Set in a large and dramatic harbour (one of the largest in the world), Castletownbere is one of the largest white fishing ports in Ireland and is host to many European fleets. The town is full of restaurants and pubs with many specialising in fresh seafood. Sea angling trips or shore angling can easily be arranged. Golf is popular with a scenic, challenging course at the foot of the Caha mountains. Watersports such as canoeing, kayaking and dinghy sailing are available in the vicinity.
This is an excellent centre for the exploration of the south-western end of the Beara Peninsula. Nearby is Bere Island, and a visit to this island makes an interesting day trip, with its collection of old military ruins and fortifications as well as more ancient wedge tombs, standing stones and recent excavations of a ‘naust’ or Viking boathouse in Lonehort Harbour.
There is also a Buddhist meditation centre and the famous McCarthy’s Bar made famous by the travel book ‘McCarthy’s Bar’ by Pete McCarthy.
