The islands of West Cork include: Bere Island, www.bereisland.net sits just in front of Castletownbere. There is a charming walk that forms part of The Beara Way on the island. You can enjoy a “Transatlantic trip” and head over to the island by ferry. From Castletown Berehaven pier the ferry goes regularly, check out the website for ferry times. www.bereislandferries.com

If you are taking your bike across there is no extra charge for the bike, in jig time you will be at the heritage centre and gain a better understanding of the Islands history and community.

Dursey Island
Dursey Island, situated at the west tip of The Beara Peninsula, is home to Ireland’s only cable car. From Castletownbere to Dursey Sound is about a half hour drive through some of the most incredible scenery on The Wild Atlantic Way. The island has a walk which forms part of The Beara Way. Dursey is a bird watchers paradise, you will see Gannets, Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and even occasionally Puffins. The island also has breeding Choughs.

The cable car which is the only cable car that crosses open seawater in Europe is a huge attraction in West Cork. Women who have stayed at Bellatrix have enjoyed the “hair raising” trip to the island in the cable car which is the most used means of transport onto Dursey.
Carina McNally, a native of Garnish and a member of the Beara Historical Society runs Beara Baoi, www.bearabaoitours.com
Carina provides guided historical walking tours and lots more. Check out her website for all the details.
For cable car timetable and history of the island, check out www.durseyisland.ie