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. 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.