Republic of Ireland, Bantry

Bantry is a town on the coast of County Cork, Ireland, located on the N71 route at the head of Bantry Bay. The Beara peninsula is to the northwest, with Sheep's Head also nearby, on the peninsula south of Bantry Bay.

As with many areas on Ireland's south-west coast, Bantry claims an ancient connection to the sixth century saint, Breandán (Naomh Bréanainn) the Navigator.

History

Wolfe Tone Square in the town commemorates Theobald Wolfe Tone. Tone, a Dublin-born Irishman, led the United Irishmen in what he had hoped to be a re-run of the French Revolution ten years earlier, this was to be done with the help of French Republicans to overthrow British rule (see 1798 rebellion).

During the Irish War of Independence/The Tan Wars the 5th Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army was very active in Bantry, and many remained so during the "Civil War" that followed, and those who died between 1920 and 1923 'In Defence of the Republic' are listed on Wolfe Tone Square.

Opposite the coastline lies Whiddy Island. The remains of what was formerly an important oil terminal, owned by Gulf Oil, are on the island. On 8 January 1979 the oil tanker Betelgeuse exploded, killing all 42 crew members, as well as seven employees at the terminal.

Economy

The town is an important economic centre to the region. Apart from tourism (Bantry has many excellent beaches for surfing due to being located at the West of Europe), fishing is one of the main industries. Mussels in particular are harvested in the area, and every year a mussel fair is held in May.

Transport

Nearest international airport is Cork Airport
Bantry also has a small privately owned airfield called Bantry Aerodrome.
Bantry Town railway station opened on 22 October 1892, but finally closed on 1 April 1961.