1 hour and 45 minutes
Moderate
There's something inherently mesmerising about the Atlantic when dusk turns to dark. West Cork, with its rugged coastlines and captivating seascapes, hosts a secret many are yet to discover: a natural marine light show unlike any other. We're talking about a quiet, secluded beach along the famous Wild Atlantic Way, where the waters come alive with the glow of bioluminescence.
Locally, this spectacle isn't just science; it's steeped in culture and history. Known locally as baraois, in other parts of Ireland it is called gealach an fharraige or the 'moon of the sea'. It holds tales of old—a beacon for fishermen returning from their nocturnal ventures and stories of sailors who navigated by its glow.
We’ll begin our evening with a bit of background, getting you acquainted with the phenomenon and the lore that surrounds it. Then, as the night sets in, we'll head for a refreshing dip close to the shore. Armed with swimbuoys and lights, we'll embrace the waters, hoping to be surrounded by the natural luminescence that has, over the years, become a part of West Cork's legacy.
But the night doesn't end with the dip. As we return to the sands, a special low-smoke fire-pit awaits, casting its warm glow over the beach. It's here that we'll settle down, sipping on a comforting hot drink and sharing stories of the sea, of the land, and of the people who've called it home in the traditional seanchaí style of storytelling.
Join us for a unique immersion into West Cork’s marine magic; it's an experience you'll carry with you long after you've left our shores.
You will need a swimsuit and warm clothes for afterwards.
You will need a swimsuit and warm clothes for afterwards.