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Bioluminescent Swim Experience in West Cork
5.0
9 Ratings
Castletownshend
Dive into West Corkâs bioluminescent waters, learn the lore, and end the night by a cozy fire. Experience marine magic like never before.
Dive into West Corkâs bioluminescent waters, learn the lore, and end the night by a cozy fire. Experience marine magic like never before.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Castletownshend - This unique bioluminescent swim is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Each night, we accommodate up to eight participants, with two guides always on hand. Many participants often describe this as the highlight of their visit to Ireland.
- Castletownshend - This unique bioluminescent swim is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Each night, we accommodate up to eight participants, with two guides always on hand. Many participants often describe this as the highlight of their visit to Ireland.
What's Included
- Swim buoys, goggles, lights at a special wavelength and warm blankets for afterwards
- Wetsuits provided
- Tea and coffee
- Swim buoys, goggles, lights at a special wavelength and warm blankets for afterwards
- Wetsuits provided
- Tea and coffee
Additional Information
Weâll begin our evening with a bit of background, getting you acquainted with this amazing phenomenon. This will include the science and the lore that surrounds bioluminescence. Then, as the night sets in, weâll head for a refreshing dip very close to the shore. Armed with, wetsuits, swim buoys and lights, weâll embrace the waters, hoping to beâŠ
Weâll begin our evening with a bit of background, getting you acquainted with this amazing phenomenon. This will include the science and the lore that surrounds bioluminescence. Then, as the night sets in, weâll head for a refreshing dip very close to the shore. Armed with, wetsuits, swim buoys and lights, weâll embrace the waters, hoping to be surrounded by the natural luminescence that has, over the years, become a part of West Corkâs legacy. We stay in water that participants can stand in or is less than 10m away from the shoreline but participants do need to be able to swim. But the night doesnât end with the dip. As we return to the sands, a fire pit awaits, casting its warm glow over the beach. Itâs here that weâll settle down, sipping on a comforting hot drink and sharing stories of the sea, of the land, and of the people whoâve called it home.
- Not recommended for travellers that cannot swim
Location
Castletownshend
We meet at to Castlehaven Strand about 2km southwest of Castletownshend village. It's about 12 minutes outside Skibbereen and it's a very scenic coastal section of the Wild Atlantic Way.
https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/51.51800/-9.18871
The house just above the strand has the Eircode P81TF86
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Saralv431qw
Sep 16, 2024
One of the most unique experiences possible! - Conor and Celine were super friendly and knowledgeable. Very safety and fun focussed. The stories are a brilliant addition. I have recommended this tour to everyone I have spoken to since.
Plus, Conor also very kindly answered some followup questions about the equipment he used. Which was super sound.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D9577fbjeffreyf
Sep 13, 2024
AMAZING SWIM EXPERIENCE! - I have traveled in many countries, and had the opportunity to experience many things. And this experience one of my all time favorites! To start, this is a small family-run excursion. And Conor and his family are amazing hosts. In the course of the evening you truly feel like you all become friends. There was no sense of being rushed through a tourist experience. It felt like you and your old friends decided to meet up for a brisk moonlight swim.
The night of my swim there was a full moon, and that reduced our ability to observe the sparkling bioluminescence organisms. However, after the clouds moved in, the sea lit up with what looked like tiny glowing diamonds suspended in the inky water. It was so, so peaceful.
After the swim there was a fire and hot tea waiting on shore. And we stood around the warm flames as Conor shared traditional Irish legends and local family folklore. This is an amazing travel experience. It really made me feel like less of a tourist and more a local.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
650emerb
Sep 13, 2024
Bioluminescence Swim Experience - My partner and I met Conor at the Gormu Bioiluminescence Swimming Experience strand near Castlehaven at the very end of August 2024.
He showed us around, let us know what the eveningâs plan would be and got us settled. He began by setting up the strand with helpful lighting, all the equipment we needed for the swim and a fantastic fire. We couldnât have been cosier. Conor gave us a wonderful introduction to what Bioluminescence, how it works and what we could see and experience. Before we went to the water he shared his gift of story telling which transported us to days gone by. After this we readied ourselves with wetsuits, booties, swimming hats and googles and safety bouys (all provided) and off we went. We were so lucky as the conditions were perfect for our swim as Conor had predicted. We spent a half an hour in the water and experienced the bioluminescence the entire time. It was pure magic. After we got out and changed into our warm clothes Conor had hot tea and snacks waiting for us. He shared another great story with us while sitting around the roaring fire. It was a really fantastic experience and we were thrilled to have had Conor as a guide. I would highly recommend this experience. Thank you Conor!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F9267nfmaryo
Sep 12, 2024
A truly wonderful experience, a wonder of nature in a truly wonderful location with wonderful people! - What a wonderful experience! As a 70+, I was filled with trepidation driving to the beach to meet the group. From the moment I arrived, the warm welcome and introductions not to mention the very professional organisation evident in the quality and scope of the equipment provided, put me completely at ease. The sight of the glowing fire pit reassured me that I would be able to warm up quickly afterwards. The lovely couple running the event, Celine and Conor couldnât have done more to put us at ease explaining the nature of bioluminescence, how to use the equipment and telling some entertaining stories as we waited for full darkness then guiding us into the sea and unobtrusively monitoring us all the time as we swam around in the dark enjoying the wonders of bioluminescence. When we came ashore, within moments we were being offered rugs, hot drinks and sweet treats and as we sat around the fire pit we chatted and were treated to more storytelling. It was a truly wonderful experience, shared with lovely people and absolutely not to be missed - treat yourself!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U651sqmaryc
Sep 8, 2024
A Magical Evening in West Cork - When my B&B host recommended this and it was right down the street from where I was staying (Atlantic House B&B) I had to give it a try. Hands down, such a unique and rewarding experience. Any one of the elements-- swimming in the ocean at night with a group of friendly people (and all the safety gear), experiencing the bioluminescence
phenomena, a cozy fire pit after with hot tea and storytelling-- a truly once in a lifetime experience and I would highly recommend it. Magical.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary
Sep 3, 2024
A Magical Seasonal Experience not to be missed - A surreal scene as we waited in the gathering darkness, eventually the scene was set. The slip lit only by a line of small fairy lights and each swimmer carrying a swim buoy with a necessary light incert. As we slipped seamlessly into the dark water, a glistening shimmering world enveloped us. We moved gently along in a trail of gossamer sparkles that moved with us. Meanwhile the fire pit glowed warmly awaiting our return from the magical shoreline to warm drinks and treatsâŠ
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pcb61
Aug 20, 2024
Fairy lights in the water! - The scene was set and the beach was beautifully lit by candles. Wetsuits, goggles and swim hats were provided and a warm fire burned on the beach.
Conor told a couple of delightful stories while we waited for darkness. We set off into the water not knowing how good the bioluminescence was going to be and it didnât disappoint. It really was amazing, like fairy lights everywhere. We came out to more stories by the fire and a hot drink. This was a really professional experience run by a delightful couple. Donât hesitate to go!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Uligroetsch
Aug 10, 2024
Be sure to do it! - All activities with Gormu were an absolute highlight of our holiday. Conor's a great guy. We really highly recommend this venture. The coldness of the Atlantic is not really felt under the wetsuit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariemcaree
Oct 13, 2023
Awesome just amazing! âš - We loved everything about this. Being immersed in the bioluminence is just awesome and we felt very safe at all times.
Hot drinks afterwards with brilliant storytelling were just the perfect round off to a wonderful even
Review provided by Tripadvisor
