Bantry is in the centre of Ireland's lovely West Cork, on the shores of a majestic Bay with a rugged coastline and many unspoiled beaches. Whether you are an active sporty type or a more laid back observer with an appreciation for the finer points in life, Bantry provides an array of social activities to whet your appetite.

West Cork is renowned for being the home of many of the country's finest restaurants and Bantry is no exception. Why not sample a seafood dish in one of our gourmet restaurants. If you feel like a quiet drink to ease you into the night, or listen to talented local musicians and singers then Bantry has a variety of traditional pubs to choose from.

 

Bantry House is one of Ireland's Great Houses and was built by Richard White first Earl of Bantry in 1739. This beautifully situated house possesses many treasures, which the various Earls brought back from Europe and further afield. These include chests from the Indies, urns from the orient, as well as paintings by great masters, and French and Dutch tapestries

The 1796 French Armada exhibition center beside Bantry House is a must for any visitor. Artifacts from the French frigate La Survelliante which was scuttled offshore in 1797 are on display. This boat discovered in 1982, in surprisingly good condition is now an Irish National Monument. This exhibition is a vivid illustration of what life was like in the French Navy two hundred years ago. 

Fishing at Lough Bofinna

Ian Vickery, New St, Bantry.  

Any comments or queries to our Email musselfair@eircom.net