Most Popular4.7·Cork·6h
Explore Cape Clear island departing Schull. West Cork. Self-guided.
Take a scenic ferry trip to visit Cape Clear Island & experience this Gaeltacht island’s culture &...
From€54.63
1 / 6Fastnet Rock Lighthouse & Cape Clear Island tour departing Baltimore. West Cork. Self-guided.
(5)
Cork, IrelandArts & CultureBirdwatchingBus & Minivan ToursCultural ToursWhale Watching
About this activity
Embark on a 6-hour self-guided journey from Baltimore harbour combining Cape Clear Island exploration with a circumnavigation of iconic Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. This immersive West Cork experience blends Irish Gaeltacht culture, dramatic coastal scenery, and maritime history in one of Ireland's most remote and storied seascapes.
Join this tour from Baltimore harbour leaving at 10h45 with a crossing on the ferry through the beautiful waters of Roaring Water Bay and arrive in the wonderful north harbour on Cape Clear Island. Spend some free time exploring this Gaeltacht Island learning about the island’s culture, the islander life, including old traditions and traditional farming. The island offers the visitor superb marked walking trails. Discover the island’s ancient standing stones, Napoleonic Tower, Dún an Óir Castle, 12th century church and visit the memorial on the Island to the 1979 Fastnet Yacht Race Disaster.
Whilst exploring this wonderful island 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.
After lunch we re-board the ferry where our experienced local captains proceed further out into Ireland’s real Wild Atlantic Way. You might even catch a glimpse of the magnificent whales and dolphins en route!
As we slowly circumnavigate the tallest and widest Rock Lighthouse in Ireland and the UK, take in its deep history and culture as it plays through the on board audio system. Famous for being the “Teardrop” of Ireland, the last glimpse of Ireland that the immigrant ships saw before they headed over the horizon to the New World, America. As you listen your breath will be taken away while you try to comprehend how man could live in such isolation on what was also known as `An Carraig Aonair` which means` Lonely Rock’ or how in 1985 a wave broke the lens of this ocean giant that stands 159 foot tall.
Once we have circled the Rock twice, in different directions, so all passengers can get the perfect photo, we head for home enjoying the spectacular scenery until we reach our final port of Baltimore.
Departure from Baltimore at 10.30am & Schull at 11.30am. Returning to Baltimore at 4.45pm and to Schull at 4 pm.
For groups of 30 or more we can arrange fully guided private departures to the Fastnet Rock at a time that suits with or without the Cape Clear Island stopover. We can customise the tour to suit the group’s requirements further if required.
Passengers can start their journey in Baltimore and finish in Schull. Baltimore-Cape-Schull or Schull-Cape-Baltimore.
Highlights
- ✓Ferry crossing through Roaring Water Bay to Cape Clear Island
- ✓Self-guided exploration of Gaeltacht island culture and marked walking trails
- ✓Ancient sites: standing stones, Napoleonic Tower, Dún an Óir Castle, 12th-century church
- ✓Close boat approach to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse with onboard audio history
- ✓Potential wildlife encounters with whales and dolphins
- ✓Visit the 1979 Fastnet Yacht Race Disaster memorial
Insider tips
- ★Time your island visit to include lunch at a local bar or restaurant for authentic island fare and to support the community
- ★Wear layers and waterproof clothing—conditions on the water can change quickly, and wind exposure is significant
- ★Download walking trail maps before arrival or ask at the island visitor centre; the marked routes offer the best vantage points for Fastnet views
- ★Binoculars and a camera with good zoom are essential for spotting marine wildlife and capturing the lighthouse detail
Good to know
- •Departure is 10:45 from Baltimore harbour; allow time for parking and check-in
- •The tour is largely self-guided on the island—no formal guided walks provided, though free time allows independent exploration
- •Ferry crossings are weather-dependent; rough seas may affect comfort or rarely, cancellation
- •Toilets and basic services available on Cape Clear Island; limited facilities on the boat itself
- •Mobile signal may be patchy on the island and during the boat journey
Who it's for
History and maritime culture enthusiastsWildlife watchers and bird/whale enthusiastsIrish language and Gaeltacht culture learnersActive travellers seeking coastal walking and remote island exploration
Best time to visit
Visit May–September for the calmest seas, longest daylight, and highest probability of whale and dolphin sightings. Late morning departure (10:45) allows for adequate breakfast and optimal light for photography during the Fastnet circumnavigation.
Frequently asked questions
From
€81
per person
