Things to Do On Bere Island And The Beara Peninsula
The Admirals House on Bere Island is an ideal holiday home for anyone looking to explore the Beara Peninsula. We have hosted family holidaymakers, corporate think thanks, family reunions, kayakers, walkers, divers, birdwatchers and anglers in our period house self catering accommodation. Listed below are some of the activities available to visitors to Bere island and the Beara Peninsula.
Sailing & Powerboating
We are in a position to offer Sailing Courses for Adults staying in our self-catering accommodation at the Admirals House. We have a large fleet of boats to suit all abilities.
Lawrence Cove Marina
Bere Island (at the heart of the superb cruising grounds of south west Ireland) has a new boat haven. From here you can explore Bantry Bay and SouthWest Ireland.
Walking
You can enjoy some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside and see Ireland at it’s unspoilt purest. Get away from the it all and discover the rich history and natural heritage of Bere Island. A section of the Beara Way Walking Route runs around the Island.
Cycling
A cycling break combines exercise with the opportunity to see areas of the countryside that would not be accessible from a car. Bike Hire is available in Rerrin Village. A section of the Beara Way Cycling Route runs around the Island.
Swimming
Bere Island has many safe beaches that make it an ideal location for swimming and bathing.
Diving
The clean, temperate waters are among the most biologically diverse in the world and provide plenty of sites for both experienced and beginner divers. Visibility averages over 12m, but can increase up to 40m on good days. More information on the wrecks in the area off Bere Island can be found on www.irishwrecksonline.net.
Angling
Fish the rich Atlantic waters surrounding the North and South of the Beara Peninsula which influenced by the Gulf Stream, brings warmer water and exotic species of marine life to our shores.
Charter Boat Services
These are available in Castletownbere from www.irelandseafishing.com, www.westcorkangling.net and www.seafishing-ireland.com.
Historical Sites
Bere island is rich in history and archaeology. Early traces of human occupation include Megalithic tombs and standing stones. In early historic times the island was owned by a local clan. During the Napoleonic Wars, two Martello Towers were built on the island to stave off any invasion. After the area became a naval base, new fortifications were constructed in 1898.
The Islands
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.
Places Of Interest On The Mainland
The Beara Peninsula has many small villages, small towns and attractions these include:
- Glengarriff
- Castletownbere
- Dunboy Castle
- Adrigole
- Allihies
- Allihies Copper Mine Museum
- Ardgroom
- Eyeries
- Kenmare
Berehaven Golf Club
A 9-hole links course situated just 3 miles from Castletownbere on the beautiful Beara Peninsula.
Glengarriff Golf Club
This is truly a club with a view! Glengarriff's nine holes are in one of the loveliest settings in Ireland, with scenic views abounding - the one from the fifth tee is exceptionally beautiful.
Bere Island Festival
The annual Bere Island Festival takes place in August providing entertainment for young and old. Activities include children’s sports, various water sport activities in Rerrin Village including swimming, canoeing, slippery pole, raft race and laser clay shooting, 5 a-side soccer tournament, tug of war, and more. Ceol and Craic all weekend.
