Fastnet Rock Lighthouse & Cape Clear Island tour from Baltimore

Circle the Fastnet twice so everyone gets the shot

A six-hour ferry tour departing Baltimore crosses Roaring Water Bay to Cape Clear Island, where you explore on foot (standing stones, a 12th-century church, Dún an Óir Castle, and the 1979 Fastnet Yacht Race Disaster memorial), then re-board to circumnavigate Fastnet Rock Lighthouse twice before heading home. The captain points out whales and dolphins en route. An audio guide in English is included, and restrooms are on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cape Clear Island and Fastnet Rock

• Ferry crossing from Baltimore harbour
• Pass Baltimore Beacon
• Explore Cape Clear Island
• Visit ancient stones and Napoleonic Tower
• See Dún an Óir Castle and 12th century church
• Visit Fastnet Yacht Race memorial
• Lunch at island bar or restaurant
• Re-board ferry to Fastnet Lighthouse
• Circle Fastnet Rock twice for photos
• Spot whales and dolphins en route
• Return to final port

The experience

The ferry leaves Baltimore harbour and crosses through Carbery's 100 Isles into Roaring Water Bay. You'll pass the Baltimore Beacon (a white stone marker built after the 1798 Rebellion, nicknamed Lot's Wife by locals) before reaching Cape Clear Island, eight miles offshore. The island is three and a half miles long, home to a permanent Irish-speaking population of 130, and sits closest to the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse you'll see later in the day.

Once on Cape Clear, you have free time to walk the island. The ancient standing stones and Napoleonic Tower are there to find. So are Dún an Óir Castle and a 12th-century church. A memorial marks the 1979 Fastnet Yacht Race Disaster, when a storm claimed fifteen lives. You can eat at one of the island's bars and restaurants, or walk the trails where the lighthouse appears in the distance. The captain will point out whales and dolphins if they're passing through.

After lunch you re-board the ferry to head out to Fastnet Rock. The boat circles it twice in different directions so every passenger gets a clear photo. An Carraig Aonair, the Lonely Rock, has its own history and culture woven into the circling. On the return to Baltimore, you take in the Wild Atlantic Way scenery from the water. Restrooms are available on board throughout the day.

What’s included

• Ferry crossing from Baltimore to Cape Clear Island and out to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.
• free time to explore Cape Clear Island on foot.
• audio guide in English.
• restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jul 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Infant (under 8)

GroupUp to 90

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ireland Wild Escapes

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to spend real time on an Irish-speaking island and see the Fastnet Rock from the water rather than just passing it. The six-hour length means you have enough time to walk Cape Clear's sites and eat lunch without rushing, then circle the lighthouse twice so the boat can position itself for your photo from different angles.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years); Infant (under 8).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Cape Clear Island from the mainland?

Cape Clear Island is eight miles by ferry from Baltimore on the mainland, situated off the coast of West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way.

What can I see and do on Cape Clear Island itself?

You have free time to explore the island's ancient standing stones, a Napoleonic Tower, Dún an Óir Castle, a 12th-century church, and a memorial to the 1979 Fastnet Yacht Race Disaster. You can also walk the island's trails or eat at one of its bars and restaurants.

Will I actually see Fastnet Rock Lighthouse up close?

Yes. After lunch on Cape Clear, the ferry travels out to Fastnet Rock and circles it twice in different directions so all passengers can get a clear photograph before heading home.

What wildlife might I see on the ferry crossings?

The captain will point out whales and dolphins if they're visible en route to Cape Clear Island and the lighthouse. Sightings depend on the day and season.

How long is the whole tour?

The tour runs six hours from departure at Baltimore harbour to return, including ferry crossings, free time on Cape Clear Island, and the circumnavigation of Fastnet Rock.