Whiddy Island
Island Island in Bantry Bay, historic oil terminal site
Island in Bantry Bay served by a short ferry; visitors walk coastal paths, study maritime history and watch tides within a sheltered Atlantic harbor.
Whiddy Island is an island in Bantry Bay off the southwest coast of County Cork, Ireland. It is known for its maritime history and coastal landscapes.
The island offers coastal walking, sheltered beaches and views across Bantry Bay, attracting both day visitors and local boat traffic. It also contains the remains of an oil handling terminal and associated industrial infrastructure.
In the mid-20th century an oil terminal was established on the island; in 1979 the oil tanker Betelgeuse exploded and sank at the terminal, an event that had significant local impact. The island has also been used for farming and local habitation.
Whiddy Island lies in Bantry Bay near the town of Bantry in County Cork, southwest Ireland, and is reached by short ferry or private-boat crossings.
- Betelgeuse disaster: Site of the 1979 Whiddy Island oil tanker explosion (the Betelgeuse disaster), a major event in the island's modern history.
- Access and activities: Accessible by ferry from Bantry and used for coastal walks and wildlife viewing within Bantry Bay.
How to Get to Whiddy Island #
Whiddy Island is reached by boat from Bantry (County Cork) in Bantry Bay; local operators run the short crossing from Bantry quay to the island. Bantry is reached by car on the N71 from Cork (about 90 km / roughly 1.5 hours driving) or by regional bus services to Bantry town - from the quay it’s a short walk to the island ferry landing.
Tips for Visiting Whiddy Island #
- Take the seasonal passenger ferry from Bantry rather than assuming private landing is possible; check the Bantry harbour ferry schedule in advance as crossings are limited.
- Plan a morning landing and walk the island loop to reach the old gun emplacements and shoreline viewpoints before the small number of day-trippers arrive.
- Speak to local operators in Bantry about tide and weather windows-round-trip timings and safe landing spots can change quickly with swell in Bantry Bay.
Best Time to Visit Whiddy Island #
Visit May-September for the mildest weather and the most reliable ferry/boat access.
Weather & Climate near Whiddy Island #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1375 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (165 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
