Whiddy Island

Whiddy Island lies in beautiful Bantry Bay, just a short ferry crossing from Bantry pier, making it a popular spot for day trippers.  Truly an island paradise, though only 3 miles long x 1.5 miles wide, and nestled in the sheltered heart of the bay.

The island’s climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream creating a unique ecology and a wealth of wildlife. Beautiful red and purple fuchsia is abundant on the island throughout the Summer and Autumn and the common Butterwort is also found here – one of the few ‘insect eating’ plants found in Ireland.

Whiddy is a haven of peace and tranquillity.  It’s easy to spend a quiet afternoon rambling the roads or fields, bird watching at the island’s two lakes or enjoying a guided historical walk exploring Whiddy’s rich naval history or historical ruins.  It’s also a place to sit and relax, to enjoy stunning views out over Bantry Bay with refreshments from the only pub on the island, Bank House.   Watch the children play on the beach, in rock pools or fish for crabs off the jetty.

For more information or ferry timetable visit www.whiddyferry.com or West Cork Islands

Garinish Island

Bere Island

Bere Island has a vibrant community providing a wide and varied range of events and activities for islanders and visitors.  It lies at the entrance to the magnificent Bantry Bay and guards the deep water harbour of Berehaven. The island is just 2kms offshore from the town of Castletownbere. The Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountain ranges of the Beara Peninsula tower over the island providing a dramatic backdrop. The island is roughly 11kms x 5kms in size with a population of just over 200.

The island is rich in archaeological sites dating from the Bronze Age, including ring forts, standing stones, wedge tombs and burial sites. Dating from the 19th Century are Martello towers, a signal tower, military barracks and a fortification which hosts two six inch guns, all of which can be seen today.

Despite its proximity to the mainland, Bere retains that distinct, easy charm of rural places distant from cities and crowds.  It’s a quiet paradise, of a size that is manageable for walkers and cyclists. Bird watchers and plant lovers will delight at the many species to be found on land and at the water’s edge.  Other attractions not to be missed include detailed exhibitions at the Heritage Centre; dining on local Bantry Bay produce; or just enjoying the ambience of one of Bere’s pubs or restaurants.

For more information visit www.bereisland.net or West Cork Islands

Bull Rock, Dursey Island

Long Island

Just five minutes by boat from nearby Schull village, Long Island is the perfect tonic to take a step back and unwind. Pleasant walks, shingle beaches, and abundant wildlife combine with beautiful south-western scenery here to create a real offshore treat.

Inis Fada, as it is known in Irish, gets its name from its shape. This is a low-lying island stretching almost 5km in length, but barely a kilometre wide. A surfaced road services about half the length of the island, with a rough, unkempt routes extending to the Beacon lighthouse and an old copper mine in the east and to the cliffs at the west.

Walkers, bird-watchers and boaters will be in their element here – enjoying an afternoon whilst keeping an eye out for otters, seals, dolphin, whales, and even the occasional basking shark.

For more information visit West Cork Islands

Sherkin Island

Cape Clear Island

Ireland’s southernmost inhabited Gaeltacht island, 3 miles long by 1 mile wide, lies 8 miles off the coast of West Cork. 3 miles west of the island stands the solitary Fastnet Rock. Saint Ciarán, the island’s patron saint, allegedly the earliest of Ireland’s four pre-Patrician saints, was born on Cape Clear. Saint Ciarán’s well is one of the first features you encounter on arrival at Trá Chiaráin where the Islanders gather each year on the 5 March to celebrate his feast day.

To the northwest stretches Mizen Head, the mainland’s most southerly point. Cape Clear’s wild romantic scenery, its sparkling harbours, its cliffs, bogs and lake, all contribute to the island’s unspoilt charm. Heather, gorse and wild flowers cover the rugged hills.

Myriad stonewalls have a patchwork effect on the varied landscape. Megalithic standing stones, a 5,000 year-old passage grave, a 12th century church ruin, the 14th century O’Driscoll castle, (cannonaded in the early 1600’s), all relate to times past. Cape Clear’s remote island location, coupled with its proximity to the continental shelf, makes it the foremost centre for bird watching in Ireland. Whales, leatherback turtles, sun fish, dolphins and sharks are spotted regularly every year. Most of the 120 inhabitants speak Irish and English. Removed from the hustle and bustle of mainland life, Cape Clear offers relaxation, nature and peace. It is an excellent setting for Cape’s two Irish summer colleges.

For more information visit West Cork Islands

Heir Island