Bantry Bay Outdoor Fun: Top Activities You Should Try
Bantry Bay in West Cork, Ireland, is a stunner. It’s a place where the land and sea meet in spectacular ways. It isn’t just a pretty view; oh no, it’s also a playground. It offers so much opportunity to get outside and actually enjoy the wild, great outdoors. So, if you’re wondering just what to do when you get there, here’s a rundown of the top five outdoor activities to really make the most of your visit. They are, arguably, among the best Bantry Bay has to offer!
Kayaking: Gliding through Bantry’s Calm Waters
First up, picture this: you’re in a kayak, and the water is glass. That’s kayaking in Bantry Bay! Actually, it’s more than that, it’s also an opportunity to get seriously close to the incredible coastline. There’s also a ton of wildlife. Seals, for example, pop their heads up, and various seabirds are flying all over the place. I mean, it’s magical, truly. It is an up close and personable kind of wildlife experience! Also, too it’s almost as though, when you’re out on the water, you leave everyday life on the shore.
You could, potentially, strike out on your own if you’re experienced, but so many tour operators are in the area. And those tour guides have seriously deep knowledge of the bay. Also, they know all the hidden spots! Furthermore, they provide all the necessary equipment to go explore. Bantry Bay Kayaking Full Review and Details offers different kind of tours depending, more or less, on your level. There are also, very family-friendly paddles, too.
So if you get a chance to get on that boat, you should. You’ll view things you just won’t see otherwise! You’ll experience it in the fresh, open, salty air.
Hiking: Discovering Scenic Trails around the Bay
For those who love dry land under their feet, Bantry Bay doesn’t disappoint either. As a matter of fact, there’s also trails for every ability level, from a pretty casual stroll to a full-on day’s hike. So that means, you get to pick! Either way, each trail has its own special thing to offer, you know? There is always some awesome view, unique historical point or interesting place of flora or fauna, or something.
A pretty easy hike to consider is the one on Sheep’s Head Peninsula. And that ends, of course, at the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse. That trek rewards you with seriously fantastic views out over the Atlantic. Alternately, there’s also the more difficult trails within the Gougane Barra Forest Park, near Bantry. But it also offers more than just beautiful scenery! At Gougane Barra, there’s this small, really historic church which makes it super special. Also too, its almost just nice for a quiet bit of reflection, too. Basically, with every step, there’s also a bit of peace and a sight you’ll not likely forget! Bantry Bay hiking trails Full Review and Details and book to explore those sights you won’t forget.
There are, of course, some seriously great pictures awaiting there, too!
Cycling: Pedaling Through Picturesque Landscapes
Get on your bike because Bantry Bay is fantastic cycling territory. You could stick to the main roads, arguably, or even better: find some little backroads and experience the real Ireland. Those backroads wind all around, linking villages and viewpoints. Along the way, you could spot historic ruins, green pastures with livestock, and just seriously amazing coastal panoramas. Bantry Bay cycling routes Full Review and Details for maps and further route ideas!
Arguably, the Sheepshead Drive cycle path is pretty good, especially if you fancy a more challenging but seriously scenic option. Also, there’s the Beara Peninsula. Its rugged beauty can be pretty impressive, too. You’re not crazy about those hills? No worries, electric bike rentals make it pretty easy, more or less, to cruise around the area. Either way, cycling really lets you enjoy the views. Very intimate and not really something you could ever experience any other way.
You will, basically, smell the wildflowers!
Fishing: Casting a Line in Bantry Bay’s Rich Waters
Are you a keen fisher-person? Very good. Then Bantry Bay needs to be on your radar. Whether you are someone who likes casting off a pier, from the rocks, or getting on a boat, Bantry has options. A little something for everybody, right? The bay teems with fish. Cod, pollock, and mackerel are, for instance, very common. Fishing trips could be arranged with local skippers. They have, more or less, intimate knowledge of all the prime fishing spots! That also almost guarantees a good day out and hopefully a big catch.
If angling on a boat doesn’t exactly float your boat, then that’s okay! Maybe try shore fishing around the bay. So many spots all around that make access pretty easy. Just make certain that you get any permits or licenses you may need! The last thing you wanna deal with is an unexpected run-in with a government wildlife officer while on holiday! Anyway, if you catch fish, it’s pretty cool. So why not go home to cook it for supper? Bantry Bay fishing Full Review and Details.
Visiting Garnish Island: A Horticultural Paradise
Technically, Garnish Island is an island so therefore requires a little boat trip! Still, it gives great outdoor experience when you finally get there. Located only a little way out from Glengarriff. Garnish is home to a world-renowned garden. This location features some awesome plants from around the globe! Mild micro-climate on the island helps things grow. More or less, like tropical plants, too!
After that, make sure you see the Martello Tower and Grecian temple on the island. Those offer both glimpses into its interesting history. A boat trip to and from Garnish commonly involves spotting the local seals that bask on the rocks around the island. Very fun, is that! Basically, it’s a memorable visit for anyone who is interested in nature, garden design or history. Garnish Island Full Review and Details, so consider a day trip!
Make time for reflection there too!
