Bantry Bay

Bantry Bay, inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, southwestern Ireland, county Cork. The bay is 40 km (25 mi) long and 16 km (10 mi) wide; it forms a fine sheltered harbor and is surrounded by low mountains. In the bay are Bear and Whiddy islands, and the town of Bantry is located near the head of the bay. In 1689 and again in 1796 Bantry Bay was entered by French fleets in unsuccessful attempts to aid Irish insurrection.