About Bantry

As with many areas on Ireland's south-west coast, Bantry claims an ancient connection to the sixth century saint Breandán (NaomhBréanainn) the Navigator. In Irish lore Saint Breandán was the first person to discover America.

The focus of the town is a large square, formed partly by infilling of the shallow inner harbour. In former times this accommodated regular cattle fairs; after modernising as an urban plaza it now features a colorful weekly market and occasional public functions