Murphys Ferry Service

Ferry in Beara

The Murphy family have been involved in the ferry business on Bere Island for four generations.

In 1999, a company was formed, Murphy's Ferry Service Limited, to purchase a modern purpose-built car and passenger ferry (IKOM K) for use between Bere Island and the Pontoon Pier on the mainland (near Castletownbere). The IKOM K was built to Department of Marine standards and has a licence to carry 4 cars and 60 passengers. 

A comprehensive sailing schedule is in operation all year round. There is a minimum of 5 return trips per day during the winter months increasing to a minimum of 8 trips per day in the summer time. 

Present customers include locals, summer residents, builders, Military personnel and vehicles (there is an Army training- camp on the Island) and tourists (mostly in the summer season). Attractions on Bere Island include the Beara Way walking route, a cycling route, shore angling, archaeological sites, the remains of Victorian British military fortifications and two Martello towers and recently a Heritage Centre has been opened. 

It is hoped to continue to increase visitor numbers to the Island, particularly during the low season. The type of visitor being targeted includes walkers, cyclists and those with an interest in areas such as flora and fauna and bird watching.

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