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Whiddy Island Treasure Hunt

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Whiddy Island Treasure Hunt Group Tour

Explore Whiddy Island as you and your friends compete to win the West Cork island’s treasure hunt crown!

A short boat ride from the historic town of Bantry, Whiddy Island boasts spectacular views across Bantry Bay and the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas.

Work together to uncover traces of the island’s story and Ireland’s too. This fun, energetic outdoor activity offers you the perfect way to discover the secrets of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!

Explore West Cork’s Whiddy Island

The small island – home to just 20 people – is nestled in Bantry Bay. It boasts spectacular views back across the bay and the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas. Whiddy has a surprising past – at every turn on your treasure hunt you’ll find traces of historic events and the characters who’ve helped shaped Ireland’s story.

Team up with friends and compete against the clock to complete the challenges you’re given. You’ll soon be immersed in tracking down geocaches along the island’s walking trails, pitting your wits against questions about the island’s heritage, and learning about Whiddy’s beautiful environment.

When you find your way back to The Bank House Bar, we’ll tally the scores to find out which team will emerge triumphant before you take the short ferry ride back to Bantry.

This is a great way to bring together people from every part of your life and involve them in a fun and energetic adventure as part of your hen weekend. Once everyone has got to know each other exploring one of the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll have worked up an appetite for the celebrations to follow!

Group Tours: Arrangement Only

The Whiddy Island Treasure Hunt is designed for group tours (min. 8 people – max 50) and must be arranged in advance. We’ll tailor the tour to suit the time you have available and your group’s interests.

Fitness and Equipment

The route involves small moderately steep stretches of local walking trails, but visitors can choose to avoid these in favour of more accessible trails. The treasure hunt makes use of the Whiddy Island Sheep’s Head Way loop trail. Visitors will need to be able to walk 5k easily.

Sturdy shoes or boots and a waterproof coat are advisable. Each group should also carry a mobile phone.

Price – Booking Details

€25 per person, including your 10-minute ferry trips to Bantry and back (Tour – min. 2.5 hours inclusive). Lunch options, and tea, coffee and scones can be added to your bespoke package.

To arrange your tour contact Siobhán on 086 303 0991 or email [email protected]

The Bank House

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Bank House Whiddy Island

The Bank House on Whiddy Island is a great spot to enjoy a quick meal or a drink after a walk on Whiddy Island

Kathleen O’Leary has the pleasure of inviting you for a lovely meal in the Bank House where well-priced food is served in the restaurant or outside in the open air. Wine or beer is available with your meal.

Freshly-caught local prawns are a speciality in this bar and restaurant on the shores of Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay. You’ll often find local musicians playing here during the summer months.

The island is home to a Sheep’s Head walking trail and the Bantry Bay Blueway too. Whiddy is one of seven inhabited islands on West Cork’s coastline.

The view from the Bank House over Bantry Bay makes this a wonderful place to enjoy a bit to eat, either inside the bar and restaurant, or outside by the pier from which ferries run regularly to Bantry.

Whiddy Island Ferry

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Take a trip out to Whiddy on the Whiddy Island Ferry and explore the walking trails and rich history of this small island in Bantry Bay.

The island is approximately 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, and nestles in the sheltered heart of the bay. The ferry trip from Bantry town offer you wonderful views of Bantry House and Gardens from the water.

While you’re on the island, you can hire a bike, walk the waymarked trails, or visit the two lakes where there are opportunities for keen anglers and birdwatchers. After exploring the island, you might decide to take up residence at The Bank House pub to watch the boats arriving at Whiddy Island’s newly-installed pontoon.

The Whiddy Ferry, M.V.Billet, is licensed by the Dept. of the Marine and is fully-insured to take passengers to and from the island.
The short trip from Bantry pier takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Off season, throughout the winter months, there are usually four round trips per day.
 

Location:Bantry - Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, Co. Cork, Ireland
Price:€6.50, return from Bantry Pier.
Opening Hours:All sailings subject to weather and other conditions.
Website:Whiddy Island Ferry
Wheelchair accessible?
Tel:+353 86 862 6734 [Mobile]

Whiddy Island Loop Walk

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Whiddy Island Loop Walk
Whiddy Island Treasure Hunt

Take a walk on Whiddy Island – one of West Cork’s seven inhabited islands!

Whiddy Island is situated in Bantry Bay between the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas, and it’s home to a walk that offers spectacular views across Bantry Bay and the neighbouring landscapes.

Whiddy Island Ferry

Whiddy Island Walk Details

From the Bantry West trailhead, set out along the N71 to the pier and take the Whiddy Island Ferry. The trip over Bantry Bay gives you a stunning view of Bantry House, and takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

From the Whiddy Island Trailhead set out along the road. At the T-junction take a left at the finger post sign taking the Tranaha option. At the next way marker take a right over a timber stile and continue off-road uphill along a path. At the second timber stile, you will begin to descend the hill. You will encounter two more timber stiles before re-joining the road again at the fourth timber stile and continue on to your right.

From here on follow the road and way markers back to the trailhead, and maybe take a moment to stop at the Bank House pub before you make your way back to Bantry.
 

Please note the seasonal ferry times to Whiddy Island before setting out from the pier at Bantry.

Start/Finish:Whiddy Island Trailhead
Grade:Moderate
Distance:1.6 km (approx)
Estimated time:1 hour (based on average walking speed of 3 km per hour)
Metres Climbed/ Ascent:75 metres
Maximum Height:40 metres
Dogs Allowed?No
Minimum Gear:Walking boots, rain gear, fluid, and a mobile phone.

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This project has been supported by Cork County Council & the LEADER programme under the Rural Development Programmes 2007-13 and 2017-2021.