Glengarriff and Garinish
Island - 16km (10miles)

Glengarriff which derived its name from 'An GleannGarbh' - the rugged glen is one of Ireland's most beautifully situated villages, nestling at the foot of the Caha mountains. The Forest Park on the N71 Kenmare Road is well worth a visit, as it is one of the few remaining examples in Ireland of the original Oak and Holly Woodland that once covered the country. There are a number of nature trails through the forest together with delightful picnic areas.

The surrounding waters are quite rich in wildlife, and seals can frequently be seen the rocks on the southern shore.

The Bamboo Park is on the Bantry-Glengarriff main road (N71)

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Gougane Barra - 24km (15 miles)

Leaving Bantry via Kealkil and driving through the Pass of Keimaneigh lies Gougane Barra where the river Lee has its sources. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains and the fourth side opens up to the River Valley. It was here in Gougane Barra that St. Finbarr, Patron Saint of Cork, founded his monastery.

Ireland's first National Park with its nature trails and picnic sites was opened in Gougane Barra. An ideal place to relax and unwind.
 

Castle Donovan - 24km (15 miles)

Driving out of Bantry by one of the roads to the east one encounters Lough Bofinne, one of the famous trout fishing lakes of Ireland. Four miles further on, the ruins of O'Donovan Castle is encountered as well as the famous mound of rocks signifying the tribal seat. By taking the road to the north past the Castle one enters the Mealagh Valley noted for its concentration of megalithic monuments. 
 

Sheep's Head - 36km (20 miles)

The road down the Sheep's Head Peninsula heads from Durrus village along the coast to the wooded inlet of Ahakista. Here you will see the Air India Memorial which commemorates the loss of an Air India Aircraft and the passengers and crew who were killed when the aircraft crashed off the Cork coast in 1985.

Kenmare 64km (40 miles)

Journeying through Coomhola (Rushing Water) and the breathtaking Borlin Valley to the source of the cascading river one can enjoy the splendour of the hidden valleys of the Southwest. From the Pass to the North one encounters the tunnel, remains of monastic settlement, battle site of Callan (1200's) and the vintage car museum before arriving at Kilorglin. Passing through Kenmare and returning to Glengarriff one has to negotiate the famous winding tunnel road with panoramic views of Glengarriff Woods and the upper Bay Region. 
 

Mizen Head Peninsula 103km (64 miles)

Mizen Head, with almost vertical cliffs and a lighthouse station on an islet linked to the mainland by a suspension bridge, is the extreme south western tip of Ireland. Here in the Mizen Vision one can see on display the fascinating story of the building of the Fastnet lighthouse plus the Keepers kitchen and bedroom which have been retained to recall the lifestyle of the men of the Irish Lights. The rest of the light keepers rooms have been converted to include an audiovisual room, a map and archive room, an underwater room, a bird and sea watch room, and a storm room. Close to the Mizen are the beautiful sandy beaches of Barley Cove.

Nearby is Crookhaven, which has a harbour much favoured by yachtsmen. On the return journey, you pass through the delightful village of Schull which nestles at the foot of Mount. Gabriel which rises to just over 407 meters and has an aircraft tracking station on its summit.

Finally, on to the brightly painted village of Ballydehob on the homeward journey to Bantry.

Visit Mizen Head website
 

Skibbereen Heritage Centre

In the bustling town of Skibereen are the Lough Hyne Interpretative Centre and The Great Famine Commeration Exhibition. The Great Famine Commeration Exhibition is a compelling reminder of the horrors of the terrible famine years 1845-1848 chillingly brought to life in a series of exhibits, dramatisations and interactive stations.

Visit Skibbereen Heritage Centre website

The Lough Hyne Interpretative Centre shows the variety of unusual sea life to be found in the waters of the Lough.

Dursey Island is well worth a visit, whereby access to the mainland is by cable car, the only one of its kind in the country. En route you pass through Allihies which was once the site of extensive copper mines and then on to the colourful village of Eyeries where the file 'The Purple Taxi' was shot in 1975.

 A shorter trip through the scenic Healy Pass, Lauragh and the coast road of Kilmakilloge is well worth a visit.