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View allResting between peninsulas in Bantry Bay, Whiddy Island enjoys a superb strategic position in one of the world’s finest deep water harbours. The result is a lively and vibrant naval history. During World War I, seaplanes from a US navy base on Whiddy patrolled Fastnet Rock. More recently, the island serves as a Gulf Oil terminal for berthing supertankers. It was here, in 1979, that the French tanker Betelgeuse exploded in what remains the biggest maritime disaster in Irish history.
Of course, there’s more to Whiddy than modern industry and warfare. At the Kilmore lakes, an early ecclesiastical enclosure features a holy well, church and graveyard dating from the 6th century.
In the early 1500’s the great chieftain, Donal Cam O'Sullivan Bere, built Reenananig Castle on the island, which was bombarded during the Cromwellian Wars, and finally collapsed in a 1920 storm; however three magnificent forts have survived.
The result is a fascinating prospect - an island where walkers can absorb a landscape heaving as much with history as it is with red and purple fuchsia in the summer months; a hideaway where bird-watchers can break out the binoculars; an escape where everyone can grab a well-earned drink at the welcoming island pub. Whether you’re walking, boating or simply relaxing here, you’ll find an island of hidden depths.
Location: Bantry Bay Harbour, Co. Cork. Bantry ferry port is roughly 85km (1hr 30mins) by road from Cork, and 45km (1hr) from Kenmare, Co. Kerry.
Size: 4.8km x 1.6km. Whiddy is usually seen as a daytrip, but overnight stays are possible.
Population: 29
Facilities: Bank house Bar & Restaurant. Newly refurbished School House Hostel with accomodation extension than can sleep 30 with family rooms and rest room. Contact : Tim O' Leary whiddyferry@gmail.com 0868626734
Newly built community centre with space to rent and use for private functions contact dannyboywhiddy@gmail.com 0861936247
Top 3 Activities: Walking, fishing, birdwatching
Festival highlights: Whiddy Island family fun day (August)
Getting there: Ferries sail from Bantry, daily, year-round. Sailings take 10-15 minutes.
Contact Whiddy Island Ferries (353 86 862 6734, whiddyferry@gmail.com)
Getting around: Whiddy is a walker’s delight.
Find out more: Email:whiddy.island@yahoo.com
Did you know?
Whiddy Island’s drinking fountain, known as the ‘Cup and Saucer’, was made by American naval officers during the First World War.
