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Dursey Boat Trips: Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way

Discover the wild beauty of the Beara Peninsula with Dursey Boat Trips: Islands, lighthouses, wildlife, and history await on the Wild Atlantic Way.

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Dursey Boat Trips offers unforgettable sea adventures along the rugged Beara Peninsula in West Cork. With knowledgeable local guides, explore Dursey Island, Bull Rock, and the surrounding waters, encountering diverse wildlife and captivating stories of lighthouses and shipwrecks. Operating seasonally from Garnish Pier, it's a must-do experience for nature and history enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Dursey Boat Trips

  • Monday 8 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Book in advance, especially during peak season (April-September), to secure your spot on a Dursey Boat Trip.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, as the area is rich in marine life and seabirds.
  • Wear layers and waterproof clothing, as the weather on the Atlantic coast can be unpredictable.
  • Combine your boat trip with a visit to Dursey Island via the cable car for a full day of exploration.
  • Arrive early at Garnish Pier to find parking, especially during the busy summer months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Dursey Boat Trips at Garnish Pier, begin in Castletownbere and follow the R572 west towards Dursey Island. Continue past Cahermore until you reach Garnish. The pier is well-signposted. Note that parking near the pier can be limited, especially during peak season. From Cork, the drive is approximately 2.5 hours via the N71 and R572. Consider local bus services from Castletownbere to the Dursey Cable Car, then a short taxi or walk to Garnish Pier.

  • Public Transport

    From Cork, take Bus Éireann route 231 to Castletownbere. From there, Bus Éireann route 263 will take you closer to Dursey Island. Alight at the Dursey Cable Car stop and take a taxi or walk approximately 6km to Garnish Pier. Bus fares from Cork to Castletownbere range from €12-€19. A taxi from the Dursey Cable Car stop to Garnish Pier will cost approximately €15-€20. Remember to check the bus schedules in advance, as services may be limited.

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Discover more about Dursey Boat Trips

Embark on an exhilarating journey with Dursey Boat Trips, a premier boat tour agency based in Garinish, County Cork, along Ireland's famed Wild Atlantic Way. This family-run business, launched in 2019, provides unique access to the stunning coastal landscapes and rich maritime history of the Beara Peninsula. Dursey Boat Trips operates out of Garnish Pier, taking passengers on tours around Dursey Island and out to Calf Rock, Cow Rock, and Bull Rock. The tours showcase the region's natural beauty, including abundant wildlife such as whales, dolphins, seals, and diverse seabirds like gannets and puffins. Choose from the popular Bull Rock Trip, which journeys around Dursey Island, revealing its Viking past, Gaelic chieftains, and tragic history. The trip continues to the wave-battered Cow Rock and Bull Rock, home to Ireland's largest gannet colony, with opportunities to pass through natural sea arches (weather permitting). Passengers will also hear tales of the courageous lighthouse keepers who manned Bull Rock from 1889 to 1991 and see the remains of the Calf Rock lighthouse destroyed in 1881. Alternatively, the Castletownbere Harbour Trip explores Bere Island, highlighting wildlife, history, lighthouses, and shipwrecks. Dursey Island itself offers a unique experience, accessible via Ireland's only cable car, which runs above the Dursey Sound. The island is ideal for walking, offering spectacular views and historical sites such as the Signal Tower.

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