Whiddy Island

Whiddy Island

Whiddy Island Group Walks | Join a Walk

55m Elevation
55m Prominence
I Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

SIB

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Whiddy Island together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

55m

180 ft

Prominence

55m

Coordinates

51.6945, -9.4875

V972501

OS Map

85

At the Summit

The highest point on Whiddy Island features a small, unmarked rocky area surrounded by beautiful grassy patches; a perfect spot for a picnic, albeit with no designated picnic bench to complain about!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and rocky with some well-trodden paths and a few rugged spots.

Whiddy Island is composed primarily of limestone with some areas showcasing stunning limestone pavements, reflecting the island's karst features. The geology here offers insights into the past marine environments.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see across to the picturesque Bantry Bay, the distant coastline of County Kerry, and the vibrant green fields dotting the mainland.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Whiddy' may derive from the Old Norse 'vith' meaning 'wood', referring to the trees that once covered the island.

Historical Significance

The island has historical significance as it has been inhabited since ancient times and played a role during the Irish War of Independence.

Popular Routes

Whiddy Island Loop Trail

Easy

A scenic loop trail around the island, offering picturesque views of the surrounding waters and landscapes.

5.5 km 2 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available in Bawn apparently. However, parking is available at the ferry terminal in Bantry, which is a short walk away from the ferry. Ferry times will dictate your plans, so double-check ahead!

Public Transport

Accessible by ferry from Bantry. No public buses currently run to the island itself.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities on the island are limited, with no cafés or toilets; you'll want to bring everything you need, including that famed British tea!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Variable weather conditions, especially high winds. Loose rocks in some areas can also challenge your footing.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Whiddy Island?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Whiddy Island through the maps

Are there other walkers around Whiddy Island?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Whiddy Island search or of course create your own walk for Whiddy Island

Can I organise a walk to Whiddy Island?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Whiddy Island.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Whiddy Island?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Whiddy Island here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible