Twilight tours by boat of Fastnet are really rockin'

A WEST Cork ferry operator is keeping a weather eye out for the right conditions to take a twilight tour of the Fastnet.

Karen Cottrell, secretary of Cape Clear Ferries, said the company is hoping to repeat the success of its inaugural twilight tour, which took place on Sunday, July 16th last.

‘It was a great success,' said Karen, ‘because the company teamed up with the Séan Rua restaurant in the harbour on Cape Clear to provide up to 60 people with a night to remember.'

After enjoying a two-course meal featuring some of the area's finest and freshest seafood, Karen said the group then journeyed to the tallest and widest free-standing rock lighthouse in Ireland.

‘They got there around 9pm and had plenty of time to take their own personal photographs of the iconic lighthouse just as the sun was setting on the horizon.'

Karen said the trip also provides visitors and tourists alike with a rare opportunity to enjoy a star-lit sky on the return journey, free from artificial light, before enjoying a pint or two when they arrive in Baltimore. 

Karen confirmed that poor weather has hampered the company's plans to repeat the journey in recent weeks, but they are compiling a list of names of people who have expressed an interest in being part of the next twilight tour.

‘It has to be a good evening, weather-wise,' Karen said, ‘because people want to be able to enjoy the ferry ride, the meal at the restaurant, and a glorious sunset at the Fastnet.'

For more information go to: www.fastnettour.com.