🌊 Discovering West Cork – Cape Clear Island Adventure
Details
Join us as we continue our Discovering West Cork series with a relaxing summer day exploring Cape Clear Island, Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island.
We’ll enjoy a scenic ferry journey from Baltimore, discover the island on a 45-minute electric bus tour, visit the historic 12th-century St. Ciarán’s Church, enjoy lunch together, and spend a relaxing afternoon around the picturesque North Harbour before returning to Baltimore.
Whether you’re coming for the scenery, history, good company, or simply a day away from the city, we’d love to have you join us!
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📍 Meeting Point
Cape Clear Ferries Terminal, Baltimore Harbour
📅 Saturday 18th July
🕥 Meeting Time: 10:15 AM
We’ll board the 10:45 AM ferry together.
Please arrive on time to allow enough time for boarding. Also, area can be busy so allow some time to find parking.
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🎟 Ferry Booking
We’ll travel with Cape Clear Ferries.
🚤 Ferry crossing time: Approximately 45 minutes each way.
Please book the following sailings:
Outbound: 10:45 AM (Baltimore → Cape Clear)
Return: 4:00 PM (Cape Clear → Baltimore)
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🚌 Electric Island Bus Tour
We’ll be joining the island’s 45-minute Electric Bus Tour, a relaxed and enjoyable way to discover Cape Clear’s highlights without needing to hike.
💶 Cost: €5 per person (payable on the island)
More information:
🔗Electric Bus Tour Information
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🌿 Itinerary
⛴️ 10:45 AM – Depart Baltimore Harbour
🌊 Enjoy a scenic 45-minute ferry journey across Roaringwater Bay. Keep an eye out for seabirds, seals and, if you’re lucky, dolphins along the way.
⚓ 11:30 AM – Arrive at North Harbour, Cape Clear Island
🚌 11:45 AM – Electric Bus Tour (approximately 45 minutes)
⛪ Visit the historic 12th-century St. Ciarán’s Church
🍽️ Lunch together at one of the local cafés or restaurants
🌊 Relaxed free time around North Harbour
During your free time you can:
- Visit the Heritage Centre
- Browse the local craft shop
- Enjoy an ice cream or coffee
- Take photos around the harbour
- Relax and enjoy the island atmosphere
⛴️ 4:00 PM – Return ferry to Baltimore
🌊 Enjoy another scenic 45-minute ferry journey back to Baltimore, arriving at approximately 4:45 PM.
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💰 Estimated Costs
Please note that each attendee purchases their own tickets and food.
🚤 Return Ferry: Approximately €24
🚌 Electric Bus Tour: €5
🍽️ Food & Drinks: Optional and at your own expense.
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🚗 Getting There
By Car
You’re welcome to drive directly to Baltimore Harbour. Parking is available close to the ferry terminal. But it can be busy so allow some time to find parking spot.
🚘 Carpooling
If you have a car and are happy to offer a lift, or if you’re looking for a lift from another member, we’d love to help you connect.
Please join our WhatsApp group to arrange carpooling with other attendees.
💬 WhatsApp Group
Carpooling is arranged voluntarily between members. Petrol costs can be shared by mutual agreement.
🚌 By Public Transport
Public transport is available from Cork via Skibbereen, followed by the TFI Local Link bus to Baltimore Harbour.
Please check the latest bus and ferry timetables before travelling to ensure your connections suit your journey.
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🌦 Weather
We’ll be spending the day outdoors and on the water, so please come prepared for Irish coastal weather.
We recommend bringing:
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ A waterproof jacket
✔ Layers suitable for changing temperatures
✔ Water
✔ Sunscreen and a hat if the weather is sunny
We’ll only make changes to the event if weather conditions become unsafe.
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💡 Good to Know
• Come solo — most people do.
• This is a relaxed social day out rather than a hiking event.
• The walking involved is minimal and mostly around North Harbour and St. Ciarán’s Church.
• The electric bus tour allows everyone to enjoy the island’s scenery without tackling the walking trails.
• Please ensure you book the 10:45 AM outbound and 4:00 PM return ferry when purchasing your ticket. <<<Baltimore to Cape Clear Island Return >>>
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We look forward to discovering another beautiful corner of West Cork together.
Come solo. Leave with new memories, breathtaking views and new friends. 🌊🍀