Bere Island July 8, 2015

Map of Bere Island

Bere Island lies at the entrance to Bantry Bay and guards the deep water harbour of Berehaven, in West Cork, in the South West of Ireland. The island is just 2kms offshore from the town of Castletownbere, the largest white fishing port in Ireland. The Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountain ranges of the Beara Peninsula tower over the island providing a dramatic backdrop. The island is roughly 11kms x 5kms in size with a population of just over 200.

Due to its strategic location Bere Island has a very interesting heritage. The island is rich in archaeological sites dating from the Bronze Age through to Medieval times, including ring forts, standing stones, wedge tombs and burial sites. The British had a particular interest in the island, with remnants of British Imperialism visibile throughout. At various stages they constructed Martello towers, a signal tower, military baracks and a military fortification which hosts two six inch guns, all of which can be seen today.
http://www.bereisland.net/

Cloughland Martello Tower

View from the Ferry to Bere Island

Getting oriented to our hike for the day.

Rugged terrain

The first of many stiles. 
A stile is a structure which provides people a passage
through or over a fence or boundary via steps, ladders or narrow gaps.
Stiles are often built in rural areas along footpaths
to prevent farm animals moving from one enclosure to another
whilst allowing path users still to use the route.

Our greeting party after climbing over the stile

Another favorite photo of the terrain

Ardnakinna lighthouse on Bere Island. There was originally a beacon built here in 1850, with the present lighthouse lit in 1965. The rugged track to the lighthouse along the coastline provides stunning views back onto the mainland.

Views of the Atlantic

Windy picnic lunch

Ruins of a Signal Tower

View of Castletownbere

An old wooden stile

The Heritage Center - a welcome cup of tea
shopping for woolen ear covering
and learning about the history of Bere Island
Marcie provided a great memory while looking for
a basket weaver's home!

A wall in front of the local elementary school
decorated with illustrations from Irish tales