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With so many activities and things to do in West Cork, the question will be how will you fit everything in to your holiday.
Make Casey's of Baltimore Hotel your base and tour the magnificent West Cork region at your leisure. Sail a yacht, hire a boat, go seakayaking, whale watching, sea fishing and sailing in Roaring Water Bay to view Fastnet Rock, Mizen Head, Cape Clear and Sherkin Islands, Schull, Crookhaven, Castletowshend, Glandore & Union Hall. Take the ferry the Cape Clear or Sherkin Island, go scuba diving, sightseeing, swimming, golfing in Skibbereen, or pitch & putt in Rosscarbery... take leisurely walks on country lanes...cycle the byways with the magnificent West Cork islands as a backdrop...enjoy a visit to the Baltimore Community Leisure Centre... the choice is yours!
Baltimore is an ideal base from which to tour the many beauty spots of Cork and Kerry and a renowned sailing centre, having access to both the Atlantic Ocean and to the sheltered waters of Roaring Water Bay, so it is the ideal location for Whale watching, Dolphin and Seal watching or other Aqua sports such as Scuba Diving. The abundance of marine life in this area and in the clean Atlantic Ocean waters off Baltimore, give plenty of opportunity for river and lake fishing, and Deep Sea Angling and Shore Fishing. Or for those visitors wishing to enjoy the water in-doors, the Baltimore Community Leisure Centre has recently been refurbished and is now open
Baltimore is also the perfect location to explore the Islands, with daily ferry trips to the Islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin and Heir Island. Each island has its own unique history and there are plenty of things to do when you arrive, whether it’s taking in the romantic scenery and sparkling harbours, exploring the lone pubs and restaurants, nature/bird watching or enrolling in a cookery course.
For those visitors looking to explore the countryside - there is abundance of activities and things to do in West Cork; rambling (Guide & Maps available at reception) or cycling the quiet country roads lined with wild flowers fuchsia, honeysuckle, rhododendron, hawthorn, and montbretia whilst taking in the spectacular landscapes and rugged coastline, or simply walking the colourful villages of West Cork to sample the arts and crafts of the area. (Bicycles for your enjoyable family cycling activity may be hired on a daily, weekly, or group basis from Roycroft Cycles in Skibbereen). Alternatively why not go Pony Trekking at Ballycummisk near Ballydehob or at Rosscarbery, or go golfing at Skibbereen, which has a pleasant 18 hole course situated on the outskirts of the town, just 6Km from Baltimore. The golf course has full bar and restaurant services, Caddy cars for hire and has agreed special green fees to guests of Casey's of Baltimore Hotel in West Cork.
Other points of interest near Baltimore and the many activities and things to do in West Cork are explored in greater detail on the more detailed activity pages including information about:
The Fastnet Lighthouse situated in the Atlantic Ocean and marking Ireland’s most southerly point the Fastnet Lighthouse - also known as the teardrop of Ireland - was the last piece of the country emigrants saw as they parted for their new life in America. Just six miles from Cape Clear and seven from Crookhaven it is often referred to by its Irish name, Carraig Aonar meaning the lonely rock. The first lighthouse built on the rock - finished in 1854 - was made of cast iron but was not thought to be able to withstand the weather after part of the rock had been swept away by the fierce Atlantic waves in 1865, so, in 1896 granite blocks were shipped over from Cornwall to build a new one. However, this was not completed until 1906 and while under construction the foreman in charge - James Cavanagh - sometimes stayed there for a year at a time. As well as being an invaluable mark for both large and small ships alike the Fastnet is also useful to the many locals, some of whom judge the weather according to the rock’s visibility.
Groups of friends love to go away together and an increasing trend within the 25-40 age group is activity breaks in Ireland. And Baltimore in West Cork is one of the centres of activity holidays in Ireland with its rich variety of maritime activities. Surprisingly, West Cork marine wild life has been compared to that of New Zealand and National Geographic Adventure magazine dubbed West Cork as the New Zealand of Europe. Over twenty species of whales pass through these waters every year. Sea kayaking is the fastest growing water sport in the world and the unspoilt coastline of West Cork suits it perfectly. The sheltered harbour in Baltimore is one of the safest around and kayakers can expect clear waters and lots of small islands to discover.
A great way to orientate yourself to Baltimore is to take a short walk to the Baltimore Beacon. The unique signal tower sits proudly at the head of Baltimore harbour and from this vantage point potential kayakers can get some idea of the beauty of the coastline that they will soon be exploring. Baltimore itself is also worth some exploration before taking to the waves.
Former British and Irish Kayaking champion Jim Kennedy runs Atlantic Sky Kayaking. Safety is paramount when kayaking in the sea and people of all experience levels are catered for. Kayakers can expect to stop off at ancient castles, sea caves and hopefully see an abundance of marine life such as seals, dolphins and even whales. One thing is for sure, kayaking is hungry work and after a day at sea it will definitely be time for a nice meal.
Part of the attraction of West Cork is the diverse range of marine wildlife that can be viewed from a kayak. Whale Watch West Cork offers boat trips around the coastline and the good news is that your kayak can be loaded onto the boat and once you get out to sea you can hop back in the kayak from a close up view of the marine life. Whale and even shark sightings are common but even if you are unlucky enough not to spot one, the abundance seals and sea birds will more than make up for the disappointment.
Other Activities:
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