Ireland/Irish > Black's guide to Killarney and the south of Ireland

BANTEY.
In keeping with the principles of the Earl, was the illiberal,
and even ridiculous inscription placed over the principal gate,
“ Jew, Turk, or Atheist,
May enter here,
But not a Papist.”
The town is happily now more liberal in its views, and the
obnoxious inscription has disappeared. There are places of
worship for Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Eoman Catholics, and
Methodists. From Bandon to Bantry, we have the day coach,
and a pleasant drive it is. We pass through the little town of
Dunmanway, and a few hamlets of no consequence, the comi-
j try becoming more wild and picturesque as we proceed, until
f we arrive at the village of Drimoleague, when it assumes the
■' savage, stern, and moorland aspect which characterises almost
I the whole remainder of the road to Killamey.
BANTRY.
I Hotkls.—Bantry Arms—Tied Is. 6d., breakfast Is. 6d. to Is. 8d., dinner 2s. to
| 2s. 6d., tea Is. to Is. 3d., supper Is. to Is. 6d., attendance (charged in the
i bill) Is., private room 2s. to 3s. Imperial—Bed Is. 6d., breakfast Is. 6d.,
i dinner 2s., tea Is. 3d., supper Is., attendance (charged in the bill) Is. 3d„
private room 3s. Murphy’s—Bed Is. 2d., breakfast Is. 3d., dinner Is. 8d.,
tea Is., private room 2s.
As a town this place deserves little notice, but from its
position as a stage to the lakes, it is frequently visited. It is
finely situated at the upper end of the beautiful bay of Bantry,
' of which many picturesque views may be obtained from hills
S and rising ground on the shore; a boy will lead the way to any
« of these stations for a few coppers. The town depends upon
l fishing in winter, and tourists in summer. It was here that
; the “aids from France” were to have landed. “The fleet
j originally consisted of twenty-five ships of the line, but they
j had been scattered and dispersed by violent storms; and when
the remnant of this proud armament reached the Irish coast,
the dissensions and jealousy which existed amongst the leaders
of the expedition prevented them taking advantage of the
opportunity that offered, of landing the troops without opposi-
• tion.” * It is usual to continue by day-car to Glengarrifffand
I thence to Kenmare; but some may prefer the walk over Priest-
leap direct.
* Sterling Coyne.
a K