🏛️🌊 Discovering West Cork – Bantry House & Whiddy Island Adventure
Details
Join us for another relaxed adventure in our Discovering West Cork series as we explore one of West Cork’s most beautiful historic estates before taking a scenic ferry across Bantry Bay to the peaceful Whiddy Island.
We’ll spend the morning wandering through the magnificent Bantry House and Gardens, enjoying breathtaking views over Bantry Bay, beautiful Italian gardens and woodland walks. Afterwards, we’ll take the ferry to Whiddy Island, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the island, taking in the coastal scenery and sharing lunch together.
Whether you’re coming to meet new people, enjoy stunning scenery or discover another hidden gem of West Cork, everyone is welcome!
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📍 Meeting Point
Bantry House Entrance
📅 Saturday, 1st August 2026
🕥 Meeting Time: 10:45 AM
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🗓️ Itinerary
🏛️ 10:45 AM
Meet outside Bantry House.
We’ll spend around two hours exploring:
🌸 Italian Gardens
🏰 Historic Bantry House
🌳 Woodland walks
📸 Beautiful viewpoints over Bantry Bay
☕ Optional coffee at the Bantry House Tea Rooms.
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🚶 12:40 PM
Walk together to Bantry Pier.
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🚢 1:00 PM Ferry to Whiddy Island
Approximate crossing time:
⏱️ 10 minutes
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🌿 Afternoon on Whiddy Island
We’ll enjoy a relaxed afternoon together including:
🌊 Easy walk around the harbour
🏛️ Visit the historic Whiddy Island Battery
📸 Beautiful coastal scenery
🍽️ Lunch together
💬 Plenty of time to relax, chat and enjoy the island.
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🚢 3:45 PM Ferry Back
Return to Bantry on the 3:45 PM ferry.
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💰 Estimated Costs
🏛️ Bantry House
Adult — €14
Senior/Student — €11.50
Child — €5
Family — €33
🚢 Whiddy Island Ferry
Adult Return — €8 (payable on the day so bring cash just in case)
🍽️ Food & Drinks
Not included. Advised to bring your own food just in case you don’t like the variety offered or in case it was too busy.
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🚗 Getting There
🚘 By Car
Meet directly at Bantry House.
Parking available nearby.
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🚌 By Bus
Bus Éireann Route 236
The first Saturday bus leaves Cork at approximately 8:30 AM, arriving in Bantry around 10:30 AM.
Please check the latest timetable and stop locations before travelling.
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🚗 Carpooling
Have a car and happy to offer a lift?
Looking for a lift?
Join our WhatsApp group to arrange carpooling.
📱 WhatsApp Group
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🌦 Weather
West Cork weather changes quickly.
Please bring:
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Waterproof jacket
✔ Layers
✔ Water
✔ Camera
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💡 Good to Know
• Come solo — most people do.
• This is a relaxed social day rather than a hiking event.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
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🌟 Why Join?
🏛️ Explore one of Ireland’s finest historic houses.
🌸 Wander through spectacular gardens.
🚢 Enjoy a scenic ferry across Bantry Bay.
🌊 Discover peaceful Whiddy Island.
📸 Capture beautiful coastal views.
🤝 Meet friendly, like-minded people.
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Come solo. Leave with unforgettable memories, beautiful scenery and new friends. 🌿🏛️🌊