Fastnet Rock Lighthouse & Cape Clear Island Tour

Explore Cape Clear Island’s rich culture, ancient sites, and stunning views. Ferry to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, spot whales, and capture perfect photos on this unforgettable tour.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Baltimore - Embark on this tour from Baltimore harbor, featuring a ferry ride through the stunning waters of Roaring Water Bay.
  • Baltimore Beacon - The Baltimore Beacon is a white-painted stone structure located at the entrance to Baltimore harbor in County Cork, Ireland. Commissioned by the British government after the 1798 Rebellion, it was part of a network of lighthouses and beacons along the Irish coast, serving as a warning system. Locals humorously refer to it as Lot’s Wife, a nod to the biblical figure turned into a pillar of salt.
  • Cape Clear Island - Cape Clear Island lies off the coast of West Cork along the Wild Atlantic Way. The island is an 8-mile ferry ride from the mainland and is the closest inhabited area to the renowned Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. It spans three and a half miles in length and one and a half miles in width, with a permanent Irish-speaking population of 130 that swells during the summer.
  • Fastnet Rock - After lunch on Cape Clear Island, reboard the ferry to journey out to Fastnet Lighthouse. We’ll circle the Rock twice in different directions, ensuring all passengers get the perfect photo, before heading back home, taking in the breathtaking scenery until we reach our final port.
  • Wild Atlantic Way - On the ferry, the captain will introduce you to the true Wild Atlantic Way! You might even spot magnificent whales and dolphins on the way to the island and lighthouse.
What's Included
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
Additional Information

After your ferry crossing past Carbery’s 100 Isles, arrive at Cape Clear Island and take some time to explore this Gaeltacht Island. Learn about the island’s culture, the life of the islanders, including their old traditions and traditional farming methods. Discover the island’s ancient standing stones, the Napoleonic Tower, Dún an Óir Castle, a 12th-century church, and visit the memorial dedicated to the 1979 Fastnet Yacht Race Disaster. On one of the walking trails, see the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse in the distance or enjoy lunch at one of the island’s bars and restaurants.

After lunch, re-board the ferry to travel closer to the lighthouse. Catch a glimpse of the magnificent whales and dolphins along the way! We will circumnavigate ‘An Carraig Aonair` or the ‘Lonely Rock,’ taking in its history and culture. Once we have circled the Rock twice to get the perfect photo, we will head for home, enjoying the spectacular scenery until we reach our final port.

Location
Baltimore Ferry
Depart from harbour, please arrive 20 minutes before departure time.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.6
(21 Ratings)
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Rodw731
Sep 16, 2024
Unique - Trip of a Lifetime - Just a glorious and exciting day out. We were very fortunate with the weather (Ireland Wild Escapes' Cathy had kindly messaged to postpone for two days as our first date's forecast was somewhat "iffy") and, on the way out, enjoyed a relaxed half-way, 2 hour stop to explore some of Cape Clear Island's features. The icing on the cake, though, was a long enough stop, circling really close to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse whilst listening to a very detailed and interesting commentary. The operator, Cape Clear Ferries, was totally professional and helpful, with polite, friendly staff and well-kept boats, especially the larger, faster one out to Fastnet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cottagepier
Sep 5, 2024
Fabulous day out - Fabulous day out, stopped on Cape first, did the 5k hike on Cape, had lunch, than caught ferry to Fastnet, paid €45 each for trip, great value.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coffebean
Jul 16, 2024
Highly recommended - Absolutely fantastic trip, I would highly recommend this You can either do a stop on Cape Clear Island for 2 or 3 hours followed by a trip around fastnet or the direct to fastnet tour We done the fastnet direct as we had already visited the beautiful Cape Clear Island. We left Baltimore at 2 o'Clock and stopped on Cape Clear to allow people who were visiting the island to get off and we switched to a bigger boat which was already at the pier so no waiting around. If wildlife are around the boat will stop to let you have a look. We were lucky to see some dolphins, and the sea was really calm. It doesnt really matter what side of the boat you sit as the boat does a circle of Fastnet clockwise and anti clockwise so no matter where you sit, you will have a perfect view. The crew are very obliging and we were delighted that they offered to take our picture in front of the lighthouse, this is a lovely touch! On the way back we stopped briefly on Cape Clear to allow people on but there was no changing boats this time. We were back in Baltimore for 16.45 Even if its a lovely day, just remember to bring something warm to wear as it does get chilly on the sea. Baltimore gets really crowded on a nice day so make sure to leave plenty of time for parking and getting to the ferry If you book your tickets online, be sure to visit the little ticket office first as you actually need to paper ticket to board.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roam66182157082
Jul 16, 2024
Xxxx - Highly recommend,,great family day out,,Good value for money .Staff are excellent & extremely helpful.Highlight is the trip over to the Fastnet lighthouse .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terri_l
Jul 15, 2024
A Can’t Miss Experience!! - Wonderful day-trip out of Baltimore Harbour. Cape Clear Island had everything we needed (hiking opportunities for me and a lovely pub for my husband). The ferry from there to Fastnet was as good as it gets for providing stunning up-close views of one of the most beautiful and impressive lighthouses in the world. This is a can’t miss experience!
Review provided by Viator
L7274gyannec
Jun 23, 2024
Amazing Fastnet - Truly amazing trip around the Fastnet Rock. Our tour commentator was so interesting and informative. Cape Clear ferries staff very welcoming. 10 out if 10. Will def recommend to all my friends 🧡
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_j
Jun 7, 2024
Highly recommended. - Fastnet is iconic. A must see! Benefits were dolphins a whale, seals and all on time. The crew was knowledgeable , took photos for everyone and gave the kids a visit to the bridge. A day well spent!
Review provided by Viator
Globetrotting584741
May 13, 2024
Great trip - We had an amazing trip staff were so helpful and chatty both the island and lighthouse were truly amazing and am so glad we did it we had great weather as a bonus
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielhp9926dj
Aug 15, 2023
Tourist for a day - Great experience and absolutely worth doing this, staff are excellent and very efficient, nothing they could do about the weather but it added to the experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Calixtebsg
Apr 20, 2024
Nice visit, too expensive - Pleasant visit, especially on the island which is really typical. Only around 100 inhabitants, all adorable. A café allows you to eat at a very affordable price. On the other hand, the price of the cruise is too high
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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