Page 49 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 2: Islands and Lighthouses 47

Above left Rainbow over Bantry Bay
as the chance of seeing whales or r Glengarriff Above Reen Point, near Ahakista on the
dolphins. The cliffs, which rise to Co Cork Sheep’s Head Peninsula
some 120 m (400 ft), are home to Glengarriff is set in a lush, green area
nesting seabirds, and visitors might with lovely gardens and islands. The
be lucky enough to spot the rare Glengarriff Bamboo Park (open daily) VISITING WHIDDY ISLAND AND
chough, which frequents Sheep’s is an exotic coastal garden featuring GARNISH ISLAND
Head in significant numbers. bamboo and palms, with splendid Whiddy Island Ferries cross from
After the cliffs 4, turn right at the views. From Glengariff harbour, Bantry Pier to Whiddy Island several
arrow, taking the signposted path boat trips operate to Garnish Island times daily. The crossing takes 10–15
back across the headland to return (open Mar–Oct: daily), where there minutes (www.whiddyferry.com; 086
to the car park and the café, which are delightful sub-tropical Italian 862 6734).
serves delicious home-baked treats. gardens with rare plants and a Harbour Queen Ferries cross from
ª Drive back to Kilcrohane and then miniature temple. There is a seal Glengarriff Pier to Garnish Island
turn left onto Goat’s Path Road, which colony on the island’s rocky shore. roughly every 20 minutes daily Apr–
Oct (www.harbourqueenferry.com;
winds up through the mountains. ª Turn left onto R572, signed for 027 63116).
From the top of the hill pass, there are Castletownbere. At Adrigole, continue
spectacular views over Roaringwater, on R572 onto the Beara Peninsula.
Dunmanus and Bantry bays and over EAT AND DRINK AROUND
SHEEP’S HEAD PENINSULA
to Castletownbere, Bere Island and West Cork Garden Trail
Dursey Island. The road then drops This marvellous trail comprises Bernie’s Cupan Tae inexpensive
down to Bantry where there is free fifteen different gardens around the This proves to be a great spot to
parking at the sea end of the square. region, each of which has its own try sandwiches, soups, tea and
opening times; a few are open year- scones before heading towards
e Bantry round. They range from country Sheep’s Head lighthouse.
Tooreen, Co Cork; 027 67878;
gardens, lakes and seaside gardens
Co Cork to mature and historical gardens. open mid-March–Oct.
This large market town and fishing A leaflet, detailing when the
port is set at the head of picturesque gardens are open, is available from
Bantry Bay. There is an elegant open any of the area’s tourist offices or
square in the centre with seating, see www.westcorkgardentrail.com. Below Majestic Bantry House with its
trees and a fountain. One of Bantry’s marvellous view over Bantry Bay
loveliest attractions is Bantry House
and Gardens (open Jun–Aug: daily; Apr,
May, Sep & Oct: Tue–Sun), a Georgian
stately home built in the 18th
century, with some magnificent
artwork on show. Even more
impressive are the formal gardens,
with wonderful bay views; two
woodland walks and a tea room
complete this delightful visit.
Take a ferry from Bantry pier to
Whiddy Island for walking or cycling.
There are some interesting historical
remains on the island, as well as a
pub-restaurant.
ª Follow the N71 all the way to
Glengarriff via Ballylickey.
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

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