Chance to explore Bere Islands historic past as part of Walking Festival

One of the two Martello Towers on Bere Island.

BERE Island’s next Walking Weekend will be held on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September.

Visitors and locals alike can get to explore the length and breadth of this historic island, which was once a former strategic military base during WWI, and lies at the southern most reaches of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Bere Island is part of the Beara Way and, together with a series of looped walks and wild open terrain, offers up to six hours of continuous walking with spectacular scenery. The hills of Bantry Bay shelter the southern side of the island and flanking the northern side is the rugged Caha Mountain range.

Bere Island caters for all levels of walker, for those looking to meander along quiet roads and lanes, and for those seeking a more challenging walk through open heathland.

Guided walks will be available over the weekend with a local historian who will lead walkers to Ardnakinna Lighthouse on the western most point of Bere Island, across the hills to the Holy Year Cross on the island’s highest point, carrying onto the standing stone which marks the centre of the island, before climbing up to one of two remaining Martello Towers, and then back to Rerrin Village.

A second walk will take in the flatter, eastern loop of the island past military fortifications from WWI.

Maps and suggested routes will also be available to those who wish to walk under their own steam.

Wind down at the end of the day with a hot shower and a hearty, well-earned meal at your accommodation, and then finish off the day in one of the island bars. If you can play a musical instrument, bring it along and join in the session.

For those who want to take in even more of this beautiful island, take an evening stroll and watch the sun set over the hills of Beara.

A further walking weekend will take place on Bere Island on 24th and 25th October.

A typical package, costing €120 per person sharing, includes two nights B&B (Friday & Saturday), one evening meal, two packed lunches and a return ferry trip for foot passengers. For more details, contact the Bere Island Project Group Office 027 75099.

Bere Island is approximately two hours by road from Cork City, with private and public bus services.

There are also two ferry services with numerous trips each day.

One of the two Martello Towers on Bere Island.

BERE Island’s next Walking Weekend will be held on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September.

Visitors and locals alike can get to explore the length and breadth of this historic island, which was once a former strategic military base during WWI, and lies at the southern most reaches of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Bere Island is part of the Beara Way and, together with a series of looped walks and wild open terrain, offers up to six hours of continuous walking with spectacular scenery. The hills of Bantry Bay shelter the southern side of the island and flanking the northern side is the rugged Caha Mountain range.

Bere Island caters for all levels of walker, for those looking to meander along quiet roads and lanes, and for those seeking a more challenging walk through open heathland.

Guided walks will be available over the weekend with a local historian who will lead walkers to Ardnakinna Lighthouse on the western most point of Bere Island, across the hills to the Holy Year Cross on the island’s highest point, carrying onto the standing stone which marks the centre of the island, before climbing up to one of two remaining Martello Towers, and then back to Rerrin Village.

A second walk will take in the flatter, eastern loop of the island past military fortifications from WWI.

Maps and suggested routes will also be available to those who wish to walk under their own steam.

Wind down at the end of the day with a hot shower and a hearty, well-earned meal at your accommodation, and then finish off the day in one of the island bars. If you can play a musical instrument, bring it along and join in the session.

For those who want to take in even more of this beautiful island, take an evening stroll and watch the sun set over the hills of Beara.

A further walking weekend will take place on Bere Island on 24th and 25th October.

A typical package, costing €120 per person sharing, includes two nights B&B (Friday & Saturday), one evening meal, two packed lunches and a return ferry trip for foot passengers. For more details, contact the Bere Island Project Group Office 027 75099.

Bere Island is approximately two hours by road from Cork City, with private and public bus services.

There are also two ferry services with numerous trips each day.

One of the two Martello Towers on Bere Island.

BERE Island’s next Walking Weekend will be held on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September.

Visitors and locals alike can get to explore the length and breadth of this historic island, which was once a former strategic military base during WWI, and lies at the southern most reaches of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Bere Island is part of the Beara Way and, together with a series of looped walks and wild open terrain, offers up to six hours of continuous walking with spectacular scenery. The hills of Bantry Bay shelter the southern side of the island and flanking the northern side is the rugged Caha Mountain range.

Bere Island caters for all levels of walker, for those looking to meander along quiet roads and lanes, and for those seeking a more challenging walk through open heathland.

Guided walks will be available over the weekend with a local historian who will lead walkers to Ardnakinna Lighthouse on the western most point of Bere Island, across the hills to the Holy Year Cross on the island’s highest point, carrying onto the standing stone which marks the centre of the island, before climbing up to one of two remaining Martello Towers, and then back to Rerrin Village.

A second walk will take in the flatter, eastern loop of the island past military fortifications from WWI.

Maps and suggested routes will also be available to those who wish to walk under their own steam.

Wind down at the end of the day with a hot shower and a hearty, well-earned meal at your accommodation, and then finish off the day in one of the island bars. If you can play a musical instrument, bring it along and join in the session.

For those who want to take in even more of this beautiful island, take an evening stroll and watch the sun set over the hills of Beara.

A further walking weekend will take place on Bere Island on 24th and 25th October.

A typical package, costing €120 per person sharing, includes two nights B&B (Friday & Saturday), one evening meal, two packed lunches and a return ferry trip for foot passengers. For more details, contact the Bere Island Project Group Office 027 75099.

Bere Island is approximately two hours by road from Cork City, with private and public bus services.

There are also two ferry services with numerous trips each day.