Island hopping in West Corks 100 Islands!
Island hopping on Carberys 100 Isles in Cork!
Try kayaking and head off to explore the majestic archipelago of islands with its pristine waters, a former haunt of seafaring clans, pirates and fishermen. There are still lots of sailors around here and fisherman but only a handful of pirates!If you find this too adventurous take a private chauffeur tour of Ireland.
This coastline was inundated with Dutch, Irish and British pirates in the 17th century. The nearby ‘black castle’ on Dunbeacon was pirate central. The coastline in Roaringwater bay with its caves, hidden inlets and hard to navigate waters were away from the reach of the authorities. This trade of illicit goods gave rise to inns, drinking dens and numerous brothels to satisfy the sea weary pirates after their time on the high seas gaining ill-gotten booty. Many of the townspeople were happy to trade with the pirates and a whole economy developed along this wild and rugged part of Ireland. Behind the largest island of Clear (not kayakable! ) is the Fastnet rock, the ‘teardrop of Ireland ‘as it was known to past emigrants, being their last view before heading to the America to start a new life.
Baltimore is a busy sailing town complete with a castle was where the infamous ‘Sack of Baltimore’ occurred in the 17th century where Algerian corsairs sailed into the harbour in the dead of night and stole most of the village to be transported to Africa as slaves. There are nice pubs and eateries and it’s a nice spot to relax and watch the fishing boats and perhaps reflect on those poor unfortunates.
Many of the smaller islands the Skeams (except skeam west), Heir island, Castle island with O’Donovan Mores’ castle ruins , Horse island and Sherkin with is Franciscan Abbey and O’Driscoll castle (ruins) can be accessed easily. The Skeams can be navigated around although Skeam West is a home. Heir Island is a beautiful place with a sailing school and ridiculously laidback vibe. Lovely little walks and beaches on these islands and great opportunities for swimming, birdwatching or fishing.
Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons and other more plentiful birdlife, dolphins or if very lucky the odd whale. For botanists there is a vast array of plants and flowers on these islands, the warm Gulf Stream first touches Irish soil here and helps produce many rare and unusual species.
There is a seal colony off Spanish island have a look from a polite distance but be nice because they can chase and bite! Head down the Ilen estuary for a look perhaps and paddle by Inishbeg.
Without giving too many secrets away there are island beaches, coves, caves, sea stacks, ancient Abbeys, and old famine farmhouse ruins to be explored. Many of the islands are deserted and you may find yourself the sole visitor! Keep an eye out for a famous actors peach coloured castle!
Check weather conditions, a calm sea and light winds are ideal. Don’t be too adventurous if inexperienced as it could be a tough paddle back if weather or currents are not favourable! And never go alone or without telling someone your plan.