Bioluminescent Swim Experience in West Cork

Dive into West Cork’s bioluminescent waters, learn the lore, and end the night by a cozy fire. Experience marine magic like never before.

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Castletownshend - This unique bioluminescent swim is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Each night, we accommodate up to eight participants, with two guides always on hand. Many participants often describe this as the highlight of their visit to Ireland.
What's Included
  • Swim buoys, goggles, lights at a special wavelength and warm blankets for afterwards
  • Wetsuits provided
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

We’ll begin our evening with a bit of background, getting you acquainted with this amazing phenomenon. This will include the science and the lore that surrounds bioluminescence. Then, as the night sets in, we’ll head for a refreshing dip very close to the shore. Armed with, wetsuits, swim buoys and lights, we’ll embrace the waters, hoping to be surrounded by the natural luminescence that has, over the years, become a part of West Cork’s legacy. We stay in water that participants can stand in or is less than 10m away from the shoreline but participants do need to be able to swim. But the night doesn’t end with the dip. As we return to the sands, a fire pit awaits, casting its warm glow over the beach. It’s here that we’ll settle down, sipping on a comforting hot drink and sharing stories of the sea, of the land, and of the people who’ve called it home.

  • Not recommended for travellers that cannot swim
Location
Castletownshend
We meet at to Castlehaven Strand about 2km southwest of Castletownshend village. It's about 12 minutes outside Skibbereen and it's a very scenic coastal section of the Wild Atlantic Way. https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/51.51800/-9.18871 The house just above the strand has the Eircode P81TF86
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Mary
Sep 3, 2024
A Magical Seasonal Experience not to be missed - A surreal scene as we waited in the gathering darkness, eventually the scene was set. The slip lit only by a line of small fairy lights and each swimmer carrying a swim buoy with a necessary light incert. As we slipped seamlessly into the dark water, a glistening shimmering world enveloped us. We moved gently along in a trail of gossamer sparkles that moved with us. Meanwhile the fire pit glowed warmly awaiting our return from the magical shoreline to warm drinks and treats…
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pcb61
Aug 20, 2024
Fairy lights in the water! - The scene was set and the beach was beautifully lit by candles. Wetsuits, goggles and swim hats were provided and a warm fire burned on the beach. Conor told a couple of delightful stories while we waited for darkness. We set off into the water not knowing how good the bioluminescence was going to be and it didn’t disappoint. It really was amazing, like fairy lights everywhere. We came out to more stories by the fire and a hot drink. This was a really professional experience run by a delightful couple. Don’t hesitate to go!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Uligroetsch
Aug 10, 2024
Be sure to do it! - All activities with Gormu were an absolute highlight of our holiday. Conor's a great guy. We really highly recommend this venture. The coldness of the Atlantic is not really felt under the wetsuit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariemcaree
Oct 13, 2023
Awesome just amazing! ✨ - We loved everything about this. Being immersed in the bioluminence is just awesome and we felt very safe at all times. Hot drinks afterwards with brilliant storytelling were just the perfect round off to a wonderful even
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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