Passionate about what we do
Ballycotton Sea Adventures was established in 2018 and for the past eight seasons thousands of people of all ages have enjoyed a bespoke adventure and uniquely memorable experience of visiting the iconic black Ballycotton Lighthouse. We operate a ferry from Ballycotton Pier which can carry up to 10 passengers across the bay to Ballycotton Island-a journey of about 10 minutes duration. The full tour takes approximately one and a half hours.
History & Folklore
Great lighthouses of Ireland
Now for the first time ever you can set foot onto the wild, natural and unspoilt island, climb up the original granite staircase of the black tower and enjoy the same incredible views from the lantern gallery that up to now only the lightkeepers could have experienced.
Sea Adventures
Bilingual tours
Each tour is led by one of our local, experienced guides who will accompany you at all times. Majority of the tours are let in English, but you can also ask for a tour in Gaeilge or book a Polish tour.
Once on the Island you will walk at a leisurely pace up the winding path to the lighthouse compound. As you climb you will take in the wonderful views of Ballycotton and the East Cork coastline and experience a huge variety of bird life- Cormorant, gannet, rock pipit and gulls of different types You may spot a seal near the landing or some dolphins in the bay or even a basking shark! Keep a look out for our small herd of resident goats who roam anywhere they wish on the island.
Our Guides
Local experts and storytellers
The guide will tell you of the shipwreck that led to the Lighthouse being built, how the light worked and changed over the years as well as regaling you about island life of the light keepers and their families and the challenges they had to face in years gone by.
Once you reach the Lighthouse compound at the top of the island you get to walk around the old cottages, see where the original fog signal bell tower was and then go into the tower where you get to climb the marvellous granite staircase inside to the viewing gallery at the very top. The 360 degree view from here has to be seen to be believed! On a clear day you will see the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse to the west and Mine Head Lighthouse to the east as well as the Galtee, Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountains to the north.
