Bantry, Ireland

The La Crosse - Bantry Sister City relationship was officially established April 2005. Rich in history and overlooking the lovely Bantry Bay on the North Atlantic, Bantry is known for its beautiful scenery and as a great destination spot to stay while visiting the West Cork area. The town’s population is approximately 4,000 people with a catchment area of 12,000 people.

Bantry functions as a large market town providing commercial, retail, cultural and tourism/leisure activities. It is a designated outdoor activity hub with activities like golf, rugby, water sports, horse riding, angling, walking trails and cycling available year round.

Bantry is well-known for its marine heritage, with raising and harvesting mussels being the second only to salmon fishing as a major industry. Bantry boasts a fine raised plaza in the town’s main square on which is situated the recovered anchor from a French Armada ship sunk in the bay. Its public library still features an operational waterwheel from when the site was originally the town’s mill.

The town is also famous for the Bantry House & Gardens, the West Cork Chamber Music, Masters of Tradition (music) and West Cork Literary Festivals. There is definitely a reason why Bantry & area is dubbed ‘God’s Country’!