Top Things to do in Baltimore
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What to do and see in Baltimore, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Baltimore, Ireland including Whale Watch West Cork, Lough Hyne, Baltimore Sea Safari, Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Baltimore Beacon, Cape Clear Island, Sherkin Island, Heir Island, Dun na sead castle / Baltimore Castle, Aquaventures.
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1. Whale Watch West Cork
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Responsible tourism award winner - Whale Watch West Cork runs responsible whale and dolphin watching tours led by zoologist and conservationist Dr Nic Slocum. All tours depart from Baltimore, Harbour, West Cork on board Voyager- daily between April and November (sea conditions permitting). Each tour takes you around the beautiful Islands and headlands of West Cork,stopping at Cape Clear Island affording visitors an insight into the unique lifestyle of the islanders of Roaring Water Bay. Our overseas arm, Whales Worldwide, runs exclusive wildlife holidays to unique destinations including Baja, Maui, Patagonia and Sri Lanka to watch whales responsibly in their natural habitats. Each tour is personally guided by Nic Slocum with a maximum of ten like-minded guests per holiday. We are dedicated to providing each of our customers with a safe, comfortable and educational whale and dolphin watching experience. We seek to impart accurate knowledge on the marine mammals and other wildlife we encounter and on the wider issues of marine conservation through informed commentary with special emphasis on the current threats facing these unique animals and their fragile environment. We directly support conservation measures through education and research.
Reviewed By ljm355 - Pendleton, Oregon
Wonderful trip with Nic and Brendan. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Even though this was their third trip of the day they were just as excited as we were when the Minke whales were spotted. Highly recommend this trip. Even though my friend got seasick she loved seeing the whales and dolphins.
2. Lough Hyne
Overall Ratings
5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By A I - Manchester, United Kingdom
Loud Hyne is well known to the locals as a outdoor practice swimming pool. I would only rec it to experienced swimmers. It's full of great wildlife especially bird watching. I was told it's the only fresh water lake that links directly into the sea that's why it's popular with swimmers. No lifeguards on duty if your a tourist wanting to know re. children. Any walks adjacent including up through the forest. Pack good walking boots though you'll need them. West Cork is prone to periodic showers even in the summer.
3. Baltimore Sea Safari
Overall Ratings
5 based on 124 reviews
Baltimore Sea Safari is a family run boat trip business from Baltimore in West Cork, Ireland, providing coastal sightseeing tours, with whale, dolphin, porpoise, seal and wildlife watching. Our aim is to introduce our passengers to the outstanding beauty of the West Cork coastline, while looking out for the wildlife that may be in the area. The waters off Baltimore offer the perfect environment to see whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking shark, seals and a wide variety of seabirds. We operate in an area of exceptional unspoiled natural beauty within Carbery Hundred Isles, Roaringwater Bay (which is a designated Special Area of Conservation SAC) and the Ilen River, which are home to the most diverse range of sea and bird life to be seen anywhere in Ireland. During our boat trips we provide an informative commentary on the sights of interest, and on the fascinating history of the area and its wildlife. We visit seal colonies on all of our boat trips, and the shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of unique boat allows us to take passengers into sea caves previously used by Smugglers and pirates. During all of our boat trips we collect data on the wildlife that we encounter, logging times, numbers, behaviour, positions and take photos for photo ID where ever possible. This data is shared with other agencies, groups and universities to help develop a better understanding of the whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks, seals, ocean sunfish and other wildlife that frequent the waters around the West Cork coastline. We also have an onboard Hydrophone for listening to the sounds of the sea. Even though we have a good record for whale, dolphin and wildlife sightings, they are not guaranteed.
Reviewed By Michaela9812
Hubby and I were recommended Sea Safari so we got their number a text a booking 2 days in advance (off peak) and got a space which was great. When we arrived we were kitted out with life jackets and taken on to the boat. The seats were quite comfortable after first seeing them. Our guide Michéal, offered up waterproofs if needed. Be well prepared, we had coats, hats and gloves. So glad!!! And that was with dry and sunny weather. For the fast bits we were thankful for them. We saw a lot of porpoise and dolphins with some sightings of the minke whales. Michéal was always straight over to any sightings and gave great info. We did a tour around some of the small islands/rocks and saw a couple of seals. We were out for roughly 2 1/2hrs and we enjoyed every bit of it!! Would definitely recommend!
4. Skibbereen Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Skibbereen Heritage Centre's Great Famine Exhibition tells the poignant story of this pivotal period in Irish history. Skibbereen became notorious as one of the worst affected areas in all of Ireland and this tragic era is now brought to life via the latest multimedia technology. Walk or take a virtual tour of sites associated with the Great Famine that still exist today including the mass graves where almost 10,000 people are buried. At Skibbereen Heritage Centre you can also discover the unique nature of Lough Hyne, a salt-water lake just 5km from Skibbereen which is Europe's first Marine Nature Reserve. Find out about the history, folklore and formation of this renowned natural phenomenon with a multi-lingual audio-visual display and follow with a trip to the lake and follow the Knockomagh Wood Nature Trail which overlooks the lake. Skibbereen Heritage Centre also offers a genealogy service for the greater West Cork area, an archaeology trail, a gift shop, reference library and a great welcome!
Reviewed By PookieWestSussex - West Sussex
A small but well executed exhibition which leaves you feeling deeply moved by the tragedy of the famine. Definitely worth a visit, especially as you are in the worst hit area.
5. Baltimore Beacon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By Rebecca G - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This was our first view of the southern coastline and we were absolutely amazed. The views are truly breathtaking. You can slowly drive up towards the beacon on the winding, narrow lane and then climb up the little hill to see the beacon and cliffs beyond.
6. Cape Clear Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By TSoma - Sydney, Australia
We spent 2 nights in the yurts on the island. The hiking walks were beautiful and challenging in parts. The locals were incredibly friendly and happy to chat.
The pub was very cool. The food was awesome - we went 2 nights in a row !!
Even on a wild and windy day we still had a ball. Was a highlight of our Ireland trip.
7. Sherkin Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By sophia27 - Colchester, United Kingdom
A 10 minute boat ride to the island which operates quite regularly. Lovely well marked walks in the island, all fine and easy underfoot. Some great cocesxand Beaches to enjoy. Well worth a day visit.
8. Heir Island
Overall Ratings
5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By kapodemico - Cork, Ireland
I've been to Heir Island twice, for a total of seven days, as the guest of friends who have rented Nell's Cottage, located on the western (and highest) end of the island.
We always use the "Thresher" ferry from Cunnamore - just a five minute shuttle - at a cost of €3 one way, per person (kids under 12 are free). The pilots, Richie and John, both live on the island year round (Richie's a 7th generation islander), and are good sources of information about all things related to the area.
Nell's Cottage is the farthest cottage from the pier - about a 30 minute walk - but a lovely walk it is (and a fab cottage, as well - totally worth the hike). Island visitors will pass several of the tidy little cottages, built in 1928, as well as ruins of the stone cottages that predated those. They'll also walk past the old school (serving the island children between 1900-1970 and now converted to a holiday home), as well as a famine memorial, dedicated to the island children who died as a result of the famine or illness. From there, you'll cross over the one-car wide "Bridge of Paris", which brings you into the original residential centre of the island.
One of my favourite parts of our stay was waking up (but not too early, don't worry) to the sound of Richie's beautiful herd of Charolais cattle as they sauntered up the path past the cottage on to the way to one of their many pastures.
The island has several Beaches - some sandy, some rocky, some pebbled. There was something for everyone: my six year old could enjoy the tide pools and sand at one beach in the morning, and I could enjoy the rock and sea glass hunting at a different beach in the afternoon.
The kids all took great delight, too, in feeding the donkey, "Jacko", carrots and apples on their way down the lane, and in fishing for crabs at the old pier, using bits of bacon or salami for bait.
There are no public toilets on the island, so anyone coming for a visit but not staying in a holiday home would do well to "go" before they hop on the ferry in Cunnamore or Baltimore.
There's a very small shop near the sailing school, which sells a few snacky bits during the tourist season, but I'd advise visitors to pack food and beverages along, as the hours of shop don't appear to be regular.
Walking shoes are a must. If you think you might go exploring off the beaten track, the furze (which is thorny) can be very dense, so socks and thick pants are advisable. The weather can be changeable, too, so bringing a jumper or jacket is a good idea.
The only issue that keeps me from a 5 point rating for the island is that there was a disappointing amount of litter washed up on most of the Beaches (except the primary swimming beaches), and evidence of some dumping in a few of the areas that were off the main paths. It's especially striking (and disheartening), given the beautiful and tranquil environment that everything is nestled in.
That said, it's a beautiful little island and we always leave with a romantic notion to give up the hustle and bustle of city life and move to a little island like Heir.
9. Dun na sead castle / Baltimore Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Mark J - Midland, Michigan
I couldn't miss this since I married an O'Driscoll. This was the ancestral home of the clan. This is a fully rebuilt castle that actually serves as the home of the owner. Very interesting history of the area well displayed. Views from upper deck are great. Well worth a stop if you are in Baltimore, probably not worth a special trip.
10. Aquaventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Activities in and on the water include scuba diving (for qualified divers / clubs & groups), whale & dolphin watching tours, Fastnet Lighthouse sunset tours and guided snorkel tours. Located in the centre of the village of Baltimore (opposite the Baltimore Harbour Leisure Centre / Pool). Special offers available for those also staying in the Stone House B&B.
Reviewed By Mark S - Dublin, Ireland
Had the pleasure of renting our gear from Aquaventures to go on 2 unaccompanied dives in Baltimore. Our host gave us excellent, clear directions to ensure we were diving in a safe location with all the required local knowledge.
An excellent service, i would recommend it highly
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