Castletownbere is also on the Ring of Beara road and is one of the nicest villages along the way. It is also a major fishing port. Not far, although I didn't visit is the Dereenataggart stone circle and the wedge tomb at Cloontreem. Also possible to get to Bere island from the port.
Castletownbere is also well-known for anyone that has read "McCarthy's bar" by Pete McCarthy. The bar that is featured on the cover of the book is right here on the High street. Although the name of the pub is MacCarthy's, with the extra "a", Pete himself once said "Never pass a pub with your own name on it". The interior is as it was when Pete was writing his book over 12 years ago with a grocers on the left as you enter (true) and the small snug in the front right window. This private snug was apparently used for discussions by local families for arranging marriage between their progeniture without being overheard. The bar itself is to the rear.
Advice : Please do not go into the place waving a camera and taking pictures without the landlords agreement (a pint of Guinness helps) as since the book became a success, the local patrons have become a bit cheesed off with having cameras shoved under their noses, so just use a little common sense.
Written Oct 22, 2012
Address: MacCarthy's Bar, The Square.
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