Bantry Bay is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It was to be
the landing site of a French liberation force, led by Wolfe Tone, consisting of
43 ships in 1796. However, some of the worst storms the area had ever seen prevented
the French landing and joining the United Irishmen's Rebellion.
Richard White, an Englishman in the area, alerted the authorities of the attempted
invasion and was awarded a peerage by George III for his trouble. In 1801 he was
made Viscount Bantry, becoming Earl of Bantry in 1816. The 2nd Earl of Bantry
collected art and furnishings from all over Europe and refurbished the family
home - Bantry House.
Bantry House is now the highlight of a visit to Bantry and, while the White
Family still live there, it is open to public. The carriage house and stables
have been converted into the French Armada Centre, which explains the events surrounding
the rebellion of 1796-1798 ( a little ironic considering how the 1st Earl got
his title). The gardens are every bit as impressive as the house. Don't miss the
' stairway to heaven' in the Italian garden at the back of the house.
The town centre consists of the large Wolfe Tone Square recently remodelled
into an attractive outdoor space. An open air market is held in the town every
Friday.
The town has a number of traditional music venues and a large variety of cafes
and restaurants.
