Places of Interest in ... Barra
Barra has long been famed for its beauty, boasting beaches, hills, machair and moor, all in a small island. The very popular Gaelic festival Feis Bharraigh is held every year in the first fortnight in July |
| EOLAIGEARRAIDH/ EOLIGARRY | Departure point for
passenger ferry to South Uist and an area of many
beautiful beaches and wild flowers. Public toilets
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| CILLE BHARRA | The Church of St
Barr dates from the 12th century. One of the ruined
churches has been restored and contains the replica of a
unique grave slab which has Norse runic markings on one
side and a Celtic cross on the other. The original is in
the National Museum of Antiquities. The author Sir
Compton MacKenzie is buried here
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| BARRA AIRPORT | Traigh Mhor
(Cockle Strand) - The famous sands where the planes from
Glasgow, Benbecula, and Stornoway land on the beach. The
timetable is governed by the tides, and the beautiful
shell beach makes this one of the most romantic landings
possible
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| BAGH A CHAISTEIL / CASTLEBAY | The main town in
Barra, and the administrative and shopping centre. Ferry
port for Oban, Mallaig, and Lochboisdale
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| KISIMUL CASTLE | The castle is on
its own island and dominates the bay after which
Castlebay is named. Ancient home of the chief of the Clan
MacNeils, and dates from the 15th century. Open to the
public. Not to be missed
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| OUR LADY OF THE SEA | Heaval - Heaval is
the highest point in Barra (383m), and on the slopes of
the hill is erected an attractive statue of the Madonna
and Child, symbol of the islanders’ faith
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| CASTLEBAY COMMUNITY SCHOOL | Swimming pool,
library, and sports hall ()
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| GOLF COURSE | Grinn (Grean Head)
- Nine hole golf course. Tickets available at all hotels,
Tourist Information Centre, and Co Comunn Bharraigh
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| BARRA HERITAGE CENTRE | Local history
exhibitions, restaurant and cultural activities
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| HALAMAN BAY | Tangasdal
(Tangusdale) - One of Barra’s beautiful west coast
beaches
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| CRAIGSTON MUSEUM | Baile na Creige
(Craigston) - Thatched cottage museum
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| QUEEN VICTORIA’s ROCK | By Bagh a Tuath
(Northbay) - Close by the dam a rock rises beside the
A888 road which, when viewed from the Northbay side,
shows a remarkable resemblance to Queen Victoria’s
profile
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| BHATARSAIGH / VATERSAY | Vatersay can be
reached by a new causeway from Barra. This fertile island
has lovely beaches and interesting coastal walks. The
Annie Jane monument commemorates those lost from a ship
heading for America during the time of the Clearances.
The ship was swept north off its route and on to the
rocks around Vatersay
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