West Cork is one of the most beautiful corners of Ireland. It’s home to spectacular scenery, miles of rugged coastline and some famous picturesque Irish towns. County Cork is the largest county in Ireland and it’s also got one of the longest coastlines, which boasts outstanding features like world-class beaches and golf links and ideal opportunities for watersports. Here are some water-based activities for you to enjoy while holidaying in West Cork…
Sailing & Powerboating
Explore the spectacular Bantry Bay in west Cork by kayak, canoe or boat. These crystal clear sheltered waters are perfect for water based activities, adventure or simply having some fun. You can also take some kayaking, sailing or powerboating lessons. Or how about a relaxing day trip around the coastline, where you’ll see a seal colony, ship wrecks, lighthouse, rocky outcrops and amazing views of the West Cork coastline.
Visit The West Cork Sailing & Powerboating Centre website for more info
West Cork Surfing
Want to try your hand at some surfing while in West Cork? Then head for the spectacular Inchydoney Strand - a beautiful blue flag beach just outside Clonakility. Inchydoney is a year round surfing destination where you’re always guaranteed to catch the perfect wave! The West Cork Surf School is located here and they can provide you with classes, private lessons or group classes and they also provide wetsuits and surfboards.
For more visit the West Cork Surf School website
Aquaventures Dive Centre
The West Cork town of Baltimore is the ideal destination for diving in the south west of Ireland. Its coastline lies directly in the path of the warm Gulf Stream creating a diver’s paradise of warm, unpolluted, crystal clear waters and a world of marine flora and fauna. Scenic dives take place from Cape Clear, Fastnet Lighthouse, Sherkin Islands, Calf Islands to name a few and on you boat journey there, you might be lucky enough to see some seals, dolphins, whales and turtles. For the adventurous diver, why not try some wreck diving as the ‘Kowloon Bridge’ among many other shipwrecks are located closeby.
For more check out the Aquaventures website
Atlantic Sea Kayaking
What better way to explore the wonders of the Cork coastline than by gently paddling along in a kayak? Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you can glide along bays and inlets and even venture out in the sea. Visitors can choose from family trips, a half day sea kayaking trip, full day trips, 2 day trips and a wide range of various kayaking courses. Atlantic Sea Kayaking are one of the top provides of kayaking in West Cork and they cater for all ages (9+) and all levels. They are based close the to the tourist town of Skibbereen in West Cork and are open all year round.
Visit the Atlantic Sea Kayaking website for more
Whale Watching West Cork
West Cork has become one of the top destinations for whale watching in Europe! Over 12 different species of whale have appeared in the Cork waters over the past few years making whale watching a prime activity with whale watching enthusiasts coming here from all over the world. It depends on the time of year what type of whales you are likely to see, but probably the best time of the year to go whale watching here is from May to September, while some whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises can be seen here all year round.
The types of whales you are likely to see in Cork’s waters include the Baleen Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales and Humpback Whales. If you’re in west Cork and would like to do some whale watching then book a tour on the Whale Watch West Cork website
Hope you enjoy one of the above water based activities when you visit beautiful West Cork. If you need while holidaying in County Cork, then check out our Cork hotels page.
