Lonehort Battery, Beara Peninsula Travel Guide

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Discover Lonehort Battery on Bere Island: a historic fortress with stunning coastal views and a fascinating military past.

Explore Lonehort Battery, a well-preserved military fortification on Bere Island, Co. Cork. Built in the late 19th century to protect the British fleet in Berehaven harbor, it offers a glimpse into Ireland's strategic naval past and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

A brief summary to Lonehort Battery

Ardaragh East, Ardaragh East, Co. Cork, IE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lonehort Battery.

Check the ferry schedule in advance, as services may vary depending on the season.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the battery can be uneven.
Book a guided tour in advance to fully appreciate the history and significance of the site.
Bring cash, as there are no ATM machines on Bere Island.

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Explore Lonehort Battery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lonehort Battery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Ferry

To reach Lonehort Battery, you must first take a ferry to Bere Island. Two ferry services operate: Bere Island Ferries from Castletownbere to the West End , and Murphy's Ferry from the Pontoon (near Castletownbere) to Rerrin Village on the east end of the island. **From Castletownbere (Bere Island Ferries):** The ferry crossing takes approximately 15 minutes. Foot passengers can purchase tickets on board. Once on Bere Island, you can take the rural transport bus or walk to Lonehort Battery, which is located on the eastern end of the island. The bus costs €2 per person for those without a free travel pass. **From the Pontoon (Murphy's Ferry):** This ferry takes about 30 minutes to reach Rerrin Village. From Rerrin Village, you can take the rural transport bus or walk to Lonehort Battery. The bus costs €2 per person for those without a free travel pass. **Ferry Costs:** A single journey for a foot passenger on either ferry is approximately €7 [prices may vary]. Check the ferry operator's website for current fares.
Walking

From Rerrin Village, the battery is approximately 5km away. Follow the road east, and then take the first left turn. Continue along this road until you reach the battery. The walk is scenic and takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Be sure to wear suitable footwear as the path can be uneven in parts.

Discover more about Lonehort Battery

Lonehort Battery, situated on the eastern end of Bere Island, is a testament to the island's significant military history. Constructed between 1898 and 1902 by the British Admiralty, it formed a key part of the coastal defense system designed to safeguard the fleet anchored in Berehaven Harbour. At the time, the arrival of the British fleet could swell the local population by as many as 13,000 men.The battery itself is an impressive structure, featuring gun emplacements for two 6-inch guns and one 9.2-inch gun. It also included ammunition stores, barracks, and watchtowers equipped with high-powered searchlights. Uniquely, Lonehort is encircled by a mile-long, 15-foot-deep dry moat, accessed via a small iron bridge, setting it apart from other batteries on the island. Plans show that there was an intention to build four caponiers (fortified tunnels) in the dry ditch, for additional defense, but this does not appear to have been realised. The center of the battery held three engine rooms, some of which supplied power to other military positions on the island.Bere Island remained under British control until 1938, after which the Irish Army maintained a presence until 1947. Today, the battery is owned by Ireland's Department of Defence, with ongoing efforts to restore and develop it as a tourist attraction.Visitors can explore the battery and learn about its history through guided tours led by local experts. These tours provide insights into the daily lives of the soldiers stationed there and the strategic importance of the site during both World War I and the Irish War of Independence.