Bere Island stretches across the mouth of Castletownbere harbour, turning Bearhaven into one of the best natural anchorages on the Irish coast. Ferries run from the town and from the pontoon east of it, and the island rewards slow travel: bring a bicycle or a car if you want to reach the forts, lanes and viewpoints without rushing.
The island has prehistoric remains, military batteries, small settlements and quiet shore roads. It is not manicured, and that is the point. On a clear day the views back to the Beara hills and out toward Bantry Bay make the ferry crossing worthwhile by themselves.