Bantry Tourism organise guided Heritage Walks of the town, in association with our Society
Walk Through Time
Tuesdays and Thursdays
June to mid-September
from 11am
Meet outside Bantry Tourist Office
P75 EY11
Discover the hidden stories behind Bantry’s historic landmarks and vibrant past, from the 17th Century to the present day. Our knowledgeable guides bring our heritage to life with tales of exploration, resilience and community along our award winning Heritage Trail.
Uncover secret history spots
Learn from our expert local volunteers
Perfect for all ages & fitness levels
Rain or shine
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, these walks offer a fresh perspective on the town we love.
Please dress for the weather!
Note: If you prefer walking without a guide, you can enjoy several Heritage Loop Walks around Bantry, whenever suits you. You’ll find all the walks, including directions and maps, on bantry.ie.
The History
Not long after we had erected the Bantry Heritage Trail signage around town, the West Cork Literary Festival included the Heritage Walk as part of the programme, with our Museum Curator, Hazel Vickery, leading the walk. And the twice weekly walks, in association with the Tourist Information, started in 2007/08. Volunteers were trained in and made use of a fabulous Fáilte Ireland training course on tour guiding. Bantry Tourist Information were central throughout and we had many excellent guides through the years.
There were a few years hiatus, until Noel O’Mahony, formerly of Bantry Library, stepped in and the walks have been in operation ever since. These days, the Tourist Information manages the walks and their publicity – and insures the guides. And the walks continue to be part of the Literary Festival.
