On the way to Bantry Bay, we came past Ballydehob, where we stopped to admire the old railway bridge.
The magnificent 12 arch bridge, which dominates the estuary of Ballydehob, was the major engineering achievement of the narrow gauge Schull and Skibbereen Railway. Coal shortages and the arrival of buses and motor cars eventually brought the closure of the line in 1947.
The stately home overlooking Bantry Bay was built in the early 18th century, it has been owned and occupied by the White family (formerly Earls of Bantry) since the mid-18th century. Opened to the public since the 1940s, the house offers Bed & Breakfast accommodation and a tearoom. The Estate is unique since it is still lived in and managed by the family.
The house is in an interesting state of decay, with wallpapers coming off and everything in dire need of renovation. You can experience the glory of the last centuries, but also get a feeling how hard it is to keep a house like this in good shape. We were fascinated by it!
The weather was finally great, and we headed out to Mizen Head, the most southern point of Ireland. We came past Barley Cove and went to the beach. As we are not as tough as the Irish are, we didn’t go for a swim, the water was freezing cold!
Mizen Head is not far now – more soon!