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Cape Clear Island is beyond the jurisdiction of the mainland as far as road tax and traffic regulations go. The result of this is a motley assortment of noisy vehicles in various stages of decay but still driving. Those that have succumbed to the inevitable lie around the island. These silent testimonies to abandonment are the most appalling eyesores on an island that is one of the most beautiful
on the south west coast.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9763 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9761
If you’re feeling hungry, get some fresh hake or John Dory from the boats in the harbour, stuffed with lemons, limes and local butter. Wrapped in the Irish Times, soaked in spring water and twenty minutes on the barbecue, they’re served with soda bread from the village and spuds freshly dug from over the road. A veritable feast.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9761 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9751 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9751 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9750
Mosaics on the floor culled from Pompeii provide a classical reference which is further developed by the marble Ionic pillars. Much of the furnishing is English but there are examples of Irish workmanship. Evidence of the Grand Tour is everywhere. An ivory chess set from China, a ginger jar from Japan or a French prayer stool.

The gardens continue the classical theme with a formal design of dwarf hedging and velvet lawns at the front of the house while an Oriental theme permeates the estate at the rear. And Bantry itself is a most pleasant town.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9750 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9749
There are plenty of boat trips ranging from a 10 minute one from Baltimore to Sheare Island, or a two and a half hour one out to the Fastnet Lighthouse. Nine miles out in the Atlantic, this lonely outpost has warned approaching shipping for over a hundred years but since 1989 is fully automatic.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9744
A Sunday market flourishes on the foreshore, selling mainly crafts, plants and food. Breads of every kind fill baskets beside cheeses of every flavour. Especially good are the local blue cheeses made from goats’ milk. And of course the famous Durrus cheese from the town of the same name a few miles up the road.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9744