How to Get to Bantry
There are international flights into Ireland’s city airports. There are also ferry links from the UK and mainland Europe into Irish ports.
Within Ireland the primary transport systems are by road and rail. The rail network does not extend into West Cork so road travel is the only option, unless you are arriving by boat or private light aircraft!
Bantry is situated on the N71 Killarney to Cork road
Travel by car
If you have a car you can travel as you please but be aware that the distances frequently take longer to travel than you may be used to if you haven’t visited Ireland before. Always allow extra time for journeys especially as you will mostly be travelling in more rural areas away from the motorway routes.
From Dublin Airport/City
Allow about 3 hours to Cork and a further 1.5 hours to Bantry. Take the Motorway route M8 and then M7 to Cork City. Approx 265km
From Cork Airport/City
Allow about 1hr 30 mins to Bantry. It can take a little less time if there are no traffic delays. Take the N71 to Bandon then the R586 through Dunmanway and Drimoleague then rejoin the N71 into Bantry. Approx 88km.
The N71 route through Clonakilty and Skibbereen is officially the main road but it is also longer by about 25km.
Public Transport
Trains travel from Dublin Heuston station to Kent station in Cork.
There is no train to West Cork so you will have to take the bus from the city centre bus station to travel to Bantry. The last bus leaves Cork City in the early evening so please check timetables to ensure a connection. The bus takes about 2 hours.
Local taxi services are available from Bantry town to take you on to your accommodation.
There is a community rural bus service on different days of the week to some of the surrounding villages. Local timetables should be consulted.
Train Services: www.irishrail.ie/
Bus Services: www.buseireann.ie
Rural Bus Local Link Phone: 027 52727
