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    Starlight Kayaking on the Wild Atlantic Way

    The Emerald Isle offers much more than lush green scenery… On your next getaway vacation in Ireland, why not take a breath of fresh air during a Kayaking adventure under the glittery starlight sky in West Cork, on the Wild Atlantic Way?

    Atlantic Sea Kayaking, West Cork. 

    Kayaking on the Wild Atlantic Way is a special enough adventure in itself, but Atlantic Sea Kayaking offer a little extra special sparkle with their Starlight Moonlight Tour on Lough Hyne in West Cork. Atlantic Sea Kayaking runs starlight/moonlight kayaking trips on Lough Hyne and at Castlehaven Bay throughout the year, weather permitting.

    Atlantic Sea Kayaking, West Cork ©Failte Ireland – Image Courtesy of Lukasz Warzecha (photographer/creator)

    Lough Hyne, West Cork. 

    It is believed that Lough Hyne was originally a freshwater lake up to 4000 years ago, when a rise in sea levels joined it with the Atlantic Ocean. It is now a highly sheltered, seawater basin connected to the Atlantic Ocean via a narrow inlet called Barloge Creek. Lough Hyne was designated as Europe’s first statutory Marine Nature Reserve in 1981 in order to protect the rich biodiversity that occurs within its depths. It supports many different marine habitats and environmental conditions.

    You’ll be treated to something spectacular on this special activity in Ireland – the night sky above twinkling with thousands of stars and thousands and thousands of tiny lights coming from the water below.

    After dark, this beautiful lake becomes a starry water world thanks to the presence of bioluminescent plankton and the best way to witness this phenomenon glittering beneath the still waters, is with a 2.5 hour tour with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. The Phytoplankton causes the glow-in-the-dark effect, so you feel like you are floating through the stars. This bioluminescence is one of the many rare attributes of this marine lake, fed by a tidal tap from the Atlantic.

    Here is a nice Youtube video by Bryan O’Brien and the Irish Times, highlighting a great place to “Go Wild in Ireland” among the scenic beauty of Lough Hyne in West Cork.

    If you are planning to spend some time exploring West Cork, you can learn more about Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve and unique salt-water lake, at Skibbereen Heritage Centre’s exhibition. Discover the history, folklore and formation of this renowned natural phenomenon and maybe if you are feeling extra energetic enjoy a walk up Knockomagh Hill, overlooking Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve (5km from Skibbereen Heritage Centre). This nature trail provides elevated views over the lough and a number of historic ruins and holy wells exist in the vicinity of the lough providing further interest.

    Inchydoney Lodge and Spa, West Cork. 

    For an extra sparkle in your eyes, treat yourself to a relaxing overnight stay at the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa located near Clonakilty, County Cork – Set overlooking two stunning beaches with endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa is long renowned as Ireland’s most exclusive and tranquil retreat. The Island Spa has fantastic facilities including the Seawater Therapy Pool, which pumps water in from the ocean outside. It’s a special getaway on the Wild Atlantic Way.

    Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, West Cork. Photographer: Chris Hill © Tourism Ireland

    A 5 Star Vacation in Ireland

    Plan a luxury 5 star personalized Irish Tour experience with Specialized Travel Services and explore everything that Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way and West Cork has to offer. It is guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime filled with everything you’ve ever dreamed of –  Irish culture, Irish heritage, Irish history, the Irish spirit, gourmet food, top quality accommodation, luxury transport, dramatic scenery and of course a warm Irish welcome.

    Tour the breath taking sights of the Emerald Isle with one of our qualified and professional chauffeur drivers and a luxury vehicle at your service throughout. Maybe you would like to add that extra bit of magic to your Ireland tour and stay in some of Ireland’s most prestigious castles or 5 star hotels on a dream luxurious vacation.

    Check out some of our Private Chauffeur Vacations for some inspiration for your special customized Ireland Tour –  Contact the team at Specialized Travel Services by completing the Contact form or send us an email with your requirements to newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com – We look forward to welcoming you back to our shores on your next vacation in Ireland.

    This lovely Irish phrase says it all ~ “An rud is annamh is iontach” meaning “The thing that’s seldom is wonderful”.

    The Moonlight/Starlight Kayaking Experience at Lough Hyne, West Cork, Co Cork © Failte Ireland – Image Courtesy of Lukasz Warzecha

     

     

    Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of The Moonlight/Starlight Kayaking Experience at Lough Hyne, West Cork, Co Cork © Failte Ireland – Image Courtesy of Lukasz Warzecha

    *Youtube video Copyright © Bryan O’Brien and the Irish Times


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      The Moonlight/Starlight Kayaking Experience at Lough Hyne, West Cork, Co Cork ©Failte Ireland - Courtesy of Lukasz Warzecha
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      Atlantic Sea Kayaking, West Cork ©Failte Ireland - Courtesy of Lukasz Warzecha
      Placeholder image
      The Moonlight/Starlight Kayaking Experience at Lough Hyne, West Cork, Co Cork © Failte Ireland - Courtesy of Lukasz Warzecha

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