Bantry
 

Bantry is delightfully situated in the heart of scenic West Cork. It is sheltered by a background of mountain ranges at the head of the world famous Bantry Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Western Europe.

The mild climate and the seemingly out of place features such as palm trees are due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. The roads out of Bantry hug the coastline of the Bay with many unspoiled beaches and climb rugged majestic mountains giving spectacular views of the Atlantic.

This landscape provides the setting for some of Irelands most popular official walks. Spectacular Bantry House and gardens overlook the towns harbour. This majestic period home is the former seat of the Earls of Bantry whose descendants still occupy it. Every June and July the house hosts the acclaimed West Cork Chamber Music and West Cork Literary Festivals.

So whether you are an active type or a more laid back observer with the appreciation for the finer points in life, Bantry provides an array of activities to whet your appetite:

• Bantry House and Gardens

• 1796 French Armada Centre
• Bantry Museum
• Glengarriff Village and Bamboo Park
• Garnish Island Italian Gardens
• Ring of Beara and cable car to Dursey Island
• West Cork Sailing Club
• Gougane Barra
• Mizen Head and Mizen Vision
• Sheeps Head Peninsula
• Kilnaurane Stone
• Kealkil Stone Circle
• West Cork Garden Trail
• Golf at Bantry Park 18 hole Course
• Gougane Barra Church & Forestry