The Islands of Ireland: A place to Bere in mind

Well, of course, we did have bears, but not on Bere Island. The island is named after the peninsula and is derived from the Spanish princess Bera who was married to the first king of Munster, Eogan More, writes Dan McCarthy. 

The name was later Gaelicised to Béarra and Anglicised to Beare and also appears as Bear and Bere. Sorry zoologists, no furry ursines here. After all, we have Rabbit Island, Horse Island, Sheep Island, Calf Island and lots of others named after animals.