Bandon or in Gaelic ‘Droichead na Banndan’, meaning the bridge of the Bandon River, is just 20 miles west of Cork city and lays claim to the title of being the gateway to West Cork. The town was founded by Sir Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, in 1608. It is a large and thriving regional centre set in a rich agricultural area. The River Bandon flows through its centre with the town built on either side of its valley. In recent years the town has grown and expanded strongly and now is a busy focal centre for the surrounding region. It is a good game angling centre and is said to be ‘7 miles from 7 beaches’.
One of the town’s biggest assets is the Bandon River. Judges in the national Tidy Town’s competition once commented; “Bandon, more than any town in the region has an abundance of natural habitat for wildlife. The majestic Bandon River is a haven for wildlife.”
The town is home to the annual Bandon Music Festival in early June showcasing the very best of contemporary and traditional Irish music. Nearby is the village of Innishannon in a delightful woodland setting.
They say nobody can be all things to all people. In Bandon, they certainly give it their best to cater for all people.
