Bere Island lies at the entrance to Bantry Bay, sheltered by the Caha Mountains on its northern side, and the Sheep’s Head peninsula on its southern shores. It’s nearest mainland town is Castletownbere, the largest white fish port in Ireland. The island is 11 kilometres, east to west long and 5 kilometres north south wide in size, with a population of just under 200.
The British military had a particular interest in the island in bygone years with the remains of many of the military fortifications still to be seen. You can take the ferry from Castletownbere Pier across to the western end of Bere Island or the ferry from the Pontoon to the eastern end.
A Tranquil Paradise
Place in History
Bere Island’s place in history is assured. Its Martello towers date from the Napoleonic wars. Several American battleships based here during World War One met their fate at Pearl Harbour. Following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1922, the island became one of three Irish ports (the Treaty Ports) retained by the UK.
Why has Bere Island so often been at the centre of world events? The answer is the island’s strategic position at the mouth of Europe’s deepest harbour. Berehaven and Lawrence Cove offer unrivalled shelter for boats of all sizes, something settlers have recognised since the Bronze Age – as the Wedge Tomb, the Standing Stone, and Lonehort Viking harbour testify.
But it is its military might for which Bere Island is best known. In addition to the Martello towers, the island is home to a signal tower and seven gun batteries, the largest of which is Lonehort Battery, a military fortification dating from 1899 and housing two six-inch coastal artillery guns, an infantry trench, engine house and various underground structures.
The result is unique, almost like an open-air museum. A looped walk (guides available) takes in the best of the sites, with wonderful mainland views of the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountain ranges of the Beara Peninsula, and Lawrence Cove Marina is perfectly suited to visiting sailors.
The result is unique, almost like an open-air museum. A looped walk (guides available) takes in the best of the sites, with wonderful mainland views of the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountain ranges of the Beara Peninsula, and Lawrence Cove Marina is perfectly suited to visiting sailors.
Size
11km x 5km. Bere Island can be enjoyed in a short visit, but a longer stay (around two days) makes for a much more rewarding visit.
Population
200
Facilities
B&Bs, self-catering, marina, pubs, restaurants, craft shop, heritage centre
Top 3 Activities
Military history, walking, watersports.
Getting There
Ferries sail year-round from Castletownbere (15 minutes) and the Pontoon (30 minutes).
Getting Around
Visitors can explore Bere Island via a network of roads on foot, by bike, or car.
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, and includes ring forts, standing stones, a wedge tomb and burial sites. The British had a particular interest in the island, with remnants of British Imperialism still visible.
At various stages they constructed Martello towers, a signal tower, military baracks and a seven gun batteries, including one which still 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, kayaking and other water sports, or take in an exhibition on the island’s history at the Heritage Centre.
Our Community
Bere Island has a strong and vibrant community who continually strive to protect their island heritage and landscape and island way of life.
