Castletownbere combines market life with a harbour that comes alive with fishing boats during the fishing season. The town lies between the Caha Mountains and the Slieve Miskish Mountains; Bere Island shelters it from the Atlantic. It may have Ireland’s finest natural harbour. The market, harbour and waterfront promenade shape a visit to the town, while cycling and walking routes, along with historic sites, lead into the surrounding area.
Market, harbour and waterfront promenade
The regular market reaches its peak on the first Thursday of each month, with food and bric-a-brac. In summer, traders also set up their stalls every Thursday. The market runs from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Check the date for your travel period before you arrive.
The harbour serves the town’s many fishing boats and is busy throughout the fishing season. Visitors can watch the colourful fishing boats on the deep blue water. The palm-lined waterfront promenade also offers an opportunity for a stroll; you can also explore Castletown-Bearhaven.
The Beara Way Cycling Route
The Beara Way Cycling Route is a 138 km national cycling route. It runs mostly along country roads and crosses the entire Beara Peninsula, passing through the towns and villages along the way. It has no fixed starting or finishing point: you can join the route in any town or village on the peninsula, including Castletownbere. It connects Castletownbere with Adrigole, Allihies and Eyeries, before returning to Glengarriff.
For planning a shorter section, the stated distance of 16 km between Adrigole and Castletownbere is a separate point of reference, distinct from the full cycling route’s length of 138 km. On the cycling section to Castletownbere, cyclists can follow the main road and look out over Berehaven Harbour. Road conditions and traffic can change; check them before setting out.
Walking trails and local history
Notable archaeological features along the Beara Way on the way to Castletownbere include a cairn, a megalithic tomb, standing stones, a fulacht fia and a Mass Rock. In addition, a four-to-five-hour section of the Beara Way on the way to Castletownbere passes several archaeological sites and a state forest; the route also climbs towards Knockgour.
Dunboy Castle, also known as Caisleán Dhún Baoi, lies about two miles west of Castletownbere. The castle was a stronghold of O’Sullivan Bere, a Gaelic clan leader and “Chief of Dunboy”. It was built to protect and defend Berehaven Harbour and is now largely in ruins. Its location, former function and present condition give a visit to the surrounding area a historical context, without conflating the castle with the harbour in the town.
Ferry connections and practical information
There is a ferry service from Castletownbere to West End on Bere Island. Another runs from Pontoon to Rerrin Village on Bere Island. Pontoon is about three miles towards Glengarriff, beside Berehaven Park Golf Course. The departure points are therefore different: one service departs from Castletownbere, the other from Pontoon. Ferry services and schedules can change; check current operations before travelling.
Tralahan is about 1 km from Castletownbere, on the main road to Allihies; toilets are available there. Check the facility details before visiting. The Castletownbere tourist office is located on the grounds of the Church of Ireland and provides visitors with information. Check its opening days before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Lamanagh, Bantry, Cloyne, Dernagree, Cobh, Ballingeary, Kilcrohane, Glenville.
For the regional travel overview: Cork.
