First thing to say is that we were very blessed with the weather for our week in West Cork. Parking is free at the harbour in Baltimore but you really need to arrive early to grab one of the 50 or so spaces. we got lucky and found one at 8:30 for our trip at 9am. Meeting Nic and the sister ship crew (Kate and Rosemary) was easy enough, just keep an eye open for them moving the boats into position in the small but beautiful harbour. Nic introduced himself, ticked all our names off and added some lght hearted humour to the important safety proceedings. We boarded, put on life jackets and after some further instructions we set sail on two catamarans which afford 360 viewing around the central covered interior. both outdoor and indoor seating available. Once out of Baltimore harbour our search began for spotting whales and dolphins. Kate (our expert spotter and researcher) did an excellent job in combination with Nic on the other boat of spotting the animals as within 15 mins of departure we were surrounded by playfull dolphins. Truly a memorable experience. The dolphins swam with our boat for a good while just in front of the bow as the catamaran created a pressure wave in front of the boat. Incredible. We were continually also searching for whales and spotted several minky whales at a distance. Often you could only glimpse them as they surfaced briefly before diving. Kate and Rosemary were available to chat to at all times and piloted our boat expertly throughout. As mentioned, the weather was stunning. Calm waters and superb visibility. Rosemary did a brilliant job of spotting from her position on top of the roof and a sighting of a fin whale halfway through the trip was a real highlight. It emerged a few times from the surface and on one occasion revealed it's scale with an impressive dive just a hundred or so metres from us. We also passed by rocks with resting seals and had a brief stop off at the small harbour of Cape Clear where there is a snack bar and toilets. This is already a long review but to also mention the scenery along the trip which is breathtaking. Everywhere you look is beautiful. Truly a magical experience and worth every cent. Highly recommend. Thank you so much Nic, Kate and Rosemary.

Great experience! Unfortunately the ocean was to uneven and we could not do the whale watching, we did the inshore experience and it was fantastic... we were able to see dolphins and Atlantic seals all the views were breathtaking. Trip to Cape Claire was great too. The whole crew was great and highly professional. We loved every minute of it. Highly recommended.

Great adventure, Nic and crew made us feel welcome since the very first step on the boat. Limited amount of people onboard which makes the journey enjoyable compared to other services available with overcrowded boats. We managed to see both dolphins and a couple of whales, actively helping spot them. Great experience and highly recommended.

Super trip with many explanations, great captain and crew, and lucky to have had many sightings.

Was back home in West Cork visiting family and decided to sign myself and my 2 teenage boys up for a Sunday afternoon trip on the water. First up was the informative safety overview. We were on the boat with Rosemary & Kate-very knowledgeable ladies with a background in marine biology. When we left Baltimore the cloud cover was initially low but gradually lifted and we were rewarded after about an hour with a huge sighting of about 40 dolphins who were very interactive with the 2 boats on our tour. They put on quite a show for us and everyone had a big smile on their face. We later stopped off in Cape Clear for about an hour and were able to grab some food near the harbour. The total tour took about 4 hours with the crew taking their time to spot other forms of sea life for us to view. The trip surpassed our expectations and credit to Nic and his fantastic staff who were both knowledgeable and entertaining. Highly recommended!

We had a wonderful trip with Nic and his team. This is exactly what a small business should be - competent and friendly with skilful, expert staff. We were lucky enough to see minke whales and dolphins, and Kate and Rosemary (who led our boat trip) were knowledgeable and passionate. All in all it's a great day out - just the right mix of safety and fun - with a stop at Cape Clear island included (good cafe, try the chowder). Highly recommended - many thanks Nic, Kate and Rosemary!

We were very unlucky and only saw one seal, but wild life is unpredictable and the crew did the best they could. One star minus, because we would have loved some kind of gesture as we saw nothing. The trip was 120€ per person which was expensive for us and we know you can't give any guarantees, but maybe a "we'll give you 10% off for the next trip" would have been nice. Again, others were lucky, we weren't. Just wished for a few kind words or anything and not just take the money at the end. Also would have been nice to tell us more about what's going on while we were out. Maybe a few facts, pictures etc. so we could've at least learned some facts.

Stunning view of Atlantic Ocean and sherkin island. It's a bit windy place. But by the way, my highly recommendation to visit this place. Nice hiking route. Quite steep climbs at the beginning of the route. So need to be careful and have suitable shoes.

Interesting beacon a mile south of Baltimore. Parking a bit limited at end of the narrow road but can park and walk from further back . Good views if weather permitting... Gusty and rocky underfoot..take care

Lovely place to visit when down by west cork.... Great view on a sunny day... The start of the walk is a little steep but once you are over it it is plain sailing. A must visit

Visited the Baltimore Beacon at sunset—absolutely magical. The silence, the sound of the wind and sea... no words can truly describe the feeling. Peaceful and powerful at the same time. Be very careful to head back before it gets dark—it can get tricky and unsafe with no light. An unforgettable moment.

Loved the short hike to the top! It's a windy, exposed place so make sure you've a jacket on. Mind your step too once you get up the top.

A must see when you're in or near Baltimore. A small drive and a quick walk, or a nice walk from the bottom of Baltimore Harbour up a very scenic winding road to the top. The beacon is always a great place to visit, if for nothing else but the views. Cloudy or sunny, it's a breathtaking view out and across the ocean. You might get the chance to run into a few 'locals', out on their daily graze. Yes, the cattle pop up for a munch. Small shame the beacon isn't refreshed from time to time. It would make a stunning icon if it were given a fresh lick of paint.

Must see, not just because of that simple white stone - the scenery is just great!

Sherkin Island, West Cork: An Island Gem and a Snorkeler's Paradise! Sherkin Island in West Cork is an absolute delight, offering that perfect blend of rugged natural beauty and relaxed island charm. It's truly a place to unwind and soak in the best of the Irish coast. Beyond its picturesque lanes, friendly locals and stunning views back to Baltimore, Sherkin truly shines for anyone keen to get into the water. It's a **fantastic spot for a snorkel!** The crystal-clear waters, especially on a calm day, reveal a surprisingly vibrant underwater world. You can spot a variety of marine life amongst the rocks and seaweed beds, making for an exciting and immersive experience. Whether you're exploring the walking trails, enjoying the beaches, or diving into the refreshing Atlantic, Sherkin Island offers a unique escape. As a water enthusiasts, particularly snorkelling was something I thoroughly enjoyed visibility was surprisingly clear.

Beautiful island and lots of wildlife to see, very nice walks on a sunny day.

To enjoy it you need to have good weather. Otherwise it's boring.

Beautiful island great place for some sea air. Short ferry ride. Beautiful coffee shops. Will bring bicycles on our next visit for sure. Beaches were impressive great day out for all the family.

Just an absolutely stunning little island. Wish I had have brought my dog, they do allow them on the little boat. Views r just incredible

Wonderful place. Even in February! A place where you understand what is beauty and where you find yourself. Heaven!

It's so good oh god. I love sherkin. I love my friends. I love well. Maybe I lj e everything I thing I am having a. Vlloi really nice time,ahhhh

Wonderful island with very little tourist. There are few walking trails. Scenic mountain and sea view. Friendly locals. There is a grocery store, and restaurant at pier. Worth a visit highly recommend.

Took the boat out to Fastnet rock and then Cape Clear island. I went mostly because I wanted to see the marriage stones. They are quite something and worth the 45 min walk, sometimes straight up hill to get there. They are kind of hidden from the road and it requires climbing over some rocks near a gate to get to them. The island is very hilly and the first hill up from the dock is shockingly steep. The views are incredible and I enjoyed the long walk out to see them. I also ate at Sean Rua’s and had a lovely bowl of chowder before heading back to Baltimore.

Beautiful, quiet Island with nice and friendly people.Beautiful evenings with sunset. It is a place for long romantic walks for two. It is a place for the whole family for everyone.You can swim in the azure sea, you can go to the pub for a beer or eat delicious fish in the restaurant, there is a small store well stocked and it's all here on the small island of Cape Clear. So, book your next sunny holiday here. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Fantastic place for a visit. Super friendly locals, amazing scenery and the ferry trip is great craic.

12k offshore, reached by a ferry, this island is the most relaxing place in the world. Lots to do, Many beautiful walks, plenty of history. A beach and great, safe swimming.

An amazing place to witness off the south-west coast of Ireland. Firstly, ferry prices are reasonable and one leaves for the island regularly. Once on the island make sure you have good shoes as the terrain is steep but it is worth it for the stunning views. There is a shop on the island and a B&B and plenty of campsites

It's nice place. We enjoyed the ship journey a lot. We walked the whole island. It good place to kayaking.

Went with Micheal on the 2 o clock trip and we saw way more than we expected, we saw 4 minke whales about 10 basking sharks and countless pods of dolphins. He really put the effort in to explain the history behind the lighthouse, towers and different islands. Also very knowledgeable about the types of wildlife around. We have been on loads of boat trips in the past but first time with Michael and was by far the best. He has a great spotting eye and took loads of time circling so we could look and take pictures. Really appreciate it Michael

We did the sea safari and it lasted about 2.75 hours. It was an amazing time and we ended up seeing a whale, porpoises, dolphins, seals, and puffins!! Micháel was extremely knowledgeable and knew everything about everything. The boat was tiny too which gave the tour an extra edge. HIGHLY recommended

Best experience we had in Ireland. 💙 Awesome trip along the coast to see the sights and then some local fauna spotting. 🐳🐬🦭 Thanks Mícheál for the wonderful trip! 💙💙

Very nice Tour! Micheal was very nice and even if we didnt get to see any whales or dolphins it was Worth every penny!

Ok. We did not see whales or basking sharks, but we had two breeds of seals, puffins, and lots of dolphins, some still babies, less than 10 weeks old.

Mícheál was a great guide around the bay. It was a fascinating tour and although we were unlucky not to see any whales, we did get some pretty special sightings of dolphins.

A great day out: Our host, guide and pilot Mícheál gave us some great educational nuggets as well as knowing the best spots to see the dolphins. It's definitely good value for money and a great way to see the wildlife and the coastline and islands. Highly recommended.

Cool location and nice set up in a great little Irish town. We called in on the way to sherkin to set up marquees with Stretch Tents Ireland.

This review is about sustainability only! I am so grateful to have found this sweet space to grab a coffee in Baltimore, and not have to create any plastic trash in the meantime. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. And over 95% of the plastic that we intentionally recycle does not actually get recycled. But rather ends up in landfills, burned in incinerators, or discarded in into our oceans. These plastics breakdown into micro plastics, which are now being found regularly in the human body. It means a lot to me to be able to support a business that offers the dignity of a reusable cup, so that I can enjoy my beverage on the premises without any guilt in harming the surrounding ecosystems. Especially in a waterfront town, such as yours, it just makes sense to help customers do better by their surroundings That they come to visit and learn from. Thank you again. And of course, I also really appreciated seeing the designated pollinator spaces on the property. Such beautiful gardens, and such a wonderful way to re-wild in service of the pollinators that we depend on. Kudos to you! I will certainly return.

We recently had our wedding ceremony in Dún na Séad Castle and highly recommend all that the castle has to offer as a wedding venue. It was a beautiful location for our wedding, right in the heart of the village. The main hall of the castle was an ideal room for the ceremony and the castle has so many different spots for photographs and space for people to chat after the ceremony. Jean Perry and Tess Leak of Glebe Gardens did the beautiful flowers and the combination of their work and the candlelight on the stormy day enhanced the feeling of ceremony, history and place. All the McCarthy family were wonderful to work with in the run up to the wedding and were really accommodating hosts. They are knowledgeable, relaxed and helpful. We are delighted that the coffee dock is open now too and look forward to our next visit!

Man working here was knowledgeable and passionate. Love to see the restoration work and a nice view from the rooftop of baltimore.

So glad we stopped into this museum. Such an abundance of local history and artifacts. Very detailed information on the history of piracy in the area as well as information on the castle's own transformation. The battlements offered spectacular views of the harbor. Additionally, the owner/proprietor was very friendly and helpful. A must see if you're in the area.

A great restored castle/fortified house, €6 entry, well worth a visit!

If these walls could talk! The restored castle has been about, in one form or another, since 1215. It's seen the Sack of Baltimore 1631, the only barbary pirate raid on Irish soil. It’s been a home to infamous occupants including the O'Driscolls, one of Ireland's most notorious seafaring clans *coff occasionally pirates coff*, and Oliver Cromwell. It’s been restored in line with the 17th Century incarnation as a Norman fortified townhouse and is furnished, making it one of the few castles in Ireland you can visit that give you a sense of how life might have looked in those times. There's an excellent selection of information and items available. We met their parrot and took a walk on original battlements where the strong sea wind near blasts you off into the sea! Definitely worth a visit, although it’s worth noting this is an exhibit about the history of the castle and not an interactive space on pirates for small kids - you'll need to hang on to smallies so they don't want to grab everything in sight.

(Translated by Google) I worked there for a season. It's great and we eat very well there. (Original) J y ai travaillé une saison. C est super et on y mange tres bien

Warm &welcoming Lovely couple home from home Stunning home made breads & jams Beautiful location Lovely room ^ nothing a bother made to feel very at ease Hope to be back

Absolutely loved our stay here! Rianne is just the most fantastic host and made our stay so comfortable and enjoyable. The breakfast was amazing and the room was 1st class. Thank you so much😊 We will see you again for sure.

Rianne cooks an amazing breakfast with freshly baked breads and cakes. She is an extremely gracious host and the location is perfect. Just know the rooms are a tad smaller than some other B&Bs but still private with their own bathrooms.

This B&B was just amazing, and deserves more like 20 stars instead of just 5. ;) We were greeted by a lovely and extremely friendly couple, and shown to the rooms upstairs. As we were the only guests there at the time, we got an upgrade for no extra cost. The room and bathroom were beautifully clean and very comfortable - we even had a balcony. :) In every room there was some delicious homemade cake which we can thoroughly recommend as a midnight snack. After choosing from a diverse breakfast menu the evening before, we were greeted in the morning by a beautifully laid breakfast table and delicious food. During breakfast our host gave us fantastic advice for our onward journey - all in all a perfect stay. :)

2 of us stayed in the small room and it was perfect for us. Really good sized private bathroom, bed was comfy, breakfast was really good and it's in a perfect location to explore Baltimore and the area. Rianne could not have been a better host, super helpful with suggestions and felt like we could ask her anything. She cooks amazing little breakfast pancakes too!

Had a lovely weekend here, close to the village, the pier. Lovely rooms. Very clean comfortable bed and an amazing shower. Breakfast was fantastic. Home made jams, bread, yogurt. The hosts were adorable and made us feel like we were just a friends house. I can't wait to go back.

This Bed&Breakfast was properly the best B&B I ever was. Very nice rooms, clean and with all you need. The breakfast includes all you order the day before but the most lovely fact is, that there is a common room with one large table all guests can take there breakfast together. Additional there a Coach landspace and confortable chairs on the meadow you can chill and talk together. And now the absolutly highlight : Rianna, the owner of this B&B. I have never seen anyone who loves offering and living a B&B so much. Thanks for all Rianna, and hopefully see you again when I will travel to Ireland next time.

Always a great place to go for a swim. Brilliant staff that answered all my queries. Can be busy at times so pick when you go carefully.

A pleasant place for relaxation and entertainment.

Nice pool. Slightly overpriced though. Nice sauna, steam room and jaccuzi and it is generally quiet.

Had pool to ourselves. Maybe slightly too cold but staff and facilities 5 star

A great local facility. Otherwise have to travel long distances@

Lovely pool. Fantastic aqua-aerobics with Jenny!

Probably best indoor pool in west Cork.

Great course well presented. Had a great experience cant wait to go back for the next course.