In former times, this accommodated regular cattle fairs; after modernising as an urban plaza, it now features a weekly market and occasional public functions.

As with other areas on Ireland's southwest coast, Bantry also claims an ancient connection to the sixth-century saint Breandán (Naomh Bréanainn) the Navigator.

[3] In past centuries, Bantry was a base for major pilchard fisheries and was visited by fishing fleets from Spain, France and the Netherlands.

The mansion and gardens in the Bantry House demesne on the outskirts of the town testify to the family's status.

The names of those who died between 1920 and 1923 "In Defence of the Republic" are listed on the wall of the former courthouse in Wolfe Tone Square.

It has since been owned and operated by US oil companies Tosco Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66 and Zenith Energy Partners.

At the time of acquisition by Zenith Energy Partners, the facility employed 30 people and supported up to 100 contractors.

[11] The town is a service centre for a large catchment area, including both the Beara and Sheep's Head peninsulas.

Tourism has been a major part of the economy since the 19th century, exploiting the coastal scenery of the region, and the town contains a number of hotels and guesthouses.

Scheduled bus services connect the town with Cork city, Killarney, Castletownbere via Glengarriff (17 km north of Bantry) and some smaller local centres.

[citation needed] In the early 20th century, there was a regular steamship service from Bantry to Castletowbere on the Beara Peninsula.

[citation needed] As of the early 21st century, Bantry has been a port of call for smaller cruise liners, which anchor between the town and Whiddy Island.

Cork Airport is served by direct Bus Éireann buses from Bantry in the summer tourist season.