The Drive from Cork City to Bantry (& Where to Stop Along the Way)
The drive from Cork City to Bantry is just over an hour and 30 minutes (85 km) without stops, and it follows the N22 and the R586.
But, I highly recommend making a few stops to break up the journey as there are some lovely spots along this drive – such as Farran Woods and Castledonovan. And if you stop at all of the places below, you will need to allow at least half a day.
Of course, you can also do this drive in reverse – so, from Bantry to Cork City. FYI, there is a slightly shorter route (an hour and 22 minutes) that follows the R585 after Beal na Blath, but there’s less to see along this road.
Cork City
Before you head off on your road trip, be sure to spend a few days (or at least a day) in Cork City. Try to tick off the city’s top sights like the world-famous English Market and the Shandon Bells (a local favorite spot). And squeeze in a visit to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, University College Cork, and Blackrock Castle.
All of these are located within the city limits, so you can walk between them.
Where to stay in Cork City: The River Lee Hotel – offering prime views over the River Lee, large bedrooms, and a fantastic on-site restaurant. This is one of the most popular hotels in Cork!
Farran Woods
Farran Woods is a small forest park located on the south shore of Inniscarra Lake and is just a 30-minute drive from the city. It’s a bit of a , and all around the park, you’ll be treated to lovely views of the lake’s reservoir.
If you’re keen to get some adrenalin pumping, then Zipit Forest Adventures, a ziplining experience that offers over 800 meters of ziplines, is a must-do! Take in the epic views as you whizz through the treetops on this awesome aerial trail!
There’s a large kids’ playground, toilet facilities, and an excellent coffee cart next to the car park!
There’s also an easy 1.1 km hike here called the Enclosure Trail, which will take most people about 25 minutes to complete. This trail follows around the perimeter of the deer enclosure, where you can see both red deer and fallow deer, and the duck pond.
You must pay 5 euros to park here (payable by card at the entrance).
Beal na Blath
Béal na Bláth is a site of profound historical significance in Ireland, most notably known as the location where Michael Collins, a leader in the Irish struggle for independence, was ambushed and killed on August 22, 1922.
The ambush at Beal na Blath marked a pivotal moment during the Irish Civil War, a war that started after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Michael Collins, who was the Chairman of the Provisional Government and Commander-in-Chief of the National Army, was a key figure in the treaty negotiations, which ultimately led to the separation of Ireland (into the Republic and Northern Ireland).
His death is etched into the collective memory of the nation. And every year on the anniversary, a memorial event is held at Beal na Blath to honor Collins’ legacy and his contribution to Irish independence.
Dunmanway
Your next stop, Dunmanway, is a decent-sized town with a couple of stores, Cafes (we love Drip), and pubs.
Dunmanway is notable for being the birthplace of Sam Maguire, the namesake of the Sam Maguire Cup, the cup which is given to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Gaelic Football Championship.
While you’re here, stretch your legs with a stroll around the picturesque Ballinacarriga Lake on the outskirts of town. And you can also visit the ancient Ballinacarriga Castle, a 16th-century tower house with beautiful carvings and panoramic views from the top.
Castledonovan
Often referred to as O’Donovan’s Castle, this medieval tower house is perched on a hill overlooking the scenic West Cork countryside. Dating back to the 16th century, it is named after the O’Donovan clan, who were powerful Gaelic lords in the region.
Bantry
Nestled on the edge of Bantry Bay, one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, this town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas.
Bantry is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with events such as the West Cork Chamber Music Festival and the West Cork Literary Festival attracting visitors from around the globe. The town also boasts historical sites like Bantry House, a stately home with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history. This is a must-visit!
You can also catch a short ferry ride over to Whiddy Island from the town. Whiddy Island features a lovely 3-hour walk, which is part of the Sheep’s Head Way walking route. This walk covers small hills, beaches, and roads. Or if you don’t fancy walking, you can hire a bike from the Bank House bar.
The Bank House Bar on the island is a lively venue on weekends in the Summer, where live Irish music bands play in the sunshine.
Where to stay in Bantry: The Maritime Hotel is our recommendation in Bantry. It overlooks the water and is the biggest hotel in town. It’s a 4-star property and has an indoor pool.
Renting a Car in Ireland
When it comes to driving in Ireland, choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs. If you’re planning to explore rural areas or rugged landscapes, consider renting a compact or four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will handle narrow, winding roads more efficiently. Be sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
The cost of renting a car in Ireland can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
- Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around €300 per week for a manual (stick shift) economy car; this will rise to around €350 during the peak months of June, July and August.
- Try to rent your vehicle from major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Limerick. That’s because car hire companies in smaller cities tend to have fewer and more expensive options.
- Book as small a car as you can manage!
- We highly recommend selecting fully comprehensive car insurance. The roads and car parking spaces in Ireland are narrow, so it will quell your fears of getting a bump or scratch. Check if your credit card insurance covers this (some do!)
Slainte!
I hope this guide has helped you to decide where to stop between Cork City and Bantry. You can read some of my other related blog posts here –
27 Hidden Gems in Cork (Locals’ Guide to Cork)
