Castletownberehaven

Castletownberehaven, also known as Castletownbere or Castletown for short. It is located in the middle of the Beara Peninsula. This picturesque town has a population of about 868 (2006 census). It is a chief fishing port in Ireland and consequently fishing is the main economic activity.

By car

From Bantry, head west firstly on the N71 and take a left in Glengariff onto the R572, which will lead directly to Castletownbere. Total distance is about .
The travelling time by car from Cork city is about 2 hours or from Bantry it is about 45 minutes. Cycling to the town is also possible.

By bus

Bus Éireann route 236 connects Castletownbere to Bantry and Cork (runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only).

Walking is the best if you don't have a car, as the town is small enough and the distances aren't too great. Unfortunately, there are no taxis or bus services in the town.

• Puxley Mansion

  address: Dunboy
  An elegant and large manor house previously owned by the Puxley family. Burnt down by the IRA in 1920 and remained in this gutted from fire condition until about 2010 when renovations began to restore it to its former glory. These renovations appear to be halted as of 2015 and the house is surrounded by barricades. Located beside the ruins of Dunboy Castle.

• Dunboy Castle

  address: Dunboy
  Now only the ruins remain of this once powerful stronghold of the O'Sullivan Bere clan. It was destroyed in the famous Siege of Dunboy in June 1602.

• Glebe Graveyard

  address: Eskenacartan/Drom North
  An old Church of Ireland graveyard that hasn't received new burials since the mid 19th century. Some of the gravestones are still legible. At the west wall, there is a mass famine grave from the famine of the 1840s.

• Take a ferry to Bere IslandGet a car ferry from opposite Murphy's SuperValu to Bere Island opposite. There are many things to see on Bere Island, including Martello Towers, a museum and the village of Rerrin.

• CyclingThe town and the surrounding area are great and scenic places to cycle, weather permitting.

• Donegan's Spar

  phone: +353 27 470027
  address: Main St
  For general purchases and essentials.

• Murphy's SuperValu

  phone: +353 27 70020
  address: Main St
  For general purchases and essentials.

• The Copper Kettle

  phone: +353 27 71792
  address: Main Square, Castletownbere
  Pleasant little cafe with hefty portions and excellent home baking on offer.

• Olde BakeryOne of the best restaurants in the town. Good value portions of standard food but seafood dishes are the best on offer.

• MacCarthy's Bar

  phone: +353 27 70014
  address: Main St
  Iconic pub and subject of an eponymous book by Pete McCarthy. Is also a grocery shop. Frequent live music and a snug inside the front door.

• The Beara Coast Hotel

  phone: +353 27 71446
  address: Cametringane Point