Bere Island

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Location of Bere Island

Bere Island (Irish: An tOileán Mór) is an island in the west of County Cork in the Republic of Ireland. The island is also known as Bear Island. The name may derive from a second century queen.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 History
- 3.1 Archaeology
- 3.2 Townland
4 External links

[edit] Geography

The island is located in Bantry Bay in the western part of County Cork, about 1.5 km off the port of Castletownbere. It is served by two ferries, which can carry light vehicles. The highest point on the island is Knockanallig (270m). The main harbour is Lawrence Cove, near the main village of Rerrin (Raerainn), toward the eastern end of the island.

[edit] Demographics

The current population is approximately 200, but the past population has been significantly higher. In 1840 the population was about 2,000, but the population declined due to the net emigration from Ireland during the 19th Century.

Unlike other islands off the Irish coast, the inhabitants of Bere Island are native speakers of English.

[edit] History

Early traces of human occupation include Megalithic tombs and standing stones.

In early historic times the island was owned by a local clan.

During the Napoleonic Wars, two Martello Towers were built on the island to stave off any invasion. After the area became a naval base, new fortifications were constructed in 1898.

Even after the independence of Ireland, the British had a naval base on the island until 1938.