The colourful town of Bantry at the head of one of Ireland’s largest bays offers access to the beautiful unspoilt Sheep’s Head peninsula. This is the authentic Ireland and you can go hill walking on trails to suit all levels. Or you can take a boat trip in Bantry Bay to visit the islands.
Guided Activities you can book:
Felt Making Half Day Course – This workshop is for the complete beginner or for those who have had a go. You will sample different fibres, colours and techniques. 10am to 1pm. Thursday.
Price €75
Felt making full day course – At the end of the day you will have the knowledge to be able to make your own fabulous felt and you will be going home with a couple of flat felt pieces. Price includes all materials and equipment for the courses. 10am to 5pm. Thursday.
Price €110.
This area is famous for its spectacular, unspoilt scenery and there are walks to suit all levels of ability. The Sheep’s Head has up to 90 km of walking trails over rough terrain.
Half Day – Sheep’s Head Loop Walk on Wednesday am for approx. 3 hours with min of 4 people or by arrangement for a group.
Fitness Level 3. Price €35.
Day – Magic of Sheep’s Head – For a more strenuous walk try a five hour route visiting old copper mines and the ruins of settlements along the Sheep’s Head. Wednesday’s 10am start with min 4 people, or by arrangement for a group.
Fitness Level 4. Price €50.
Learn the ancient skill of stonecarving with a master craftsman in West Cork. Spend time with an experienced stone carver who is highly skilled in the traditional mallet and chisel methods which have been relied on by stone-cutters for centuries. Stone-carving courses are held throughout the year, and they are tailored to the skills and needs of the people who sign up to attend.
Courses are held over weekends in West Cork on demand. During a 2 day weekend course in Stone Carving which is aimed at beginners who would like to develop stone-carving skills for use on a range or projects. You will be introduced to the use of stone moulds, the use and care of key tools, as well as to some of the key techniques which form the foundation for a stonemason’s craft. We can advise on accommodation in the area.
Price €325 for a 2-day weekend course
Visit Whiddy island which sits in Bantry Bay. Take a half day tour includes a trip around the bay in a ferry and tea and sandwich in the island’s only pub. Experience a island which has not changed much in the last century. Pony and trap ride available at an extra cost. Price €25
Return Ferry trip with free time on the island. The ferry skipper will direct you to the way marked walking trails around the island. Price €15 return
Bantry House (Teach Beanntraí)
Bantry House overlooks Bantry Bay with formal and terraced gardens. The house was built in the 19th Century by the First Earl of Bantry and his descendants still live there. In the summer the house hosts concerts during the West Cork Chamber Music Festival and Masters of Tradition Music Festival. Open mid Mar.- Oct. 10am -6pm. Contact us to book a Guided Tour.
Beaches (Trá)
- Bantry has a small beach on the north side of the piers.
- Kilcrohane has a stony beach and a number of piers offer access to the sea.
Cheesemaker (Deanamh Cáis)
Durrus Cheese just outside the village offers visits to see how this prize winning cheese is made. Visitors Wednesday 11.30 – 2 pm or phone to see if cheese is being made 027.61100 office@durruscheese.com
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