Bantry Attractions
Bantry (Beanntraighe, "Descendants of Beann") lies at the extreme southwestern tip of Ireland, sheltered by its surrounding hills, at the head of the famous and beautiful bay which bears its name. The influence of the Gulf Stream can be seen in the climate and vegetation of the area, where high fuchsia hedges and palms are frequent features of the landscape.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Bantry's harbor is sheltered from the sea by Whiddy Island. The harbor affords anchorage for sea-going vessels and supertankers, which discharge their cargoes on Whiddy Island. There are remains of old fortifications on the island.
Bantry Bay was twice entered by French fleets - in 1689, in support of James II, and in 1796, to bring aid to the Irish rebels. Both expeditions were unsuccessful: in 1796 the ships could not even put in to land on account of fog and violent storms.
Two roads of particular scenic beauty are the road to Macroom over Cousane Gap (to the northeast) and the coast road to Glengarriff, with magnificent views of the sea and the hills.
To the north of the town, on the Glengarriff road, are the Donemarc Falls on the River Mealagh. There is good fishing in the river and in Drombrow Lough, above the river, and in Lough Bofinna.
Bantry Bay was twice entered by French fleets - in 1689, in support of James II, and in 1796, to bring aid to the Irish rebels. Both expeditions were unsuccessful: in 1796 the ships could not even put in to land on account of fog and violent storms.
Two roads of particular scenic beauty are the road to Macroom over Cousane Gap (to the northeast) and the coast road to Glengarriff, with magnificent views of the sea and the hills.
To the north of the town, on the Glengarriff road, are the Donemarc Falls on the River Mealagh. There is good fishing in the river and in Drombrow Lough, above the river, and in Lough Bofinna.
Related Attractions
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Bantry House
Bantry House, surrounded by a beautiful park, contains an impressive art collection.
Armada Museum
Opposite Bantry House is the Bantry French Armada Exhibition Center. In the winter of 1796 a French fleet of 43 ships with 16,000 men began to support the "United Irishmen" in their resistance to the British. Since only 16 ships reached Bantry Bay the French had to retire after a few minor skirmishes. About 100ft/30m beneath the sea the French frigate "La Surveillante" was discovered in 1985. A model of this ship can be seen in the Armada Museum.
Hours
April 1 to October 15
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
A joint ticket to Bantry House and Armada Exhibition Centre is available at both sites.
Last admission 5:40 p.m.
Photography prohibited.
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Ballylickey
3mi/5km north of Bantry, where the R584 branches off for Macroom, is Ballylickey, which offers good fishing.
Sheep's Head Peninsula
Southwest from Bantry extends the long and scenically magnificent Sheep's Head Peninsula, with good beaches at Kilcrohane and Ahakista on the south coast.
There is a rewarding drive round the peninsula to its westerly tip, the Sheep's Head. The road from Kilcrohane to Gouladoo runs past the foot of Seefin (1,116ft/340m), from which there are beautiful views to the north over Bantry Bay and the hills of the Bear Peninsula.
There is a rewarding drive round the peninsula to its westerly tip, the Sheep's Head. The road from Kilcrohane to Gouladoo runs past the foot of Seefin (1,116ft/340m), from which there are beautiful views to the north over Bantry Bay and the hills of the Bear Peninsula.
