Explore Cape Clear Island Departing Schull. West Cork. Self-guided.

Join this tour from either Schull or Baltimore with a crossing on the ferry through the beautiful waters of Roaring Water Bay. Feel the fresh sea air against your face on this spectacular journey through some of Carbery’s Hundred Isles, some of which are habited.

Cape Clear or Cléire is the largest of these Islands and is known as the Queen of Carbery’s hundred Isles and lies 6 miles from the mainland in West Cork along the Wild Atlantic Way. Cape Clear is Ireland’s most southerly Island, it has a population of 130 people and is one of the few Gaeltacht speaking (Irish speaking) Islands in Ireland.

As we meander our way to Cape Clear witness some spectacular scenery and marine wildlife along the way. Our experienced crew are always scanning these prime waters for whales and dolphins as a glimpse of these magnificent creatures are what dreams are made of!

Arrive in the wonderful north harbour on Cape Clear Island, where a shuttle bus service is provided from the harbour to Cape Clear heritage centre, where you can explore the history of both the Island and the interactive Fastnet Display about the Fastnet Rock itself.

People have been coming to Cape Clear island for over 5000 years. This wild and romantic Island offers visitors an insight into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of Ireland. The island offers the visitor superb marked walking trails, kayaking adventures, a goat farm, a heritage centre, Ireland’s only manned bird observatory, electric buses and is the gateway to the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, which stands 159 feet high in the Atlantic Ocean.

On the way back to the harbour we stop along the way to visit the memorial on the Island to the 1979 Fastnet yacht race disaster. During the disaster 15 yachtsmen and 3 rescuers died in the deadliest storm in the history of modern sailing, which swept its way through the fleet on the 615 mile dash from England to Ireland and back again. On the 13–14 August 1979, of the 306 yachts taking part, 5 were sunk, 100 suffered knock downs, and 77 rolled at least once due to high winds and "mountainous seas".

Then spend some free time exploring this wonderful island where you can see the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse in the distance from one of the spectacular look out points on the walking trials, or enjoy some fresh Island produce during lunch at one of the island’s bars and restaurants.

Optional extras at an additional cost include:

1. A guided walk & talk with an islander (Approx. 2 hours) Max 20 people

After a scenic ferry transfer to the Island, your local guide will bring you on a walk where you can gain insights into island stories and enjoy spectacular Island scenery. Visit the Goat farm and hear its owner Ed Harper, perform one of his renowned ballads.

The walk can be replaced by the Island’s Electric Buses for those less mobile.