Bantry

Our plan yesterday had been to go to Cashel, but when we got in the car we all discussed the fact that we'd all been to Cashel, so instead we drove out to Bantry, which is on the far edge of nowhere*.

fresh cream: 1. moral superiority: 0 kitsnaps 2007

C.E., called Bantry, who asked me if I knew anything about surveying; I said I did, rejoicing inwardly at the vagueness of the question, but he soon stopped generalizing, and asked had I ever done any practical surveying -- in fact, could I take charge of a survey-staff, to go out west or elsewhere.

Canada for Gentlemen James Seaton Cockburn

Getting there: The nearest town is Bantry, which is a two hour bus journey from Cork.

Matador Network 2010

Getting there: The nearest town is Bantry, which is a two hour bus journey from Cork.

Matador Network 2010

Getting there: The nearest town is Bantry, which is a two hour bus journey from Cork.

Matador Network 2010

Many of the country's "big houses" were destroyed in the Irish Civil War 90 years ago, but Bantry House, erected around 1700, is still extant in a lovely setting at the mouth of Bantry Bay.

A Luring Wild Otherworldliness John Crowley 2011

Latterly a tourist attraction offering accommodation and a music-festival venue, Bantry House www.bantryhouse.com has previously been a fort, hospital, garrison and a first line of defense against another invasion force—a 43-strong French fleet attempting to lead an armed rebellion against the English in 1796.

A Luring Wild Otherworldliness John Crowley 2011

Today, a tour of the home shows off the Georgian-era architecture and art treasures collected by the second Earl of Bantry on his Grand Tour.

A Luring Wild Otherworldliness John Crowley 2011

There is even a small island in Bantry Bay entirely devoted to ornamental subtropical plants.

A Luring Wild Otherworldliness John Crowley 2011

Egerton Shelswell-White, a direct descendant of Richard White, the first Earl of Bantry, now makes the demesne his home and is regularly seen out mowing its manicured lawns.

A Luring Wild Otherworldliness John Crowley 2011