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Port town in County Cork, Ireland
Photo: Cyclejakob, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Castletownbere (Baile Chaisleáin Bhéarra) is a port on the Beara Peninsula in County Cork in the southwest of Ireland, with a population of 1000 in 2021. It's doubly sheltered: Bere Island creates the long anchorage of Bearhaven, then Dinish Island sits just outside the harbour. It has a large fishing fleet and some drab industrial areas, but it's the obvious base for touring the rugged, scenic peninsula. This page describes the south side of the peninsula, but the north side is in County Kerry: see Kenmare for amenities and attractions there.
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Copper has been mined on Beara peninsula since the Bronze Age; bronze is about 90% copper. A major seam was developed in the early 19th century, with buildings and technology similar to the Cornish tin mines, such as the steam-powered pumping stations that enabled deeper working. The mine at Allihies was in use until 1962. The museum, opened in 2007, is in an old Methodist church. Behind it, stroll up the hill track used by the miners.
Great seafood and ambiance.
Iconic trad pub and subject of an eponymous book by Pete McCarthy. Frequent live music and a grand wee snug inside the front door. The grocery store has morphed into a gift shop for book and TV related merchandise, suitably eponymous.
Good central B&B with restaurant.
Comfy friendly B&B.
Smart welcoming B&B on the coast road.
Welcoming comfy B&B with exotic garden 2 km east of village.
Castletownbere is 50 km by road from Bantry. Follow N71 west to Glengarriff then turn off onto R572.
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Farranfore · Regional · KIR
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