Located around 6.5kms beyond Cape Clear Island, Fastnet Lighthouse is the most southerly point of Ireland. While it’s a bit of a mission to get there, particularly if you happen to live in the north of Ireland, it’s definitely worth joining a tour out to the lighthouse.
Though you cannot explore the lighthouse itself, taking a Fastnet Tour allows you to get up close and personal to this impressive structure. You will learn some of the history of the lighthouse along the way as well as having the opportunity to see some marine wildlife. Tours also include a visit to Cape Clear Island, where you will have time to explore the island.
So if you love adventures that combines history, natural beauty, and the quiet charm of island life, book your Fastnet tour now! This is a day trip that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Fastnet Lighthouse
Located in the Atlantic Ocean on remote Fastnet Rock, Fastnet Lighthouse is both the tallest and widest lighthouse in Ireland and Great Britain. It was completed in 1904, replacing an earlier lighthouse which proved to be no match for the Atlantic weather. Rising to 177ft, it was an incredible feat of engineering.
Fastnet was the last sight of Ireland for thousands of emigrants sailing to new lives in America during the 19th and early 20th centuries. For this reason it became known as the Ireland’s Teardrop.
The lighthouse was eventually automated in 1989, marking the end of an era. No longer were lighthouse keepers required to live in isolated, treacherous conditions to ensure the safety of passing ships. Fastnet Lighthouse continues to play a vital role in Ireland’s maritime safety today.
Tours to Fastnet Lighthouse
Tours to Fastnet Lighthouse run from around mid-April to October from Baltimore in west Cork. From June-August they also run from the town of Schull. The tours are full-day tours, including a stop on Cape Clear Island.
During the peak summer months, there is also the option of taking a twilight tour in the evening. These tours go direct to Fastnet and do not include a visit to Cape Clear Island.
Full details and current pricing can be found on the Cape Clear Ferries website.
Our experience visiting Fastnet and Cape Clear Island
After ten continuous days of incredible sunny weather, things were due to take a turn just before our trip. In the end though, we got lucky. While it was mixed during the day and got pretty chilly on Cape Clear, we had lots of sunshine and blue sky scattered throughout the day too.
More importantly, the water was nice and calm in the morning and I didn’t feel sick on the boat! I’m not good on the water at the best of times so that was a big relief. If you tend to get sea sick and the weather is not looking ideal, perhaps consider seasickness tablets to help, as it can get very choppy.
Setting Sail from Baltimore
Our trip to Fastnet began in the picturesque village of Baltimore. With its colourful houses and harbourside bars and restaurants, it’s a great place to spent a night or two. We headed down to the pier where we could see the Cape Clear Ferries boat and joined the queue.
READ MORE: One day in beautiful Baltimore, West Cork
After a while we were separated into another queue. It turned out the boat at the pier was going directly to Cape Clear Island. This made a lot of sense considering people in the queue had arrived with massive bags, dogs and all sorts! Our tour was heading to Fastnet before Cape Clear Island, so we had to wait for another one. Thankfully it didn’t take to long to appear and we were soon on our way.
As the boat pulled away from the mainland, we were treated to beautiful views back towards the village and alone the rugged coastline. Soon we sailed past the Baltimore Beacon, watching over us from the clifftop, and headed out to open sea.
Circling Fastnet Lighthouse
Before too long we were quickly approaching Fastnet. The boat trip out to the rock took about 45 minutes. Once we got close enough the boat slowed so we could appreciate the imposing structure.
At this point the sheer drama of its setting becomes clear. Rising from a jagged outcrop, surrounded by crashing waves, Fastnet is remote and awe-inspiring. We slowly circled the lighthouse a couple of times to take it in from all angles, while more details about the structure and it’s completion were shared via the onboard commentary.
It’s hard to imagine the lives of the lighthouse keepers who spent four weeks at a time in this isolated and remote location. After two weeks off they would be back for another four weeks. It may have been some consolation that there were four keepers on the island at any one time but I guess that depends on whether they go on with each other or not!
While we had plenty of opportunity to get photos, I had hoped that we could get a little longer at the rock. In total, we circled the rock for a little less than fifteen minutes. All to soon Fastnet was slipping away from our view. At least we still had Cape Clear Island to look forward to.
Afternoon on Cape Clear Island
Cape Clear Island, or Oileán Chléire, is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island. It’s a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) island but you shouldn’t have any problem using English. If you do have cúpla focal (a few words) though, it could be a good opportunity to put them to practice.
We spent a couple of hours walking the hilly roads on the island. The scenery was stunning, with stone walls, rolling hills and dramatic ocean views in every direction. Unfortunately neither the the Heritage Centre of gift shop were open as it was just the start of the season.
However, there was a small restaurant and shop open by the harbour. So after our walk we ordered some food and a refreshing cold drink and sat outside. We just relaxed and enjoyed some people watching until the boat returned to collect us. A few people braved the water in the bay in front of us and we spotted the two musicians from Trasna hauling their gear over to the pier. A poster in a nearby window confirmed they had played there the previous night.
Wildlife
While on your trip, keep an eye on what’s happening in the water around you. West cork is renowned for sightings of whales, dolphin and basking sharks. You’ll be passing through some of the bests spots to see these amazing creatures and if there’s a chance to see them, the skipper will make a detour.
Someone on our trip thought they had spotted something in the water and we turned back to take a look. Unfortunately, we didn’t find anything but you might get lucky. The night before out trip, while watching sunset from the Baltimore Beacon, we spotted a basking shark in the water. José noticed the movement in the water and luckily for us another photographer had a drone up in the vicinity. We were able get a zoomed in view of the basking shark via their screen, which was pretty incredible.
Tips for your trip to Fastnet Lighthouse
- Book in advance: The Fastnet Rock tours are seasonal and can fill up fast.
- Wear layers: Even in summer, the sea air is brisk and it can get very chilly.
- Bring snacks and water: Especially if you’re planning to walk the trails on Cape Clear.
- Charge your camera/phone: You’ll want to capture every stunning moment.
Back in Baltimore
After your trip enjoy a meal or drink in the village. If you can grab a spot outside on a sunny evening to enjoy the sunset, even better! Alternatively, head to the Baltimore Beacon for sunset. It’s a lovely walk to the beacon and only takes about 20 minutes. Watching to sun go down behind Sherkin Island is lovely way to end your day of adventure.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Casey’s of Baltimore. It was my second stay here and I will definitely return again. The staff are so lovely and really helpful too. The food is great. There are heaps of options for breakfast, which includes a hot meal and continental buffet. We had an evening meal in the bar too which was fab. On arrival you are also treated to a complimentary scone and tea or coffee. I think this is such a lovely touch, particularly as many people will have travelled a long distance.
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