The protected waters of Castletownbere
At the south side of the Beara Peninsula lies the fishing port of Castletownbere. Totally protected from westerly winds, dinghy fishermen will find this seaward end of Bantry Bay perfect small boat country. When the weather proves uncooperative there are many deep inlets and coves on the inside of Bere Island where one can tuck the boat away and enjoy fishing in relatively deep water. The Bay produces many marine species, such as: pollack, mackerel, dogfish, various rays, tope, skate, conger from the harbour areas and wrasse from the rocky headlands.

Great area for Shore Fisherman
Shore fishermen have a huge variety of marks among the quiet coves on the road between Glengarriff and Castletownbere and then around the peninsula. There are very good shore marks at Muccaragh, Seal Harbour and Zetland Pier. Shore anglers can obtain detailed Shore Angling maps for Ireland, listing marks and bait gathering areas, from the Central Fisheries Board http://www.cfb.ie/fishing_in_ireland/sea/maps.htm

Touring and other activities on the Beara Peninsula
The peninsula has so much to offer holidaymakers. Sea trout and salmon fishers have many rivers and lakes in locality. A state Licence and Club Ticket is necessary for both species, though these are very reasonably priced. Upper and Lower Lough Avoul are stocked with rainbow trout, both waters have provided near record fish. Favoured lures are float fished worms, spinners or artificial flies.
There is a magnificent golf course in Glengarriff, surrounded by one of Ireland's last remaining oak forests. Horse riders should visit Dunboy Castle Riding Stables, for horse and pony trekking by the hour or day. This is a photographer's paradise. Last but no means least is the superb walking country. There are almost 123 miles of the Beara Way, a walking route hardly going above 1,100 metres as it traces its way around following old tracks and roads. The route has no official start or finish point, just join in along any of the walks!

Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, West Cork
This is one of the oldest hotels in Ireland, which has extended its unique hospitality, in times past, to such famous writers as Thackeray, Synge, Yeats and Shaw. Now the Eccles Hotel caters for sea anglers, game fishers and people of all sporting tastes. Ideally situated on Bantry Bay, Glengarriff makes a superb base for anyone who wishes to see one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. Out in the Bay lies Garnish Island, a fantastic array of sub-tropical shrubs, flowers and trees, many of which can be seen in no other country! Teddy McCarthy's 'Harbour Queen' boats leave for the island every twenty minutes and include a trip to the seal colony. Allow at least a day to tour each of the peninsulas, The Beara and The Ring of Kerry.

The Eccles Hotel has 66 ensuite bedrooms, including 3 Mini Suites.  Each has a colour TV, direct dial telephone, modem links, and tea/coffee making facilities.. The restaurant's menu offers a wide choice, specialising in seafood, and an extensive wine list. The hotel's bar provides an atmosphere of luxury and great conversation.   There is entertainment at the weekends in the Bar.

The hotel has its own slipway, which makes this venue perfect for dinghy anglers who might wish to trail their boat to the fishing of Bantry Bay. An enormous car park, in front of the hotel, is handy for trailer storage. Deep sea anglers travel a short distance to the harbour at Castletownbere, where there is a 23ft Lee Fisherman.

Ref. Holiday SE80

Dromagowlane House, Adrigole, Beara Peninsula
Dromagowlane House, situated on the beautiful Beara Peninsula at the foot of the Sugar Loaf Mountains, is set in its own grounds of about 20 acres, with an organic garden and orchard that supplies the house. It is also home to many species of birdlife as well as much native flora and fauna. The house dates back to the late 1700s and has been modernised and extended to the highest standards. It is fully approved by the Irish Tourist Board and are members of Town & Country Homes and Family Homes of Ireland. There is no literal translation for Dromagowlane but 'drom' is the Gaelic for hill, and 'gowlane' is the term for stone,so it is 'Hill of the Stones', which may well allude to the many standing stones that can be found on the property. Many of these date back over 3,000 years.

All the bedrooms at Dromagowlane House are ensuite and furnished to the highest standard. The rooms have colour television with satellite channels and DVD/CD player (a selection of DVDs is available, free of charge); tea & coffee making facilities; complimentary mineral water; fitted safe - so you do not need to carry your valuables with you all day; ironing board and iron; and a hair dryer.

A full choice breakfast menu is available every morning at a time to suit you. Just let them know the night before. Dinner is available by prior arrangement and all food is sourced from its own organic garden and farm or nearby quality producers. Packed lunch is also available.

The house is only a few minutes from the coast and if you fancy a few pints of the black stuff without worrying about the car, then the 'Sugar Loaf Inn' is only five minutes walk. The area enjoys a sub-tropical climate and crystal-clear waters due to the influence of the Gulf Stream.

Ref. Holiday Dromagowlane