Tir na Hilan - Self Catering Irish Cottages, Beara, West Cork, Ireland

AREA INFO

Castletownbere boasts the second largest natural harbour in Ireland and is an international fishing port. You are likely to hear Spanish and Portuguese (amongst many other languages) being spoken in the bars and shops, mingling with the soft brogue of the locals.

There are numerous restaurants, cafes and pubs - fish naturally being at least one of the many dishes on offer.

The Castletownbere Festival of the Sea takes place during Bank Holiday week in August. The regatta takes place on the Bank Holiday, but there are many other events during the week, including live music in the town square each evening.

Art galleries and craft shops where you can browse to your heart’s content and choose a special item to remind you of your visit to Beara. The Beara Arts Festival takes place each August with art exhibitions; drawing, writing and music workshops and performances.

There are 2 churches - the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Peter’s Church of Ireland. Both congregations would be delighted to welcome you to their services.

On your way to Tír na Hilán Cottages you will pass an impressive Stone Circle. In the field beside the cottages is the Teernahilane Ringfort and on the top of the hill behind is a Wedge Tomb.

To the southwest of town stand the ruins of the O’Sullivan Bere castle at Dunboy. An English force of 4,000 surrounded the castle in 1602 and the O’Sullivan clan blew up the castle rather than surrender.

Close by is Puxley’s Castle, once home to the Puxley family who made their fortunes from copper mining. Their story provided the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s novel ‘Hungry Hill’. The house was destroyed during the civil war of the 1920’s. A depressing story but in an idyllic setting – leafy woodlands and wild mountains encompassing an inlet of Bantry Bay.

The Ring of Beara is a favourite haunt of walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and people who enjoy uncommercialised, natural beauty.

There are many other wonderful places to visit on Beara.

Take in a panoramic view of Bantry Bay and descend in a dramatic series of hairpin bends on the Healy Pass.

Scattered throughout Bere Island are the remnants of the vast Victorian military fortification, which Britain built to protect its naval base in Berehaven Harbour. Visit the Martello Tower - now home to a visitor’s centre.

Allihies is now home to many of the famous artists who live on Beara and was once the site of an extensive copper mining industry. Ballydonegan Beach, just below the village, was created by crushed stones from the mines.

Linked to the mainland by cable car – the only one of its kind in the country and unique in that it crosses the sea, Dursey Island is an ideal spot for birdwatchers.

Home to the international award winning ‘Milleens’ cheese, is Eyeries, one of the beautifully painted villages of Beara and winner in its class for the Tidy Towns Competition for 2003.

Two good trout fishing lakes, Glenbeg and Derryvegal are both near ARDGROOM, and beyond the village is a perfect example of a Stone Circle.

For the golf enthusiast, Berehaven Golf Club - a nine hole links course is just a few miles away plus there are 18 hole courses in Kenmare and Bantry - just 30 miles away.

Without disturbing the peace of the Buddhist monks who run the DZOGCHEN BEARA RETREAT CENTRE, have a look at the breathtaking views from their cliff top meditation room.

Other activities in the area include Diving, Canoeing/Kayaking, Sailing, Angling or visit the Call of the Sea Maritime Museum

KENMARE, KILLARNEY, THE RING OF KERRY, GLENGARRIFF and BANTRY are all within easy reach of Castletownbere.