( Overview
/ Two Bullocks on a Boat Go West
A sunny, but very windy day, but two of Rachael’s dogs have found a sunny spot.
We decided to walk the one road through the island to the hotel in the middle. This route is part of the Beara Way.
The road climbs steeply affording great views of the marina and Bantry Bay.
This car typifies many of the vehicles on the island. There is a blue van which we’re not sure how it’s grumpy owner keeps going.
Cloughland Martello Tower. Following the attempted invasion of Bantry Bay by the French Armada in 1798, the British were concerned Napoleon was planning a major offensive against England via Ireland. As a result four Martello Towers were built on the island.
The British had been impressed in 1794 when a strong tower at Martella Point in Corsica guarded the entrance to the Gulf of Fiorenzo, and embarked on building towers around the coasts. They were built to a standard design, typically 12m high with 2 floors and a garrison for an officer and 15-25 men.
The standing stone or Gallan is said to mark the centre of the island, known locally as Ard na Gaoithe (windy height) - a very apt name! It is 3m tall and legend has it that a giant threw a stone at the Cailleach Beara (The Old Hag of Beara), but it missed and landed on the island.
It dates from the Bronze Age (2000 BC to 500 BC), and was probably placed by the Tuatha de Danann who were skilled miners and metal workers.
Holy Year Cross was erected on Knockanallig, the largest hill on Bere Island (270 metres). 1950 was declared a Holy Year by Pope Pius XII; a time for reconciliation and forgiveness of sins. Soon after the war, the Pope invited the faithful on a pilgrimage to Rome, and prayed for peace in Palestine.
The view over to the mainland.
A whale vertebrae. Whaling was banned in Irish waters in 1937.
Bere Island Hotel.
Murphy’s Ferry going into its mainland pontoon.
Ardagh Martello Tower is the other tower remaining out of the original four built in 1805. Built by Cornish stonemasons, assisted by local labour, and on completion were inspected by Sir Arthur Wellesley (the Duke of Wellington).
Walking back to the boat, we caught glimpses of the marina. You can see Avalon’s furled foresail in front of the white house
Sign in with Apple 
Log in with Facebook