BANTRY

Back inland to Bantry (Beanntrai) at the head of picturesque Bantry Bay. A working port characterised by its large town square, attractive shops and gaily painted houses on the edge of the commercial area of the town. Bantry Park Golf Course just outside the town on the Glengarriff side is an attractive and testing nine holer. Bantry House demonstrates the luxurious elegance of the privileged few in days gone by. Still occupied by the descendants of Richard White who bought the house in 1739 it contains a fascinating collection of tapestries, paintings and general treasures from around the world. It is set in beautiful landscaped gardens containing a statuary and courtyard.

Another, older, piece of history can be viewed a mile from the town - the Kilnaruane Pillar Stone, dating from the early christian era and thought to have been the remnant of the shaft of a High Cross.