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Whiddy Island Guide: Things To Do, The Ferry + A Bit Of History

Whiddy Island Guide: Things To Do, The Ferry + A Bit Of History

Perched just offshore in the sheltered waters of Bantry Bay, Whiddy Island is one of West Cork’s most overlooked adventures. Just 5.6km long and 2.4km wide, this tiny patch of land is big on nature, history, and character—and it’s only a 10-minute ferry ride from Bantry Town.

Once a military stronghold, later home to Ireland’s worst maritime disaster, and now a quiet haven for walkers, cyclists, seafood lovers and anyone craving a digital detox, Whiddy’s charm lies in its contrasts.

You’ll find centuries-old batteries hidden in the undergrowth, seabirds skimming across the bay, and one of the best seafood platters in the county waiting at the island’s only pub!

Visiting Whiddy Island

map showing how to get to whiddy island

Just a short ferry ride from Bantry Town, the island makes for a perfect day trip with the family or group of friends.

1. Location

You’ll find the picturesque Whiddy Island near the head of Bantry Bay off the coast of Bantry Town in West Cork

2. Getting there

You need to take a 10-to-15-minute ferry ride from Bantry Town to reach the island. There is one operator licensed by the Department of the Marine.

3. A great place to escape to

There’s plenty of things to do on Whiddy Island and there’s lots of history to uncover, which make it a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle and to soak up a bit of island life for a day.

The history of Whiddy Island

YouTube video

It’s hard to do justice to Whiddy Island’s history in just a few lines, but here’s a snapshot to show you just how much this little island has seen.

Military importance

Thanks to its prime position in Bantry Bay, Whiddy was heavily fortified by the British during the Napoleonic Wars, with defensive batteries built to repel a potential French invasion.

Its strategic importance carried through to World War I, when the U.S. Navy established a seaplane base here, though it shut down in 1919, shortly after the war ended.

The Whiddy Island Disaster

In the late 1960s, Gulf Oil built a vast terminal on the island to handle supertankers arriving from the Middle East. But tragedy struck on January 8th, 1979, when a French tanker exploded while unloading crude oil.

Fifty lives were lost, making it one of the worst maritime disasters in Irish history. The terminal was never fully restored, though today it stores part of Ireland’s national oil reserves.

Back in the 1880s, Whiddy was home to around 450 people. Now, just 20 or so live here full-time.

The Whiddy Island Ferry

Whiddy island history

Photo via Whiddy Island Ferry on Facebook

To get to the island, you’ll need to climb aboard the Whiddy Island Ferry (there’s only the one!).

Known as Ocean Star 3, the Whiddy Island ferry is licensed by the Department of the Marine and takes passengers to and from the island.

How long it takes

The trip from Bantry pier to Whiddy Island takes around 10-15 minutes with regular departures throughout the day. 

When it runs

From June to August, the Whiddy Island ferry departs 5 times a day each way. From September to May, services reduce a little with five departures per day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, four departures on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and three departures on Sunday (note: times may change).

How much it costs and where to get it

The Whiddy Island ferry is pretty good value at €8 return (prices may change). It leaves from Bantry Pier. Get up-to-date info on their Facebook page.

Things to do on Whiddy Island

There are plenty of things to do on Whiddy Island that make it the perfect place for a day trip (especially if you want an active day out!).

From the Whiddy Island Loop to great food, cycling and more, there’s things to do on Whiddy Island to tickle most fancies.

1. Do the Whiddy Island Loop

One of the best ways to explore the island is on foot. The Whiddy Island Loop is a relatively easy 5km loop that’s up their with our favourite walks in Cork.

It begins from the ferry terminal on the island and is a circuit with a couple of optional side trips. With the side trips included, the walk is around 7.7km in total.

The main trail is well sign-posted and crosses the countryside with beautiful views over Bantry Bay. It should take around two hours for moderately fit people.

The optional side trips include a viewing point over Lousy Castle to the southern side of the island and to the historical Middle Battery to the north. 

Related read: Check out our guide to 30 of the best places to visit in West Cork (a mix of tourist favourites and hidden gems)

2. Or hire a bike and cycle

cycling around whiddy

Photo by FS Stock (Shutterstock)

Another way to explore the island is on two wheels. If you enjoy a cycle, you can hire bikes from the Bank House Bar on the island which is directly opposite the pontoon.

You can easily cycle along the paths on the island, stopping at some of the remains of the island’s military history.

Cycling is a great way to cover most of the island in a short time. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a day with nice weather, you can enjoy beautiful views across the bay and towards Bantry Town.

3. Plan your visit around the West Cork Literary Festival

the literary festival

Photo via West Cork Literary Festival on Facebook (note: this is Garnish Island)

The West Cork Literary Festival is an annual festival in Bantry Town held in July. They have a range of events on at various venues in Bantry, with Whiddy Island being one of them.

There is a talk about the island and guided tour to the battery by Tim O’Leary, a Whiddy native and local postman, publican and farmer. 

The festival’s program is published each year before the event with tickets available online. There’s plenty of things to do in Bantry, too, if you visit when the festival isn’t running.

4. Discover Whiddy Island’s military history

whiddy island sunset

Photo licensed from Ondrej Prochazka

Whiddy Island has an interesting military history thanks to its strategic location in Bantry Bay. To the northern tip of the island, you can visit the remaining batteries built by the British and the old US naval air station from World War One. 

Of the three batteries, the Middle Battery is the largest and an interesting place to wander around.

You can reach it by a small bridge across a deep moat. It’s somewhat crumbling and overgrown, but that only adds to the intrigue of the place.

5. Chow down on a seafood platter from the Bank House

YouTube video
 

The Bank House is the only pub on the island and a must visit during your trip. Showcasing traditional Irish hospitality, the restaurant and bar is known for a friendly atmosphere and great food.

They have both an indoor dining area and outside tables for warmer days. The highlight on the menu is their fresh seafood, so make sure you pick the seafood platter for a memorable meal.

What to do near Whiddy Island

ring of beara map

Some of the best things to do in Cork can be found a short spin from Whiddy, such as:

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Sue Jones

Saturday 16th of September 2023

Thanks, Whiddy Island was the home of my ancestors. My grandmother was living there with her grandparents before she ran away to Wales sometime around 1919. I am researching the family tree and would love to visit there. You've whet my appetite with your guide.

Judith Graepel

Monday 12th of July 2021

Clear, concise, informative, thank you so much

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