fastnet rock boat tours

Fastnet Rock

Standing isolated in the invigorating Atlantic Ocean, some 3.5 nautical miles southwest of picturesque Cape Clear Island, you’ll find a very recognisable granite tower.

Perched along on the Wild Atlantic Way’s stunning  West Cork stretch , the unmistakable Fastnet Rock Lighthouse or ‘Carraig Aonair’ (meaning “lonely rock”), has been a guiding light since the 19th century.

Operated by  Cape Clear Ferries , exciting boat tours around this unforgettable lighthouse can be taken from the idyllic local fishing villages of  Baltimore  and  Schull .

From either village, you’ll set sail over the waves and experience one of Ireland’s most iconic lighthouses from the sea itself. For generations, the majestic and isolated Fastnet Rock has fired the imaginations of onlookers. Sentimentally known as ‘Ireland’s Teardrop’, it was, for many thousands of emigrants, the last Irish structure seen as their ship carried them over the waves and away to new lives in America.

Today, you can take in all its rugged beauty without a tear shed, by stepping aboard the Fastnet Tour! You’ll chart a course for Cape Clear – one of West Cork’s charming unspoilt Gaeltacht islands – to learn more about the famous lighthouse and spot lively dolphins with beautiful Roaringwater Bay as your backdrop.

At the North Harbour, either hop on the bus or walk to the Island’s Heritage Centre where you’ll discover tales of shipwrecks and learn just how Fastnet came to be built, taking in the touching memorials as you go. After some free time for lunch or a welcome cup of coffee, you’ll be back on board the ferry – circumnavigating the rock at close quarters twice – perfect for that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

A quick history

• From 1818-1854, the south-west corner of Ireland was marked by a lighthouse at the highest point of the southern cliffs of Cape Clear Island. With the loss of the American ship, Stephen Whitney, near Crookhaven in 1847, coupled with the fact that the lighthouse was often shrouded in mist, it was decided to reposition the Cape Clear light to Fastnet Rock, 6.5km south-west of Cape Clear.
• The Titanic sailed past on her maiden voyage to New York in 1912.
• On May 7th 1915, its keepers, probably peering out from the seventh floor balcony, saw a German submarine cheekily surface to buy the morning’s catch from a local Irish fishing boat. It was reported that the keepers warned the Royal Navy, but to no avail. That same day, the U-boat sank the Lusitania, killing 1,200 civilians on their way from America.
• Fastnet Rock Lighthouse was automated and converted to an unwatched lighthouse at the end of March 1989.

Did you know?

• Fastnet is the tallest and widest rock lighthouse tower in Ireland and Great Britain. Rising 177 ft out of the ocean.
• The children on Cape Clear were taught to include the Fastnet lighthouse keepers in their nightly prayers.
• Voted the fifth ‘Best Lighthouse’ in Europe by  European Best Destinations .
• The Fastnet tour featured in National Geographic’s run down of  The Best of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way .
• It is one of 65 lighthouses operated by the  Commissioners of Irish Lights  around the coast of Ireland and continues to provide a vital role in maritime safety today.

Booking Information

Baltimore and Schull, Co Cork

Tours recommence on Easter Sunday, April 9th 2023

7 days | Operates mid April-October subject to weather and availability.

Departs daily from 10am onwards.

Day tours and twilight evening tours available. Check the website for up-to-date sailing times.

Adult: €44 Student: €30 Child (3-12): €12 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children): €100

[email protected]

+353 (0) 2839159 or +353 (0) 873899711

Killybegs Sea Safari

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The latest from Ireland's southern most island 

Fastnet Exhibition and multimedia display in the Heritage Centre

Locate places to go and see around Cape Clear Island

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• Fastnet Tour
• Tourist Info
• Accommodation
• Food and Drink
• Island Shops
• Irish Colleges
• Cape Clear Bus
• Things To Do
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• On the water

Cape Clear Ferries & Fastnet Tours depart Baltimore Pier all year long, and from Schull Pier in June, July and August to the enchanting Gaeltacht Island of Cape Clear. Tours to the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse only operate during the summer months.

There is a minimum of three return sailings daily April to September from Baltimore to Cape Clear Island and two sailings daily October to March. Sailings from Schull are on varied days throughout June, July, and August. There is a reciprocal ticketing arrangement with the Schull Ferry Service, whereby passengers can embark on one ferry and return on another. Short detours on scheduled sailings can be arranged when whales, dolphins or basking sharks are spotted in the open waters.

Experience the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse tour and see magnificent views around the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. 'An Carraig Aonair' also known as the 'Teardrop of Ireland', was the last part of Irish soil seen by immigrant ships, as they sailed away from Irish shores and disappeared over the horizon bound for America.

All sailings and ferry crossings are weather permitting, as passenger comfort and safety is paramount to ensure a pleasant trip.

• Operates a ferry service from Baltimore and Schull to Cape Clear Island.
• See the tallest and widest rock lighthouse tower in Ireland on the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse Tour.
• Enjoy the spectacular West Cork coastal scenery and sea views.
• Look out for seals, whales, dolphins and basking sharks on your ferry crossing.
• Visit the picturesque harbour villages of Baltimore and Schull, as well as Cape Clear Island.

We recommend planning to spend 3 to 6 hours here.

Absorb the variety of scenery on offer at Schull Harbour in County Cork, from coastal views in the south to rocky vistas of Mount Gabriel in the north.

Take a trip to the large natural harbour of Baltimore Harbour along the coast of West Cork.

Fastnet Marine And Outdoor Education Centre is based in Schull, County Cork. They run a series of non-residential five-day sailing courses during June, July and August based on the I.S.A five level proficiency scheme.

Cape Clear Heritage Centre in County Cork boasts a fascinating range of artefacts from the Island’s history collected over 30 years and these are complimented by meticulous research and recordings into all aspects of Cape Clear Island’s past.

Cape Clear Island in County Cork is 5km long by 2km wide with sparkling harbours, cliffs, bogs and lakes. The Observatory allows for great bird watching. Hostel type accommodation is available on the island for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Experience Mizen Head on the glorious Mizen Peninsula in County Cork. Visit the Mizen Head Irish Lights Signal Station at Ireland's most south-westerly point.

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• Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
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• Snorkelling Go It Alone Trip
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Rock Lighthouse “Tear Drop of Ireland”

West Cork has a rugged coastline, riddled with islands, castles, harbours and inlets that provide a haven for seals and bird life. If the weather does not lend itself for an offshore adventure, then there is always the beautiful Roaringwater Bay, Carbery's 100 Isles, Kedges, Cape Clear, Sherkin as most islands provide a sheltered / lea side for calmer conditions.  A highlight for visitors is an evening boat tour:

Sunset Tours

Sunset tours to the Fastnet Rock with her elegant lighthouse to catch the amazing light and colours particularly on sunny evenings on board the Wave Chieftain.  Tours depart from the main steps on the ferry pier.  The departure time obviously depends on the time of sunset but typically is between 6 and 8pm. On this 3 to 3.5 hour tour the boat typically cruises on the south side of Sherkin Island, past the Gasnanane Sound and Cape Clear before venturing across the Fastnet Sound to this beautiful lighthouse.  After circumnavigating the lighthouse we return to Baltimore harbour via Roaringwater Bay to see some of Carbery 100 Isles or the south side of the islands if there are likely sightings of whales and dolphins.

Vibrant red skies - subject to weather conditions of course, and regulalor sightings of whales and dolphins (as well as seals) along this beautiful offshore cruise of Ireland's most southwesterly coastal waters. Rugged cliffs, rockes, islands, harbours, sea caves and sea arches populated by sea birds as well as basking sharks (in Spring and Summer), Mola-Mola or sunfish and occasionally orca or killer whales.

(subject to weather & minimum numbers) Online ticket purchase options close 24 hrs prior to each tour so for last minute availability call +353 877961456

Book (online) to reserve your spaces commission-free with a credit card & if the calendar does not list the tour for your preferred date contact us as we can add more tours to the schedule (subject to minimum numbers and suitable sea conditions).

• Price pp € 50.00 and children under 12 years old (primary school age) get a discount when accompanied by an adult.
• All young people (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult.
• 3 to 3.5 hours tour from Baltimore harbour.
• Departure time is between 6pm and 8pm (your ticket may say 6.30pm but we will confirm a change to the time if necessary depending on time of year / season.
• Bring your own hot or cold drinks & snacks on board the Wave Chieftain (but take all back home at the end of the tour).
• We provide lifejackets on board (under 18s must wear these during the cruise whilst for adults it is optional).
• As spaces are limited we have to operate a strict cancellation policy. Free cancellation - 7 days prior to your booked tour.
• All boat trips are subject to minimum numbers & weather. We will therefore confirm your trip 1 to 2 days in advance. In case we have to cancel the tour, you will be offered an alternate trip, a voucher or a full refund.
• For safety and passenger comfort - should sea conditions be too rough for the Fastnet then a diversion round the islands in Roaringwater Bay may be necessary.

Fastnet Lighthouse - History

The Fastnet Lighthouse is one of the most exposed in the world and is the tallest and widest rock lighthouse tower in Ireland and Great Britain. Also known as the Teardrop of Ireland (thousands of emigrants wiped away a tear when they ventured to the New World, unsure if they would ever set foot on Ireland again), the current lighthouse dates from the early 20th century and measures 54 metres (or 49 above mean high water springs) as some courses of the stonework are below the surface. It replaced a cast iron structure built on An Charraig Aonair (or lonely rock) in the 1850s.

The first lighthouse here was commissioned on January 1st, 1854.  However, due to the building material (cast iron) suffering from the pounding winter storms and salt air it was decided to replace it with a granite tower which took 5 years to build and was completed in 1904.  The granite blocks from Cornwall totalled 2,074 inter-locking stones, weighing from 1¾ to 3 tons and the lighthouse measures 54 mtr with a white flashing light every 5 seconds. and a range of 27 nautical miles (50 km). The Fastnet Lighthouse was manned by four crew but eventually became automated and converted to unwatched at the end of March 1989. A inner circular staircase leads to 7 floor levels.

• 1st floor Store Room. It used to store the gun cotton for the fog signal.
• 2nd floor Oil Room and pump for forcing the oil up to a small supply tank in the lantern.
• 3rd floor Spare bedroom for workmen.
• 4rd floor Main storeroom with presses and shelving. There was a special felt lined cupboard for storing the detonators for the fog signal charges.
• 5th floor Kitchen with a cooking range, a circular table, a bookcase, shelving and a white glazed stoneware washing up sink.
• 6th floor Bedroom for the for the lightkeepers with bunks, a wardrobe, lockers, shelves and a rail with sliding hooks.
• 7th Floor Service room with a cast iron rainwater tank, the wireless telegraphic instruments, a sink, a wash-hand-basin, cupboards and shelves for light room utensils and stores. The windows were louvred to give bottom ventilation to the lantern.

The Corporation of Trinity House sanctioned the first lighthouse, a cast iron tower (cast-iron plates bolted together, with an inner lining of brick) designed by George Halpin, in 1848 to replace the Cape Clear Lighthouse, which was too far inside the dangers, too high and too foggy. This was, following a shipping disaster of the sinking of the Stephen Whitney and the loss of life of 92 or her 110 passengers and crew on 10 November 1847. Three dwellings were built at Rock Island at the entrance to Crookhaven Harbour to house the Lightkeepers’ families. The Tower was finished in 1853 and the light first shown on January 1st. 1854. The total cost including the dwellings was £20,000. On November 26th. 1881 a similar tower on the Calf Rock was carried away in a gale. In the same gale the sea broke the glass on the Fastnet lantern. In 1883 an explosive fog signal was installed. A charge of gun cotton was electrically fired every five minutes during fog or thick haze. In 1891 the Irish Lights Board resolved that the light on the Fastnet was not powerful enough for its position as the principal landfall light on the southwest coast. They applied for the sanction of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House to build a new tower to make it the best possible light.

Mr. William Douglass, the Commissioners of Irish Lights’ engineer, surveyed the Rock for a new site for the tower. He proposed a granite tower 42ft in diameter at the lowest course and 147ft in height with the focal plane of the light at 159ft above high-water mark. The cost was estimated at £70,387 and after much negotiation between the Commissioners, the Board of Trade and Trinity House, the Board of Trade sanctioned the expenditure for the building of the new Lighthouse on November 28th 1895. Mr. Douglass increased the diameter of the base of the tower to 52ft. The first course of stone is 6ft below high-water mark. The first ten courses are built into the natural rock. After twenty-five courses there are 5 courses with built-in water storage tanks. The entrance floor is at a height of 57.75ft above high water. The first courses were laid in June 1899 and the masonry work was completed in May 1903. A total of 89 courses consisting of 2,074 stones, having a nett cubic content of 58,093 cubic feet and weighing 4,300 tons, were landed and set in 118 working days. In addition 4,500 cubic feet of granite blocks used to fill in holes in the foundation and the space between tower and rock up to the level of the entrance gallery. The granite stones were brought from Messrs. John Freeman and Sons of Penryn, Cornwall. Good hard granite was needed for the base, but as it would be covered with seaweed its pure colour and coarse grain were not important. For the upper courses, hard fine-grained uniform coloured stone was bought. The stones were cut with dovetail joints in all directions to interlock and give strength to the tower. No stone can be removed unless all stones are removed from above it. This system of dovetail toggles bonds the entire structure into a monolith. The entire tower was erected in sections of 6 – 8 courses in the contractor’s yard in Cornwall where Mr. Douglass or Mr. Foot, the Resident Engineer, inspected them before they were dismantled and transported to Rock Island. They were checked rigorously at the Rock Island yard again before they were transported on the Ierne to the Fastnet Rock. The beautiful Cornish granite tower, designed to withstand the force of the Atlantic took five years to build.

The new light was established on 27th June 1904. The 1854 light was discontinued and the cast-iron tower dismantled down to its lower room which became an oil store. The light source was converted from vaporised paraffin to electric on 10th May 1969 and has a range of 28 nautical miles and power of 2,500,000 candelas. An explosive fog signal was established on Fastnet in 1887. This was transferred to the new tower in 1904. The explosive fog signal was replaced by an electric horn in 1974. As part of a radionavigation plan for the Irish coast a Racon (radar transponder beacon) was established at Fastnet Lighthouse in 1994. On 11 January 2011, as a result of a review of aids to navigation, the fog signal at Fastnet was permanently discontinued.

• Trips are weather dependant and subject to minimum numbers. 
• If we have to cancel a trip, you will be offered an alternative date OR a full refund.
• You must confirm your reservation with us ideally 2 days/48 hours prior to the tour but certainly no later than 24 hours beforehand, either by email  [email protected]  or text/sms +353877961456 (use WhatsApp).  
• There is no refund for “No Shows” on the day OR cancellations not confirmed by email to  [email protected]
• If you cancel giving a minimum of 48 hours’ notice you will be offered an alternate date OR a voucher OR a full refund.  Refunds for cancellations giving less than 24 hours are at the discretion of Aquaventures Ltd.
• All cancellations, request changes to your dates or increase / decrease of passenger numbers must be notified to Aquaventures NOT 3rd party / booking agents / hotel reception staff etc. giving a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.
• All prices are in Euros and include any sales tax where applicable.
• Dogs or pets are generally not accepted on board except for guide dogs / trained assistance dogs (please advise us in advance).
• Not wheelchair accessible.

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Fastnet Lighthouse: The Story Behind ‘Ireland’s Teardrop’ And How You Can Visit It

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

I first heard the story of Fastnet Lighthouse (often referred to as ‘Fastnet Rock’) in the summer of 2018.

It was mid-July, the sun was blazing, and I was sat outside Bushe’s Bar in Baltimore wondering why I’d ordered a lava-like cup of coffee on what was one of the hottest days of the summer.

It was on my 7th or 8th failed attempt at trying to take a sip without burning the mouth off myself that I overheard the story of Fastnet Lighthouse, and where the nickname ‘ Ireland’s Teardrop ‘ originated.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from where to get the Fastnet Ferry from to the sad aul story behind the Rock’s nickname. 

Some quick need-to-knows about Fastnet Lighthouse

Photo by David OBrien on shutterstock.com

A visit to Fastnet Rock is arguably one of the most unique things to do in West Cork (especially the sunset tour!).

Although a visit to here is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Fastnet Rock (known as Carraig Aonair in Irish – translates to “lonely rock”) lies roughly 6.5 km southwest of Cape Clear Island , off the coast of West Cork.

2. Ireland’s Teardrop

Fastnest rock earned the nickname ‘ Ireland’s Teardrop ‘ as it was the last part of Ireland that many 19th-century Irish emigrants saw as they sailed across to North America.

3. The Fastnet Rock tour

There are several different ferry providers offering tours around Fastnet Lighthouse (not onto the island itself – you just sail around it). You’ll find info on each of the tours below.

4. Ireland’s tallest and widest

Interestingly enough, Fastnet is to tallest and widest rock lighthouse in Ireland (and in Great Britian, as it happens). 

A brief history of Ireland’s Teardrop

Photos via shutterstock.com

Many never returned. It’s been nearly a full year since I heard where the name came from, yet the story behind the it keeps coming back to me, often several times a week.

The thought of the emotion that those passing Fastnet must have been experiencing en route to what they hoped would be a better life must have been incredible.

A tragic event led to the construction of the first  lighthouse 

Fastnet Rock (known as Carraig Aonair in Irish – translates to “lonely rock”) lies roughly 6.5 kilometres southwest of Cape Clear Island, off the coast of Cork.

The decision for Fastnet Lighthouse to be built came after a tragic event on a foggy evening on November 10th, 1847.

A ship known as ‘The Stephen Whitney’, which was making its way from New York City to Liverpool, mistook the Crookhaven lighthouse for the lighthouse at the Old Head of Kinsale . The ship struck the head of West Calf Island, resulting in the loss of 92.

The first lighthouse

The first lighthouse was constructed with cast iron and completed several years after the incident in 1854.

However, the original structure proved no match to the intense weather conditions and it was soon in need of reinforcement.

The black base of the original lighthouse is still visible on top of the rock to this day. Not long after, in 1895, the decision was made to construct a new lighthouse and work began two years later.

The different Fastnet Rock Lighthouse tours

Photo by mikeypcarmichael on shutterstock.com

When it comes to tours, there are three types to choose from. The first is the direct ferry to Cape Clear Island that visits Fastnet Rock on the way back to Baltimore.

The second is the direct tour, where you skip Cape Clear and just visit Fastnet by itself. The third is the sunset tour, which is arguably one of the most unique things to do in Cork . 

1. Visit the lighthouse on the way back from Cape Clear

The first tour (note: link below is an affiliate link) is one that takes you over to Cape Clear Island, first, and allows you to explore the island for a bit.

You’ll then, on the return journey, take a spin around Fastnet Rock and get to see it up close and personal for yourself.

• Leaves from : Baltimore Harbour
• Cost (may change) : €49.84
• Duration : 6 hours in total
• More info : Right here

2. The direct tour

If you don’t fancy visiting Cape Clear, you can also head off on a direct tour to the lighthouse itself.

• Leaves from : Baltimore or Schull
• Cost (may change) : €50
• Duration : 2.5 – 3 hours

3. The sunset tour

If you fancy a very unique experience, the Fastnet Lighthouse sunset tours are well worth considering. The departure time varies depending on the time of sunset, usually between 6 and 8.

• Leaves from : Baltimore 
• Cost (may change) : €45
• Duration : 3.5 hours
• More info : Right here or here

Things to do near Fastnet Lighthouse

Photo by Sasapee (Shutterstock)

One of the beauties of Fastnet Lighthouse is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of other attractions, both man-made and natural.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Fastnet Rock (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Baltimore

Photo by Vivian1311 (Shutterstock)

Baltimore is one of my favourite towns in Cork . It’s a great spot for a bit of food and, if you fancy a ramble, you can head off on the Baltimore Beacon walk.

There’s also several West Cork whale watching tours that leave from here along with the ferry to nearby Sherkin Island . 

2. Some of West Cork’s top attractions

Photo via rui vale sousa (Shutterstock)

Fastnet Rock is a stone’s throw from many of the most popular places to visit in the region. Here are a few to check out:

• Lough Hyne (10-minute drive)
• Skibbereen (15-minute drive)
• Schull (30-minute drive)
• Barleycove Beach (55-minute drive)
• Mizen Head (1 hour drive)
• Brow Head (1 hour drive)

FAQs about visiting Ireland’s Teardrop

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where the name Ireland’s Teardrop came from to where to catch the ferry from.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Where is the Fastnet Rock?

Fastnet Rock lies roughly 6.5 km southwest of Cape Clear Island, off the coast of West Cork.

Can you visit Fastnet Lighthouse?

Although you can’t get into the lighthouse itself, you can see it from the comfort of a ferry on one of the Fastnet tours.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes! Especially if you do the tour that combines a visit to Cape Clear with a visit to the Rock.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sharon Smyth

Sunday 18th of December 2022

Great info and suggestions. Thanks, Keith Sharon

Phil Midgley

Wednesday 15th of December 2021

Brilliant. On my bucket list.

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Fastnet Rock Tour

• Baltimore, Co. Cork
• +3532839159
• www.capeclearferries.com/fastnet-rock-tour/
• [email protected]

Fastnet Rock, is a small, famous islet in the Atlantic Ocean and the most southerly point of Ireland. The rock, with its famous lighthouse perched on top, lies 6.5 kms/4 miles southwest of Cape Clear island and 13 kms/8 miles from the mainland.

Fastnet is known as "Ireland's Teardrop", because it was the last part of Ireland that 19th-century Irish emigrants saw as they sailed to North America.

Join your tour from either Schull or Baltimore in west Cork with a 45-minute crossing on the Cape Clear Island Ferry through the beautiful waters of Roaring Water Bay and arriving in the wonderful North Harbour on Cape Clear Island.

A shuttle bus service is provided from North Harbour to Cape Clear Heritage Centre for the Fastnet multimedia exhibition and return downhill on foot taking in the spectacular views. Viewing Fastnet memorials and Fastnet Rock in the distance en-route.

Back on board the ferry for the trip around the Rock itself. Where we will circumnavigate the Rock for the best views from all angles and that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. This part of the tour takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Some free time to spend on Cape Clear Island before heading back through the Bay of Island’s while keeping a good lookout for whales and dolphins in this area. There is lots to see and do on the Island, whether it is just to relax with a cuppa while enjoying the friendly Irish banter or heading for the hills on one of the recognised walking trails which don’t disappoint.

• 103.6 km from Cork Airport
•   101.2 km from Cork City centre

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Places to stay, rolfs country house & restaurant, inishbeg island, ard na gaoithe - cape clear, top of the hill, inish beg estate pirate trail, baltimore trails, baltimore castle, the yellow door, aquaventures - marine wildlife tours & diving, dún na séad - baltimore castle, baltimore sea safari, inishbeg estate gardens & pirate trail, whale watch west cork, dede at the customs house, baltimore fiddle fair.

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Fastnet Tours Sailing Advice

Fastnet tour sailing advice.

Passengers should present themselves for boarding at least 15 minutes prior departure to enable us to depart on time.

All passengers should allow adequate time for parking in both Schull and Baltimore during the busy season. We would recommend at least 30 mins.

There are shops, restaurants, and bars in both Schull and Baltimore where one can purchase refreshments before or after your trip.

The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse is located in the open sea and even during the summer sea conditions can be choppy at times. This is why we operate in fine weather only although you can book a ticket we will confirm all sailings 72-48 hrs before, according to the weather forecast. At the slim chance your ticket has to be cancelled we will, of course, offer you another sailing or your money back.  You will find the Fastnet forecast here.

As the Fastnet Rock is further out to sea and Ireland is famous for having all four seasons of weather in one day we recommend wearing several layers from a light tee-shirt to a coat and hat for the fresh sea breeze. Don’t forget the sun cream and most importantly the camera! If you plan on walking one of the marked walking trails we would also recommend appropriate footwear.

The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse is located in the open sea and even during the summer sea conditions can be choppy at times. This is why we operate in fine weather only although you can book a ticket we will confirm all sailings 72-48 hrs before, according to the weather forecast. At the slim chance your ticket has to be cancelled we will, of course, offer you another sailing or your money back.  You will find the Fastnet forecast here .

Life jackets are stored on board for each passenger but they are not permitted to be worn unless there is a case of an emergency as per department of marine recommendations.

Ferries are for Passengers Only. Cars are not permitted for visiting Cape Clear Island

Bicycles are permitted on board at a charge of €2.

Our ferries are dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on board as long as they have a suitable restraint/lead and are kept outside.

Once on board sit back, take in the sea air, and enjoy the spectacular views of Roaringwater Bay and this part of paradise.

Whilst on Board

Our ferries are the largest and most comfortable ferries operating in both Baltimore & Schull.

You can enjoy comfortable coach-style seating indoors for up to 95 persons.

There is a viewing deck on board with plenty of space for passengers to move Indoor heated seating and toilets on board all ferries.

VIEW OUR FERRY TOURS 

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Ferry Timetables

Our full timetables, all of the sailings are weather dependent, our full timetables - ár n-amchláir iomlána.

We operate all year round from Baltimore to Cape Clear Island. Fastnet Tours begin in April from Baltimore. Our Schull service to Cape Clear Island and the Fastnet Rock run from June – August.

• Baltimore to Cape Clear
• Cape Clear to Baltimore

Return Timetable

• Schull to Cape Clear
• Cape Clear to Schull

Baltimore to Fastnet Day Tour

Sailings from April to October

Departs Baltimore at 10.45am – Returns aprox. 5.00pm

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Schull to Fastnet Day Tour

Sailings from June to August

Departs Schull at 11.30am – Returns  aprox. 5.00pm

Fastnet Twilight Tour

Departs Baltimore at 6.00 pm June 7.00 pm July & August 

Returns at 9.15 pm June  10.15 pm July & August

Fastnet Direct Tour

Sailings from May to September

Departs  @1pm or 2pm from Baltimore. The Fastnet Twilight tours also have a direct option

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Cape Clear Ferries, The Pier, Baltimore, Co. Cork. Phone: +353 28 39159 Mobile: +353 87 3899711 Baltimore boat: +353 86 3465110 Schull Boat: +353 87 3899711

Our sister companies

Ferry Routes

• Fastnet Rock Tours

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Arrive early to give plenty of time for parking and we will be boarding 15 minutes before departure.

• No parking on the piers.
• There is free parking in Baltimore and Schull villages, but please beware that it get very busy during peak season so allow adequate time.
• Buggy friendly.

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