The islands off the coast of Cork are fascinating for many reasons, not least the fact that many of them are relatively unspoilt and have a rich history. The islands nearest to Bere Island are listed below. The Admirals House self catering accommodation on Bere Island is an ideal base from which to discover the islands of County Cork. Relax in our luxury period house after a day exploring thousands of years of Island heritage.

Garnish Island

A very tranquil yet popular tourist attraction in Ireland, located in the small harbour of Glengarriff, County Cork. Garnish is also known as Illaunacullin or Ilnacullin, meaning island of holly. To differentiate it from Garnish Island in Co Kerry. It's a 15 hectare island renowned for its Italian gardens which flourish in the microclimate of Glengarriff harbour.

For those interested in history there is a Martello tower on the island dating from the time of the Napoleonic wars. The tower has been restored and it's well worth a trip up to the battlements to see the views.

Renowned for its beautiful gardens and architecture, the island has played host to well-known writers such as GB Shaw. It is visited by thousands of people each year.

There are a number of ferry services to the Island from the town of Glengarriff. These ferrys take you to the island and generally include a tour of the nearby seal colony. The cost of the ferry trip does not include the admission charge to the island. The scenery is spectacular as you get a panoramic view of Glengarriff, The Beara and Sheeps Head peninsulas while enjoying the amazingingly calm seas in the sheltered harbour.

See Wikipedia, Garnish Island

Dursey Island (Irish:Baoí Beire)

Lies at the south-western tip of the Beara Peninsula in the west of County Cork in the Republic of Ireland. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water called Dursey Sound which has a very strong tidal race. This peaceful island is connected to the mainland by Ireland's only cable car spanning the sound that is one of its main attractions.

It is also well known for the nesting colonies of seabirds.

Archaeology

• Ballaun Stones, Killowen, Ballynacallagh
• Castle Site, Ballynacallagh O'Sullivan garrison 1602
• Cup Marked Stone, Ballynacallagh
• Graveyarg/Ruined Church, Ballynacallagh
• Hut Site, Killowen
• Radial Stone Enclosure, Maughanaclea
• Signal Tower, Tilickatina

Whiddy Island

An island off Bantry Bay, Ireland. It is about 5km long and 1km wide. As late as 1880 it had a resident population of around 450, mainly engaged in fishing and small-scale farming. It currently has a permanent, resident population of around 30 people, although there are many visitors in the tourist season. It is served by a small ferry over the 1km channel between the island and the Irish mainland at Bantry.

In the last few months of World War I, it was the site of a US naval air station. It is the site of a large oil terminal constructed in the late 1960s by Gulf Oil.

Archaeology

• Early Ecclesiastical Enclosure, Kilmore
• Graveyard, Kilmore
• Holy Well, Kilmore
• Redoubts, Reenavanny built 1806/1807 for 100 - 150 men 8 - 12 guns
• Tower House, Reenavanny Castle of O'Sullivan Bere collapsed in storm 1920