• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar

BERE ISLAND

A Place Apart

  • Home
  • Getting Here
    • Map of Bere Island
    • Ferries
    • Google Maps
    • Distances
    • Bus Timetables
  • News 2020
    • News 2019
    • News 2018
    • News 2017
    • News 2016
    • News 2015
    • News 2014
    • News 2013
    • News 2012
  • Accommodation
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Self Catering
  • Activities
    • Lonehort Battery
    • Cycling
    • Walking
    • Bere Island Heritage Centre
    • Bere Island parkrun
    • Bere Island Sea Safari
    • Wild Atlantic Fish ‘n’ Trips
    • Swimming
    • Shore Angling
    • Bere Island GAA
    • Places of Interest
      • St. Michaels Church
  • Marina
  • Services
    • Food & Drink
    • Medical and Emergency
    • Post Office and Shop
    • Lawrence Cove Marina
    • Marine Services
    • Construction & Plant Hire
    • Crafts
    • Acupuncture and Massage
    • Property for Sale/Wanted
  • Links
    • Reports & Brochures
  • Essential Information
  • Bere Island Community Radio
  • Bere Island Events 2020
  • Contact Us

Bere Island

Bere Island Projects Group CLG wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Bere Island Community Radio – Our Christmas Special show will broadcast this Sunday 20th December at 11am. Sunday Mass is celebrated by Fr Noel Spring at 10am. Tune into 100.1FM locally or online here 

The Bere Island Christmas Newsletter 2020 is now on sale. Click here for details.

COVID-19 Update:For further details on the current COVID-19 restrictions click here

Santa stopping off at Cloughland Martello Tower, Bere Island.
Santa stopping off at Cloughland Martello Tower, Bere Island.

Bere Island lies at the entrance to the magnificent Bantry Bay and guards the deep water harbour of Berehaven, in West Cork, in the southwest of Ireland. The island is just 2kms offshore from the town of Castletownbere, the largest white fishing port in Ireland. 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 under 200.

Bere Island’s Military History

Due to its strategic location Bere Island has a very interesting heritage. The island is rich in archaeological sites dating from the Bronze Age through to Medieval times, including ring forts, standing stones, wedge tombs and burial sites. The British had a particular interest in the island, with remnants of British Imperialism visibile throughout. At various stages they constructed Martello towers, a signal tower, military baracks and a military fortification which hosts two six inch guns, all of which can be seen today.

A Tranquil Paradise

Despite its proximity to the mainland, Bere Island 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.

Did you know that whales, basking sharks, and bottle-nose and common dolphins can all be sighted around Bere Island?  Other activities to be enjoyed on the island include swimming, sea angling, diving, sea safari and other water sports, or take in an exhibition on the island’s history at the Heritage Centre.

During your visit, make sure you take time to dine on some fresh, local seafood in local restaurants, or enjoy ceol agus craic in the island pubs.   Whatever your reason for visiting, a warm welcome awaits you on Bere Island!

Bere Island has a strong and vibrant community who continually strive to protect their island heritage and landscape and island way of life.

The People of Bere Island by Ed Godsell
The People of Bere Island by Ed Godsell

 

Primary Sidebar

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Follow by Email

Bere Island, just a short ferry journey from the Beara peninsula, is one of 7 inhabited islands on West Cork’s coastline – part of Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way touring route.
 
Visit the island’s Heritage Centre, take part in an island parkrun, walk our island trails or join us at one of our regular festivals and events.

Upcoming Events

Secondary Sidebar

Community Information

  • Bere Island Projects Group CLG
  • Bere Island Events 2020
  • Community Groups
  • Community Information
  • Bere Island parkrun

Community News

Bere Island Projects Group CLG

DECEMBER 2020 West Cork Islands electionsCongratulations are extended to … [Read More...] about Bere Island Projects Group CLG

Bere Island Events 2020

Please note due to the COVID-19 Pandemic all events scheduled for 2020 are … [Read More...] about Bere Island Events 2020

© 2021 Bere Island Project Group 2017 | Wordhoard Communications
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.