Bantry, Harbor town in County Cork, Ireland
Bantry is a harbor town in County Cork located at the head of a deep bay. The Beara Peninsula lies to the northwest and Sheep's Head to the southwest, with the bay extending some 30 kilometers westward.
The town saw two invasion attempts by French fleets in 1689 and 1796. The second attack was led by Theobald Wolfe Tone as part of the Republican uprising against British rule.
The main square in town serves as a gathering place for weekly markets and community events today. It once functioned as a livestock trading center where farmers conducted business.
Visitors can reach the town by public transportation from Cork or Kerry. Ferries from the local pier provide access to nearby Whiddy Island for further exploration.
Mussel farming in the waters between Whiddy Island and the town has replaced traditional trawling as the main source of marine income. This shift reveals how the local fishing economy has adapted to new opportunities.
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