Bantry (Beanntraí) lies at the head of Bantry Bay, a deep-water gulf bordered by the Beara peninsula to the north and the Sheep’s Head peninsula to the south. Whiddy and Bere Island are the two main islands. Bantry has a long maritime tradition, and is linked with the sixth-century Saint Breandán the Navigator. According to local folklore, Saint Breandán (Naomh Breandán in Irish) was the first European person to discover America. Bantry Bay has been the site of major events in Irish history. The Battle of Bantry Bay was fought in 1689 between the French and English fleets. In 1796 Wolfe Tone and the French Navy attempted to land an army to liberate Ireland from English rule, but could not land due to terrible weather. Wolfe Tone was a founder of the United Irishmen a nd was a unifying force within the movement. His legacy is a cornerstone of the Irish Republic and Bantry Square is named in his honour.Bantry and Whiddy Island were the location of a thriving pilchard-fishing industry in the 17th century. Bantry was serviced by a railway from 1881-1961, and a large cattle mart was held in Bantry Square on the first Friday of each month. Today, Bantry Market is held on the same day and is one of the largest in West Cork. Mussel-farming is now a major business in the bay and tourism is a large part of the local economy.
External Links:
https://www.bantry.ie/