What to do in Bantry

Stretching over 25,000 acres, Ireland’s first national park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982, an award given to areas that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature.

Visit Bantry House for an impressive collection of art, lavish furniture, paintings and tapestries. Many of these treasures were collected from around the world by the second Earl of Bantry. The earl's travels also inspired Bantry House's garden. Italianate in style, the garden features a number of terraces, providing spectacular views of a wisteria-encircled fountain, the sea and Whiddy Island. The garden also features the Hundred Steps, a steep staircase which provides a great view of the house.

Follow the sounds of the rushing stream and reach a forest clearing to find Torc Waterfall. Here the fresh, clear water of the Owengarriff River crashes over ancient rocks, sending spray up into the cool air. The waterfall is over 65 feet (20 meters) high. After rainfall, which is frequent in this area, it is even more impressive. Stand, watch and be mesmerized by the rushing water passing through a narrow rocky gap between leafy green.

At the highest point of the road, be rewarded with a spectacular sight in Moll’s Gap. See the skies, huge and vast, filled with rolling clouds passing slowly over the ancient green landscape. Mountains rise on either side.

Arrive from a drive through the green countryside to Ladies View, a breathtaking panorama over the finest jewels of Killarney. Look out at Black Valley, the Upper and Middle Lakes, the Gap of Dunloe and the mountains of Macgillycuddy Reeks, as well as Derrycunihy Wood, the Eagles Nest and Torc Mountain and Purple Mountain rising around the lakes.