Living the Sheep's Head Way

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Wild Atlantic Way Cruise Experience | Day & 1/2 Day Tours of West Cork’s Bays & Islands!

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Wild Atlantic Way Cruise Experience

Taste the salt air on a Wild Atlantic Way Cruise Experience and immerse yourself ir the drama and beauty of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!

A day sail experience or a half-day tour on West Cork’s pristine bays will revolutionise the way you see Ireland’s rugged coastline.

Dolphins and Islands

Join us on our luxury Hallberg-Rassy yacht as we sail alongside rugged peninsulas and skirt West Cork’s intriguing islands. Watch out for dolphins along the way! They like to swim alongside us, keeping us company on your Wild Atlantic Way Cruise as we explore the pristine waters around West cork’s peninsulas.

Day Tours or Half-Day Sails

Sailing Around Fastnet West Cork Cruise Experience

Our sailing trip on Merlin, a luxury Hallberg-Rassy yacht, begins in the tiny fishing village of Ahakista on the rugged and award-winning Sheep’s Head peninsula. Choose a day cruise experience around Bere Island or the iconic Fastnet Rock lighthouse and we’ll explore our neighbouring bays.

Dunmanus, Bantry and Roaringwater Water bays each have their own unique character as you’ll soon discover! If you don’t have a day to spare, charter a half-day tour and we’ll chart a course around Carbery’s isles in Dunmanus Bay which lies between the Sheep’s Head and Mizen peninsulas. We’ll share stories of the peninsulas and their communities with you as we sail …

Hands-on Experience

This is a hands-on experience where you can try taking the helm and help out on deck! Our experienced crew will be your expert local guides throughout your trip.

A cruise experience is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty and character of Ireland’s stunning Atlantic seascapes and the rugged West Cork coastline.

A sailing trip gives you a whole new insight into life in a coastal community on the very edge of Europe.

Connect with the Coastline

As you connect with the rugged coastline, islands, and pristine marine environments around the unspoilt peninsula, you’ll quickly realise the unique character of this magical place. You’ll even get to sample the local produce West Cork is famed for when we enjoy homemade soup and West Cork snacks on your tour!

Your trip is the perfect excuse to call for dinner to Arundel’s by the Pier in Ahakista on your return to land. Enjoy your dinner overlooking Merlin in Kitchen Cove and reflect on a great day on West Cork’s Wild Atlantic waters.

Join us on a unique adventure as we sail this magical part of the West Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way and do it in style.

ContactSiobhán Burke">
Price Per PersonFastnet Rock Sail: €140
Day Sail €95
1/2 Day - €75
Min charge is €300 if less than 4 people book.
Price Includes:Home-made soup, rolls, tea, coffee & biscuits.
DurationFastnet Rock Sail: 7-8 hours.
Day Sail: 6 hours.
Half-Day: 3 hours.
Opening Times 9:00 - 20:00 7 days a week, April to October. (All trips by appointment.)
Group ToursIndividual and Group Tour Bookings available.
Maximum Group SizeMaximum booking – 6 people.
LanguagesThe cruises are supervised by our crew who can provide German and French language support.
MobilityMust have good stability while walking (unable to cater for wheelchairs).
FitnessMust have reasonable fitness and active outlook. No experience required.
ClothingTypical walking gear will suffice.
Fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers, and sturdy footwear.
Minimum AgeMust be over 12 and active
Nearest AirportCork Airport
ParkingCan cater for coaches and cars in the car park at Arundel’s By The Pier, opposite the pier.

Whiddy Island Treasure Hunt

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Whiddy Island Treasure Hunt Group Tour

Explore Whiddy Island as you and your friends compete to win the West Cork island’s treasure hunt crown!

A short boat ride from the historic town of Bantry, Whiddy Island boasts spectacular views across Bantry Bay and the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas.

Work together to uncover traces of the island’s story and Ireland’s too. This fun, energetic outdoor activity offers you the perfect way to discover the secrets of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!

Explore West Cork’s Whiddy Island

The small island – home to just 20 people – is nestled in Bantry Bay. It boasts spectacular views back across the bay and the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas. Whiddy has a surprising past – at every turn on your treasure hunt you’ll find traces of historic events and the characters who’ve helped shaped Ireland’s story.

Team up with friends and compete against the clock to complete the challenges you’re given. You’ll soon be immersed in tracking down geocaches along the island’s walking trails, pitting your wits against questions about the island’s heritage, and learning about Whiddy’s beautiful environment.

When you find your way back to The Bank House Bar, we’ll tally the scores to find out which team will emerge triumphant before you take the short ferry ride back to Bantry.

This is a great way to bring together people from every part of your life and involve them in a fun and energetic adventure as part of your hen weekend. Once everyone has got to know each other exploring one of the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll have worked up an appetite for the celebrations to follow!

Group Tours: Arrangement Only

The Whiddy Island Treasure Hunt is designed for group tours (min. 8 people – max 50) and must be arranged in advance. We’ll tailor the tour to suit the time you have available and your group’s interests.

Fitness and Equipment

The route involves small moderately steep stretches of local walking trails, but visitors can choose to avoid these in favour of more accessible trails. The treasure hunt makes use of the Whiddy Island Sheep’s Head Way loop trail. Visitors will need to be able to walk 5k easily.

Sturdy shoes or boots and a waterproof coat are advisable. Each group should also carry a mobile phone.

Price – Booking Details

€25 per person, including your 10-minute ferry trips to Bantry and back (Tour – min. 2.5 hours inclusive). Lunch options, and tea, coffee and scones can be added to your bespoke package.

To arrange your tour contact Siobhán on 086 303 0991 or email [email protected]

Rural Experience Tour: Hills, Islands & Peninsulas

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Rural Experience Tour west Cork

Explore West Cork’s hills, peninsulas and islands on a tour that brings you inside the communities that thrive on Ireland’s spectacular southwest coastline

Our Rural Experience group tour takes you to local farms and heritage sites in West Cork, introducing you to farmers, food producers, and the vibrant communities that thrive here on rolling hills, rugged peninsulas, and stunning islands.

<3>Connect with the Landscape

Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in a way of life that’s connected to nature, landscapes, seascapes, and the seasons of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Walks, talks, evening meals are included, and you’ll even have your own hand-made walking staff to bring home!

Meet Farmers and Producers

On your Rural Experience tour, you’ll meet innovative farmers, creative food producers, and the vibrant communities around the heritage town of Bantry.

We’ll head first to the hills and valleys in the company of David Ross, whose family have farmed at the ‘Top of the Rock’ in Drimoleague for over a century. Explore his traditional farm before a delicious home-made lunch. Then we’ll walk the Drimoleague Heritage Walkway along the Ilen River, and visit Castledonovan Castle to uncover stories that link this peaceful spot to Ireland’s dramatic history.

As your West Cork tour continues, we’ll spend time on the award-winning Sheep’s Head peninsula, where you’ll meet food producers and craftspeople inspired by this unspoilt coastal landscape. From Sheep’s Head, look across Bantry Bay to our final destination – Bere Island – where we’ll discover the challenges and rewards of farming in a place w

Discover the rhythms and traditions of Irish farm life, and the creativity of our community today as you travel through this varied and storied landscape and across our West Cork waters. Expert local guides will share their insights and introduce you to the hidden gems on southern Ireland’s coastline.

Meals featuring fresh local produce, and a local music night are included!

Plan Your Trip

For more details, contact Siobhán Burke on [email protected]

Walk and Whiskey Island Tour

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Walk and Whiskey Island Tour

Get a real taste of Ireland on a walk and whiskey tour of Whiddy Island!

Take the short ferry trip from historic Bantry, and islander Tim O’Leary will share the secrets of the West Cork island’s past.

On your guided walk, you’ll encounter traces left by previous generations, from Martello towers to the old schoolhouse. Then we’ll head to Whiddy’s Bank House pub to sample the distinctive flavours of Ireland’s exciting new single malt, single cask whiskies.

Guided Walk Through Whiddy’s Past

The short ferry ride offers you wonderful views of Bantry Bay and Bantry House as you sail to Whiddy Island – sheltered by the beautiful mountains of the Beara peninsula to the north and the Sheep’s Head peninsula to the south.

Whiddy is one of seven inhabited West Cork islands, and it has a fascinating story to tell. Your guide, Tim O’Leary will share it with you as you discover the traces of its history that remain to this day in the form of Martello towers, a gun battery, and other historic sites.

Enjoy Great Irish Whiskey At a Bank House Tasting Session

After your walk, retire to Whiddy Island’s Bank House pub where Liquid Curiosity‘s Jaq Stedman will take you on a kind of whiskey tour, introducing you to the distinctive flavours of Ireland’s exciting new whiskies. You’ll have a wonderful time trying the best single malt, single cask whiskies Ireland has to offer.

We’ll begin with Dingle Single Malt – this is Ireland’s first new whiskey to come of age in almost half a decade. During a fascinating tasting session, we’ll try five exceptional single malt Irish whiskies matured in different types of casks. Even better, you’ll match their great flavours with some of West Cork’s fine local artisan produce to complete this delicious experience!

Group Tour Details

The tour takes 4.25 hours, including ferry trips. The island walk takes about 2.5 hours and it will take place over mixed terrain so good shoes are required. The walk will finish at The Bank House pub where you’ll enjoy your whiskey tasting session before you return to Bantry. The ferry journey takes approximately ten minutes each way.

The walking route is accessible to anyone who is used to walking regularly.

Bookings

Advance booking is essential, and we are happy to help make plans for private groups, tour operators and West Cork cruise tours. Either choose a scheduled date on our event calendar, or contact us to arrange a bespoke guided tour.

The ‘Walk and Whiskey Tour’ fee (€35) includes your ferry trip to Whiddy Island, a guided walk, and your whiskey tasting session.

Contact

For more details, contact Siobhán Burke on 086 303 0991 or email

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This project has been supported by Cork County Council & the LEADER programme under the Rural Development Programmes 2007-13 and 2017-2021.