The Westlodge Hotel is the ideal base for touring West Cork and Kerry with the Beara Peninsula just a short drive away along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way.
There are numerous tourist attractions and events close to the hotel, Bantry House & Gardens, Sheep’s Head Walking and Cycling Trail , West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Masters of Tradition Festival, West Cork Literary Festival and the Fastnet Rally.
The hotel which is situated next to one of the deepest bays in the world makes it a prime location for water sports such as swimming , kayaking and boating.
Things to do in Bantry
Bantry Bay
Overlooking Bantry Bay in the heart of West Cork, Bantry town is situated just over 55 miles west of Cork City. It functions as a large Market town providing commercial, retail and tourism/leisure facilities for locals and visitors alike.
Bantry is an important tourism location and is a designated outdoor activity hub in West Cork with a wide variety of activities available all year round. Water Sports, Horse riding, Angling and Cycling are some of the outdoor activities available in the area.
With a fine raised plaza in its main square overlooking the harbour, the town has a variety of small shops and businesses, restaurants and bars to choose from and is an ideal holiday location with plenty to offer all visitors. The majestic Bantry House overlooks the harbour with its beautiful gardens reaching down towards the shore where one can enjoy the spectacular views of the Caha Mountains across the bay.
As one of the larger towns in West Cork with a population of about 4000 people and a catchment area of about 12000 people, it is a busy community with plenty going on all year round.
Just 90 minutes from Cork and Kerry international airports the Westlodge is an ideal location for your holiday in West Cork. You can rent a car at Cork Airport.
The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a world-famous coastal route that spans seven of Ireland’s counties, taking in some breathtaking scenery along the way. From Donegal to Galway, Kerry to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is a journey of discovery.
The dramatic Kerry to Cork section of this route provides the perfect backdrop to this Atlantic odyssey. The rugged, remote Beara Peninsula of Co Cork is a stunning sight, with views of mussel rafts and seal colonies of Kenmare offering the perfect excuse for a pitstop. From Dursey Island to Mizen Head – Ireland’s most southern point – and then on to the Old Head of Kinsale, this stretch of the road should be enjoyed at leisure.
From Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way segues into Cork in a dramatic explosion of islands and jutting peninsulas. From megalithic stone circles and bardic schools to Bantry House, you can trace every stage of Ireland’s rich history here. From walking to stone-carving, kayaking to visiting a working blacksmith’s forge, there is much to do in this region, which is also renowned for its wonderful artisan food.
The Westlodge Hotel is nestled in the hills of Bantry and overlooks the famous Bantry Bay, on the very tip of Bantry Town and is the perfect destination to enjoy a rest from this breathtaking scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way.
TRAVELLING BY CAR FROM CORK:
At Bandon Rd Roundabout, take the first exit onto Bandon Road and continue to Bandon town.
Turn right onto St Finbarr’s Pl and then turn left onto N Main St, follow sign posts for Dunmanway / Bantry.
Continue onto the twin villages of Enniskeane & Ballineen, still following the sign posts for Dunmanway /Bantry, continue on this road for approx. 20km.
Drive into Dunmanway town and at the top of Market Square turn left following the signs for Bantry taking the R586.
After approx. 13 km you will reach Drimoleague Village, continue on the R586 following the signposts for Bantry.
Take a right turn onto the N71 and head straight on for about 4km the westlodge will be on your right.
TRAVELLING BY CAR FROM KILLARNEY:
Take the N22 towards Cork for approx.. 32km until you reach Ballyvourney Village.
Shortly after White Deer Brewery on your right, turn right towards Ballingeary.
Drive for approx.. 4.2km then turn left following the sign for Bantry & Ballingeary. Drive for 2km
Continue onto L3402 again following the signs for Bantry & Ballingeary.
Turn right onto R584 at Ballyvourney Village
Follow signs for Bantry from now on.
Turn left onto N71 at Ballylickey Bridge
Turn right onto Wolfe Tone Square and keep to your most left lane to leave the town and head towards the Westlodge which will be on your left after about 1 km.