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Bantry Bay Blueway has become Ireland’s first water-based trail, designed to tempt visitors out onto the waters of the Wild Atlantic Way to explore Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island.
The trail invites visitors out onto Bantry Bay to enjoy a host of activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing available in the area. On Whiddy Island, and around the bay, you’ll find information boards with trail maps, safety details, and tips on equipment hire and tuition.
The three trails available are graded for beginners, intermediate, and advanced kayakers, so people of all ages and abilities can get out onto the water.
The famous bay runs approximately 35 km (22 mi) from northeast to southwest into the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately 3-to-4 km (1.8-to-2.5 miles) wide at the head, and 10 km (6.2 mi) wide at the entrance. Two of West Cork’s inhabited islands – Bere and Whiddy – are located within Bantry Bay.
The project has been developed over the last number of months by the Bantry Bay Port Company in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the Irish Sports Council National Trails Office, Canoeing Ireland, BIM and Fáilte Ireland. The Blueway is a welcome initiative that will help to draw more visitors out to Whiddy Island to make the most of their visit to the exhilarating Wild Atlantic Way.
Useful Information
Check out the Bantry Bay Blueway Guide here.
The Whiddy Island Pontoon and access gangway are suitable for craft of up to 3mtr draft. Full operating rules are available here. Contact the Harbour Office, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry (+353 (0)27 53277 or harbourmaster@bantrybayport.com for details and charges.
For more details about exploring the Bantry Blueway from Whiddy Island, contact Tim O’Leary on 086 862 6734.