Location: Bantry
Top Things to do in Bantry
The 8 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Bantry, Province of Munster
Bantry (Irish: Beanntraí, meaning "(place of) Beann's people") is a town in the civil parish of Kilmocomoge in the barony of Bantry on the coast of West Cork, County Cork, Ireland. It lies at the head of Bantry Bay, a deep-water gulf extending for 30 km (19 mi) to the west. The Beara peninsula is to the northwest, with Sheep's Head also nearby, on the peninsula south of Bantry Bay.
Restaurants in Bantry
1. Sheep's Head Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 509 reviews
Reviewed By 223aineb
This was a walkers paradise. It was worth the long drive on the narrow road to the end of the peninsula. Some short walks as well as more challenging for the avid walker.
2. Bantry Pony Trekking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
We have a large selection of horses and ponies to suit all ages and abilities. Beginners are especially welcome and our carefully selected Irish Cobs are sure to give you a safe pleasant introduction to riding and the Irish countryside. Groups are kept small and are fully escorted and supervised at all times. The private trails are around the farm and up to the summit of Mullaghmesha, where, 580m above sea level, the views are breathtaking and cover a vast area of the West Cork coastline, (on a clear day, and barely your mounts ears in a good Celtic mist). Rides commence with an assessment form, then fitting with helmets, body protectors and riding boots, provided by us, before you meet your horse and head for the hills! - well maybe not quite so fast!
Reviewed By colincampbell375 - Galway, Ireland
This was a brilliant day out and our kids loved it. Staff were excellent and very friendly. Very facilitating towards young kids too and horses were all very docile. Highly recommended for a family day out.
3. Bantry Bay Pony Trekking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Just 5 minutes from Bantry next to the main Cork road (N71). We ride on private tracks through ancient woodland climbing gently through the forest before emerging above the tree line, riding safe paths past heather, gorse and beautiful fuschia with breathtaking views down Bantry Bay. If you're not very experienced one of our guides will walk with you. Riding hats & body protectors provided.
Reviewed By lyndabear
Arranged a private trek for myself a friend and her three children aged 8,7 & 5, only myself had any experience riding. This was arranged quickly and easily and when we turned up everyone was treated in a friendly manner. The horses were all excellent and body protectors were provided fur everyone. The children were all lead and we did a trek through beautiful countryside over looking bantry bay. I rode Penney who was just fabulous , my friend rode Luna and the kids rode chesty,misty and Charlie who were all so well behaved.i couldn't recommend this centre highly enough and i hope to be back
4. Bantry Bay Boat Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Bantry Bay Boat Hire offers guided boat tours, boat hire, sunset kayaking, kayak and paddle board hire, kids kayaking camps and so much more! Experience our beautiful part of the Wild Atlantic Way from the water and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Bantry Bay. Take a spin on our Sea Safari out around the bay as you go dolphin and whale watching and hopefully spot some seals too! Enjoy a boat trip like no other in our Seafood Tour as you taste Bantry Bay mussels on Whiddy Island or why not try our food tour, Picturesque Picnic and enjoy a picnic on your boat! For a great outdoor activity in West Cork why not hire a kayak or paddle board and explore the Bantry Blueway, which is a marked kayaking route around the bay, or join a guided kayak tour and let our guide lead your around the calm waters of Bantry Bay. For a chance to see bioluminescence in the bay, go kayaking with our sunset kayaking groups and enjoy sea kayaking at the magical hour of sunset.
5. Bantry House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
Bantry House and Garden is a stately home in southwest Ireland situated right on Bantry Bay with panoramic views of the bay and the caha mountains. The estate is owned by Egerton and Brigitte Shelswell-White and is managed by their daughter Sophie and her partner Josh. It has been in the family since the 1700s. The house contains original furniture and objects d'art. The garden is laid out over 7 terraces with a fountain, large wisteria circle and 100 steps leading up to the woodland. The house, garden and tearoom is open to the public daily from easter to october. The estate hosts weddings, music festivals and fairs. We have a separate review page for our B&B accommodation.
Reviewed By OttawaTrekker
We spent a couple of hours touring the gardens and the public rooms inside the house. My partner and I are both decoration and history buffs, so we took our time discovering the lovely interiors and really enjoyed ourselves. Outside, the views from the main terrasse overlooking the bay are fantastic and climbing all the way to the top is worth the exercise. The gardens and the grounds are quite pretty and a lot of fun to explore. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
6. Bantry Tourist Office
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Kaime2
We called into Bantry tourist office today and were delighted with the information we received. Claire and Mairead went over and above the call of duty with regards to our request. We were searching for a friend's, long lost friend and really had no idea where to start. We will be meeting up with the lost friend tomorrow. The ladies were fantastic, a credit to Bantry, West Cork and Ireland. Thank you from the Tomlin's.
7. Kealkill Megalithic Stone Circle and Standing Stones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By clarissagurd - Kealkill, Ireland
A magical place. I live nearby and it is often where I take visitors for walks. The stones are fairly large and the view down the valley on a clear day or near sunset is spectacular. Worth a visit although parking can be a bit of an issue sometimes as the access is on a corner on a hill.
8. Whiddy Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By FarranBoy62 - Dublin, Ireland
Finally, made the trip and walked the entire island over a 4 hour period with some friends. Tim, the boatman, give us an impromptu overview as we disembarked and there are good maps and signage at different vantage points around the island. Island scenery is not as stunning as Bere or Dursey island but there are wonderful views across to the Beara peninsula to the north and to the Sheep's Head peninsula to the south. The oil storage tanks dominate one part of the island but are totally unobtrusive from most parts of the walk.
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