Discover the Rich Heritage of Bere Island
Explore Bere Island's rich history and culture at the Heritage & Information Centre, a gateway to Ireland's captivating island heritage.
The Bere Island Heritage & Information Centre is a must-visit for tourists eager to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Bere Island. This charming museum offers visitors a unique journey through the island's past, showcasing its cultural significance and historical milestones. Engage with informative exhibits, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, and connect with the local community through various events and activities that celebrate the island's legacy.
A brief summary to The Bere Island Heritage & Information centre
- Ballinakilla Bere Island Beara Ballinakilla Bere Island, Ballynakilla, Co. Cork, P75 W660, IE
- +3532775956
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-3 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Check the opening hours before your visit, as they vary during the week.
- Engage with the staff for local insights and recommendations on must-see sites around the island.
- Consider visiting during local events to experience the vibrant community culture.
- Don't miss the chance to enjoy the scenic views from the centre's location.
Getting There
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Car
From Mizen Head, take the R591 road towards Schull. Follow the R591 for about 20 kilometers until you reach the town of Castletownbere. From Castletownbere, take the R572 towards the Bere Island ferry terminal, located in the village of Beara. There is a parking area near the ferry terminal where you can leave your car. The ferry operates regularly, but it's advisable to check the schedule ahead of time. The ferry ride to Bere Island takes approximately 15 minutes. Once you arrive at the island, follow the signs to Ballinakilla, where the Bere Island Heritage & Information Centre is located. It is a short drive or walk from the ferry terminal.
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Public Transportation
From Mizen Head, first travel to the nearest town with public transport access, which is Schull. You can take a local bus or taxi to Schull, where you will find bus services to Castletownbere. Once in Castletownbere, you can either walk to the ferry terminal or take a local taxi. The ferry from Castletownbere to Bere Island operates regularly, and you can purchase a ticket at the terminal. After arriving on Bere Island, it is a short walk to the Bere Island Heritage & Information Centre located in Ballinakilla.
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Ferry
To reach the Bere Island Heritage & Information Centre, you must take the ferry from Castletownbere to Bere Island. The ferry terminal is located at the end of the R572 road in Castletownbere. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal and the ferry usually operates every hour. Make sure to check the ferry schedule in advance, especially during off-peak seasons, as it may vary. The ferry ride lasts about 15 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
Discover more about The Bere Island Heritage & Information centre
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bere Island
0.9 km
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Kilcatherine Church
10.8 km
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Healy Pass Scenic Viewpoint
12.7 km
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The Beara Gallery
13.5 km
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Loughane More Ring Fort
16.0 km
Experience the rich heritage of Ireland at Loughane More Ring Fort, a stunning historical site in County Cork surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Mizen Peak
20.0 km
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Mizen Head Lighthouse
21.0 km
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Dursey Island Signal Tower(Túr Comhartha Oileán Baoi)
22.9 km
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Derrynane National Historic Park
23.0 km
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Uragh Stone Circle(Ciorcal Cloch Uragh)
23.4 km
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Skellig Tours
23.7 km
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Gleninchaquin Park
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Caha Pass
25.5 km
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Garnish Island
25.8 km
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Loher Stone Fort
25.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Bere Island West
1.5 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Castletownbere Harbour
2.7 km
Explore the stunning Wild Atlantic Way at Castletownbere Harbour, a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Sarah Walker Gallery
2.7 km
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MacCarthy's Bar
2.8 km
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Ardnakinna Lighthouse(Teach Solais Ardnakinna)
3.2 km
Experience the stunning views and rich maritime history at Ardnakinna Lighthouse on Bere Island, a captivating landmark in Co. Cork.
Picnic Bench
3.3 km
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Puxley Castle(Caisleán Puxley)
3.5 km
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Derreenataggart Stone Circle
3.9 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Bere Island East
4.2 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Bere Island's Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point in County Cork, Ireland.
Pearse Lyne
6.2 km
Explore the natural beauty and rich culture of Pearse Lyne, a serene tourist attraction in the heart of Co. Cork, Ireland.
Lonehort Battery
6.2 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Gour
6.8 km
Experience the breathtaking views and rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way at Gour, Co. Cork, a must-visit for every traveler.
The Mare's Tail Waterfall
9.6 km
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Gortnakilla pier
9.7 km
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Beara Boat Tours
10.0 km
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Essential places to dine
The Lookout
1.4 km
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Murphys Restaurant & B&B
1.6 km
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Lynch's on the Pier
2.7 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining with stunning harbor views at Lynch's on the Pier in Castletown-Bearhaven.
Millbrook Bar
2.7 km
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The Crêpeman Crêperie
2.7 km
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Murphy's Restaurant
2.7 km
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Breen's Lobster Bar
2.8 km
Experience the best of Irish seafood at Breen's Lobster Bar in Castletown-Bearhaven—where freshness meets flavor.
Berehaven Restaurant & Bar
4.2 km
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The Village inn
11.0 km
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Bridge View House Restaurant also B&B
13.6 km
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The Old Creamery
13.7 km
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Josie's Lakeview House
13.9 km
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Murphy's Mobile Catering
19.2 km
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The Heron's Cove Restaurant and B&B
19.5 km
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O'Carroll's Cove Restaurant & Bar
19.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ocean Bloom - Organic Seaweed Skincare
2.0 km
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Daybreak Convenience Store
2.0 km
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Margarets Classic Charm
2.7 km
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Tinas Boutique
2.8 km
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Indigo Boutique
2.8 km
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Spar
2.8 km
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Wiseman's Bedding & Furniture
2.8 km
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Milleens Cheese Ltd.
7.0 km
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THE PINK UMBRELLA
8.3 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Antiques
11.7 km
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Marianne Klopp
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Adrigole Arts
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Two Dogs Waiting
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Out there Ware
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OSKA
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
O'Donoghue's Bar
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O'Sheas Tavern Limited
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O'Sullivan's Bar
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Skippers Bar
2.8 km
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Twomey's Ivy Bar
2.8 km
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Dessie's Bar
4.3 km
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O'Shea's Bar
8.4 km
Discover the essence of Irish hospitality at O'Shea's Bar in Eyeries - a perfect blend of warmth, charm, and local brews.
Causkeys Bar
8.5 km
Discover the charm of Causkeys Bar in Eyeries, Co. Cork – a perfect blend of local flavor, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere.
The Urhan Inn Pub
9.3 km
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Ardgroom Village
11.1 km
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Jimmy's Bar
11.3 km
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The Lighthouse Bar
11.3 km
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O'Neill's Bar & Restaurant
11.3 km
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Murphy Pub Bar
12.9 km
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Eileens Bar
13.6 km
Discover the charm of Eileen's Bar in Kilcrohane, where authentic Irish hospitality meets a cozy atmosphere and lively music.
