Baltimore on the Wild Atlantic Way makes a great base for whale watching and for kayaking or boat trips to visit the islands and admire the spectacular coastline of West Cork. This beautiful stretch of the Cork coast is famed for its islands, bays and inlets with romantic names such as Roaringwater Bay and Carbery of the Hundred Isles, ideal for exploring by boat. Come and explore its variety for yourself, be fascinated by the abundant wildlife and maybe even spend a night on an island.
Guided Activities you can book:
Lough Hyne is a unique sea water lake which became Ireland’s first marine nature reserve in 1981. Kayak on the lake or in sea at Union Hall for a fun eco friendly experience
Family Fun on Water Union Hall – Kayak splash session for a novice or Family in the Lough 10.30am or 2pm daily.
Sea Kayak for Experienced Adults – take the Sea Kayaks on Lough Hyne or Union Hall. Travel along Coast to see the sea caves. Kayakers need to be experienced or intermediate level Kayakers over 16 years of age. Trips to Sherrington and around Carberys Hundred Isles can be arranged for groups 5+ only.Fitness level 2 Price €75 (min 2). 
Night Kayak on Lough Hyne or Union Hall – 8:45- 11pm. Feel, see and hear the magical beauty of sea at night. In the dark the Lough lights up with phosphorescence, a magical night from 8.30 – 11pm ( or after sunset, times change depending on time of year). This natural phenomenon occurs from July to early October each year. Fitness Level 2 Price €69 (min 2). 
Sea Safari in West Cork – Take a Sea Safari in a Ribcraft boat, with its speed making it a fun experience and its shallow draft allowing it come in close to the coastline. Trips are weather dependent, but it is an exhilarating experience where you may see dolphins and porpoise, seal colonies, sea birds as well as basking sharks and whales in season. trips last 2.5 hours at 10.30am and 2pm daily. There is a maximum 12 per boat.
Fitness level 2 Price €35.
Evening Adventure Trip of 45 Minutes takes place in summer months. This trip around the historic Sherkin Island or along Roaring Water Bay passing Heir Island and the lovingly restored Kilcoe Castle. Fitness Level 2 Departs 6.30pm. Price €25.
Beaches (Trá)
- The best beaches are on Sherkin (Silver Strand) and on Heir Island (Reen Strand).
Castletownsend (Baile an Chaisleáin)
- Home of the writers Somerville and Ross who wrote of the life of the Anglo Irish at the turn of the 20th Century. Some of their stories were turned into the TV series the “Irish R M”. They are buried in the lovely little church of St Barrahane’s which also has wonderful stained glass windows by Harry Clarke.
Dun na Séad Castle
- This castle in Baltimore was the residence of the O Driscoll clan for 300 years and has recently been restored; open April 1st – September 30th
Skibbereen Heritage Centre (Ionad Oireachta an Sciobairín)
- The Heritage Centre Commemorates the Great Famine and has a Lough Hyne visitor centre
Skibbereen Historical Walking Tour (Siúlóid Stáiriúil)
- Download this recently launched app
telling of the History of Skibbereen and the effects of the Famine on the town
Visit Gardens (Gairdiní)
- Gardens on the West Cork Garden Trail in this area include Lough Beg Garden, Glebe Garden, Drishane House Garden and Rosewood Garden
Walks (Siúloid)
- Walk in Woods at Lough Hyne
- Walk to the top of the hill to enjoy the spectacular view of the Lough – not a taxing walk
If you would like a Free Factsheet on what to do in the Skibbereen/Baltimore area just add your email address below and select ‘Best of Skibbereen/Baltimore’