Discover Castletown-Bearhaven: Harbour, Market and Beara Way

Castletown-Bearhaven combines a fishing harbour with market life and routes across the Beara Peninsula.

Harbour, Market and Townscape

Castletownbere lies between the Caha Mountains and the Slieve Miskish Mountains. Bere Island shelters the town from the Atlantic Ocean. The harbour serves the town’s many fishing boats and is constantly busy during the fishing season. Visitors can watch the colourful fishing boats on the deep blue water.

The regular market in Castletownbere’s town square 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 dates before your trip.

Another way to get to know the town is to stroll along its palm-lined waterfront promenade. You can walk there and then explore Castletownbere. The harbour, market and promenade each offer a different focus: fishing activity, market stalls and a waterside walk.

Cycling the Beara Way Cycling Route

The national Beara Way Cycling Route is 138 km long, runs mostly along country roads and has no fixed start or end point. It crosses the entire Beara Peninsula, passing through every town and village along the way. Cyclists can join it in any of these places, including Castletownbere. The route connects Castletownbere with Adrigole, Allihies and Eyeries, before returning to Glengarriff.

A clearly defined section runs from Adrigole to Castletownbere and is 16 km long. This distinguishes the route’s total length from the distance of this particular section. On a cycling stretch towards Castletownbere, cyclists can follow the main road and look out over Berehaven Harbour. Check current road and traffic conditions before setting off.

Walking and History in the Surrounding Area

Along the Beara Way towards Castletownbere are archaeological features including a cairn, a megalithic tomb, standing stones, a fulacht fia and a Mass Rock. A four-to-five-hour section of the Beara Way on the way to Castletownbere passes several archaeological sites and a state forest, and climbs towards Knockgour. The route also offers views of Adrigole Harbour, Berehaven and Bere Island.

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 ruined. Check current access to the ruins before visiting.

Ferries and Visitor Information

A ferry service runs from Castletownbere to West End on Bere Island. Another connects Pontoon with Rerrin Village on Bere Island. Pontoon lies about three miles towards Glengarriff, beside Berehaven Park Golf Course. Ferry services and timetables may change; check current services before your trip.

Castletownbere’s tourist office is located on the grounds of the Church of Ireland and provides visitors with information. Check its opening days in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ballygarvan, Ballyvourney, Bandon, Minane Bridge, Midleton, Glantane, Monkstown, Cork

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