual gift ideas. This well laid out shop feeling under the weather on
and tables, as well as an stocks well known fashion your trip.
The Webb
Bantry 027-51500
Macroom 026-42633
Stocking Irish labels
such as Avoca,
Caroline Kilkenny
and Zohara handbags.
Our emphasis is Customer
Care. To make your shopping
experience a happy one feel
free to visit & browse.
Stockists of
Rathborne
Candles
14BANTRY ARTS & CRAFTS
A place apart for arts and crafts
THE range of crafted produce not enough then you should From the mountains to the
found throughout West Cork consider taking part in one of sea, Forest & Flock on
is as varied as it is rich. Fine the many workshops and open New Street invites you to a
ceramic art, delicate glasswork studios which run throughout the celebration of Irish craft and
and exquisite jewellery and year and create your very own design. Visit Bernie and Maeve
wood, turned or carved, sit masterpiece. whose passion for craft and
alongside traditional crafts design – and love of their West
such as sculpture, furniture, The Craft Shop on Glengarriff Cork surroundings – brought
knitwear, textiles, pottery, Road in Bantry remains one them together to create this
basketry, metalwork, lace of very few craft outlets that wonderful shop. A personal and
and leatherwork. A rich seam exclusively stocks products passionate shopping experience
of creativity and innovation, that are handmade in Ireland. in an engaging gallery space
abundant local natural materials, It has a strong local flavour of sculpture, ceramics, art,
a wealth of traditional skills with the best of West Cork Irish homeware and innovative
and a singular creative vision crafts well-represented in the design. The perfect destination
combine to form an intimate and form of ceramics, woodturning, for that Sunday spin and a
enduring link between place and felt, leather bags and shoes, haven on a rainy day, this
product. jewellery, baskets, knives, spacious shop interior is
Whether you are looking for candles and metal work. With specially curated to showcase
a unique keepsake, gift for a the quality and wide range of artistic impressions of the Wild
loved one or stand out piece to beautiful crafts in Ireland, there Atlantic Way and is the place to GLENGARRIFF ROAD
tie your home together, nothing is no need to look any further find that perfect gift or memento BANTRY|027 50003
encapsulates the creative then the Craft Shop. This is to bring home.
spirit and sense of place that an excellent place to find that Follow ton Facebook and www.craftshopbantry.com
sets West Cork apart like a unique piece to take home and Instagram @forestandflock. Monday to Saturday
piece of local craftwork. And if enjoy. Open 7 Days. 10am - 6pm
simply investing in a piece is
Celebrating Irish Makers
New Street, Bantry
Discover a shop full of
Irish Craft & Design
Open 7 Days
T. +353 87 3861799 E. hello@forestandflock.ie
forestandflock
15BANTRY ACTIVITIES
GUIDED TOURS • KAYAKS • POWERBOATS • STAND UP PADDLE BOARDS
Summer Camps • School Tours• Group Packages • Dolphin/Seal Watching & Fishing Trips available
Railway Pier, Bantry | 083 888 1102 | www.bantrybayboathire.ie
The waters of Bantry Bay
BANTRY BAY is one of the when the Atlantic Challenge
finest and safest harbours in contest of seamanship took
Europe and is situated in a place with 16 countries
strategic position on the edge participating.
of the Atlantic Ocean. Being As a venue for water sports,
very deep with few dangerous Bantry Bay has a lot to offer, with
rocks or sand banks and many international sailing events
sheltered from most winds by taking place in recent years. The
the mountains surrounding it, Beach area in the harbour is one
from earliest times fishermen of the best slalom windsurfing
and merchant ships have used it venues in the country and the
as a haven. national championships have
On December 15, 1796 been held here on a number of
Bantry became the destination occasions.
of a French Fleet. 43 ships and With a colourful history and
15,000 men set sail from Brest from scenery to outdoor activity
in support of the Irish patriot, Bantry Bay is second to none
Wolfe Tone. Tone, a founder and is well worth taking time to
member of the United Irishmen, explore.
was determined to establish THE BANTRY BLUEWAY (see
an Irish Republic by armed map) takes paddlers on a 2km,
rebellion. One ship’s longboat 6km or 9km water trail around
was left behind on Bere Island the picturesque Bantry Harbour
and stored in Bantry house until and encompasses up to 7
the 1940’s, replicas of which are different points, starting at Abbey
now used worldwide by Atlantic Slipway and taking in Whiddy
Challenge international for Island before moving across to
teaching traditional seamanship Reenbeg Point and back via abilities as paddlers can choose competitor!). The event is a test
skills to young people. Railway Pier. from 3 trails that are designed of teamwork as well as individual
In 2012, foreign sailors again The Bantry Blueway can for varying levels of experience skills – competitors need to
graced the waters of the Bay be enjoyed by all ages and – beginners, intermediate and pair up after the run to bring
advanced. double kayaks across Bantry
For further information, see Bay and back to Bantry’s Abbey
www.bantrybayport.com or www. Pier. Individuals and teams
visitbantry.ie. of three are welcome to take
part in an event that has been
Bantry Bay Adventure a sellout hit in previous years.
Why not sign up and support
Race – August 31, 2019 three great charities; Bantry
This unique challenge is a great Inshore Rescue Association,
way to end a magical summer Bantry Special Olympics Team
in Bantry. Run Whiddy Island, and The Jack & Jill Foundation,
kayak Bantry Bay, and then as you immerse yourself in a
cycle a stretch of the Sheep’s unique West Cork challenge?
Head peninsula (splitting Register for the event on www.
the legs if you’re a team bantrybayadventurerace.com.
16BANTRY ACTIVITIES
Adventures with Bantry Bay Boat Hire
IMMERSE yourself in the You could also opt for Guinness. What a perfect
natural beauty of Bantry Bay the one-way kayaking trip day out. Scheduled Seafood
with Bantry Bay Boat Hire and to Whiddy Island, along the Tours are weekly or can be
be part of the Wild Atlantic designated Bantry Blueway organised on a private basis
Way adventure out on the marked kayaking route, then by contacting Bantry Bay Boat
water! go explore the historical Hire.
Explore these beautiful Whiddy Island on foot or Bantry Bay Boat Hire is
waters on one of their guided hire a bike. Your kayaks will open weekends for March -
tours or hire a kayak or stand- be collected by Bantry Bay September and daily for July
up paddle board, or self-drive Boat Hire so you can enjoy and August. They also hold
the easy-to-use powerboats, refreshments at the only pub including the world renowned children’s Summer Camps
which require no experience. on the island, Bank House, Bantry Bay mussels and throughout July and August –
Each boat trip is accompanied then return at your leisure for other points of interest in full details are available on the
by a guide in a separate free on the ferry! Bantry Bay. The tour stops website.
safety boat and you have the Or try the Seafood Tour, a off at Whiddy Island to enjoy Phone 083 888 1102 or visit
option to purchase fishing unique experience exploring a sharing bowl of Bantry www.bantrybayboathire.ie.
tackle to try and land your Bantry Bay, learning about Bay mussels with Irish
very own catch of the day. the local fishing industries, brown bread and a glass of
Sail away for the day to an island haven
TRULY an island paradise, or 9km water trail around artists and painters. Quiet good place for anglers. The
Whiddy is a small haven of picturesque Bantry Harbour walks can be taken both by other is a tidal saltwater lake,
peace and tranquility. and encompasses up to road and pasture, and along offering diversity for wildlife/
A small island, seven different points, it’s plentiful shores. As part bird enthusiasts.
approximately three miles starting at Abbey Slipway of the Sheeps Head Way, There is an abundance of
long by one-and-a-half and taking in Whiddy Island the 1.6km Whiddy Island historical sites and ruins to be
miles wide, it is sheltered by (which has three separate Loop Walk is clearly marked. seen also, and of course all
the beautiful mountains of landing/launch points) before Bicycles are also available for are welcome at Bank House
the Beara peninsula to the moving across to Reenbeg hire to visitors. situated just by the pier. Open
north and the Sheep’s Head Point and back via Railway The shoreline has much to 7 days, all day and serving
peninsula to the south. Being Pier. The Bantry Blueway offer, with an abundance of fresh seafood, steaks, dinner
just offshore from Bantry can be enjoyed by all ages rockpools and breathtaking and light lunches. There is
town, access is easy, and the and abilities as paddlers can scenery. Fishing is also also a Kids Menu available.
ferry crossing only a matter of choose from three trails that enjoyed here. There are two Eat inside or out in the fresh
minutes. are designed for varying lakes on the island, close to air.
Since last summer, levels of experience from one another but both very The inhabitants of Whiddy,
kayakers have been making beginners, intermediate and different. One (freshwater) mostly devoted to fishing and
their own way to Whiddy advanced. See map on this lake is the main source of farming, are warm-natured
via the beautiful new Bantry page. the island’s water supply, has people who welcome both
Blueway, which takes Whiddy’s natural beauty resident swans and other day-trippers and holiday-
paddlers on a 2km, 6km means it is popular with waterbirds as well as being a makers alike.
17BANTRY ACTIVITIES
Bantry’s Heritage Loop Béicín Loop
© Claire Heardman
THE HERITAGE LOOP takes along the southern side of
walkers on a tour of many of Bantry Bay, passing the
the heritage points of interest entrance to Bantry House,
in and around the town. The the fishing pier and the
walks vary from 2.5m to 5km Abbey graveyard, which has
plus, but they can be linked monuments and memorials
together to form a walk of erected to those who have
more than 20km. Most of lost their lives at sea. Turning
the walks use pavements, left after the Westlodge Hotel the northern side of Bantry Starting at the Peace Park,
paths and small roads, so onto the Rope Walk Road, the Harbour, with its flocks of gulls which is a small formal garden
are suitable for all the family. loop includes a short side trip and parties of mute swans. owned by Cork County
For the more adventurous to the unique seventh century Passing the site of the former Council with a fledgling
there is the possibility of Kilnaruane Pillar stone, which railway station, you reach community orchard planted
striking out across the peak features a very early depiction the old railway pier. After the by Sustain West Cork, the
of Knocknaveagh, which of a boat. The route can pier, a new promenade runs route heads out of town along
provides stunning views be varied by taking a walk along the sea front, backed by the pavement. Along the way
over the town and bay. The up through Bantry House’s banks of gorse (furze). Marine there is a plaque, which marks
walks are complemented by a gardens and woodlands to animals to look out for include the site where a Priest´s horse
series of interpretative boards reach the Rope Walk or by terns, which breed on nearby reputedly leapt from a pass
erected by Bantry Tourism, wandering along a track Horse Island, and harbour above Coomhola 16km away.
Failte Ireland and Cork County through the Westlodge Hotel seals. The walk loops back to At area where the two bridges
Council. grounds, passing an intertidal the start point via the streets cross the Mealagh River, is
pond. and back-roads of Bantry, Dún na mBarc or ´fort of the
Abbey and Rope Walk Loop partially following the route of ships´ where the first people to
Start point: Tourist Office, Béicín Loop the old railway which existed arrive in Ireland are thought to
Bantry Square. Length: Start Point: Tourist Office, in Bantry until the 1960s. have landed. The walk loops
4km plus short side trip to Bantry Square. Length: 2.5km. back following part of the
Kilnaruane Pillar stone. Climb: Climb: 30m. Difficulty: Easy Donemark Loop
original Glengarriff road before
50m. Difficulty: easy. Colour (pavements and paths). Colour Start Point: Peace Park.
the new bridge and road was
code: Blue code: Purple Length: 2.5km. Climb: 15m.
built in the late 1830s.
The walk follows the pavement The walk passes St Brendan’s Difficulty: easy.
Church and continues along Colour code: Green
Explore the natural world with Ireland’s first female botanist
ELLEN Hutchins (1785–1815) homeplace in Bantry and she read by an actress. There are passes of Priests Leap
was an early Irish botanist. had a major influence in the also extracts from the Journal and Healy Pass. The sites
She was born in Ardnagashel, collection and line drawing of a Welsh botanist, Lewis include some of her favourite
Ballylickey, where her family of seaweeds. Her rare finds Dillwyn, who visited Ellen at places for plant hunting – the
had a small estate at the head included lichens, and three Ballylickey and was delighted beach under Blue Hill by
of Bantry Bay. Her father was species are called after her: with the seaweeds and shells the airstrip, Whiddy Island,
a magistrate and died when Lecania hutchinsiae; of Bantry Bay. Coomhola Bridge with the
she was two years old, leaving Pertusaria hutchinsiae; The stops on the Trail range Coorycommane Loop Walk
a wife and six children. Enterographa hutchinsiae. from Ellen’s unmarked grave and Glengarriff Woods – as
Ellen moved to Dublin The Ellen Hutchins Heritage and commemorative plaque well as her birthplace and
and was looked after by Dr. Trail, with free leaflet, audio in Garryvurcha churchyard, home at Ballylickey.
Whitley Stokes, a medical guide, and website, invites Bantry to the high mountain Funded by the Heritage
doctor and naturalist. She you to explore the plants, Council and the Fisheries
befriended Scot James seaweeds and landscape Local Action Group South, the
Townsend Mackay (1775– of Bantry Bay through the Trail was developed by the
1862), a curator at the Botanic story of Ireland’s first female Ellen Hutchins Festival and
Garden of Trinity College. botanist, by visiting nine sites the audio guide was created
His influence helped her in significant to Ellen’s plant in association with Abarta
the classification of plants hunting and her life. At each Heritage.
she was collecting and Ellen site there is information about The 2019 Ellen Hutchins
contributed to his Flora place, plants and an aspect of Festival takes place from
Hibernica. Ellen was an avid Ellen’s story. The audio guide 17 to 25 August. See www.
collector of cryptogamic for use with smart phones has ellenhutchins.com for more
species, and their pictorial tracks for each place, and on the Heritage Trail and the
representations. these start with an extract Festival.
She collected around her from one of Ellen’s letters
18You can also read
