Day Trips
Discover the stunning scenery and history of West Cork. Visit the three Peninsulas, Beara, Mizen and Sheep’s Head, all a short distance away, or the beautiful Bantry House and Gardens or Whiddy Island which is just one mile away.
Allow us to arrange some Days Trips for you.
Pony Trekking
Pony trekking is a wonderful way to experience the rugged beauty of West Cork. With breath-taking views over the West Cork coastline and the Kerry Mountains, there are private trails to suit all ages and abilities. You can also enjoy a ride through the ancient Deerpark forest, once part of the Bantry Estate before climbing above the tree line to the magnificent views of Bantry and Dunmanus bays.
Do not hesitate to enquire with us on any of the activities outlined.
Bird Watching
Seafort Luxury Hideaway boasts an abundance of birdlife. Admire the Swans majestically floating by………Or the Heron and Egrets feeding, just a few metres from our terrace….. Watch the oyster-catchers and curlews benefiting from the plentiful array of molluscs, left behind by the tide…….Or the Cormorants spreading their wings and drying their plumage in the sun….. Catch a glimpse of the beautiful Kingfisher…..Or perhaps spot a White-Tailed Sea Eagle, which have been recently introduced to the area….In the gardens, sit and watch the daily visits from Bull Finches, Chaffinches, Great tits, Blue tits, Robins and Pied Wagtails……And relax to the soothing sound of birdsong.
Bantry Bay Boat Hire
If you love adventure and boats then Seafort Luxury Hideaway highly recommends taking your own boat out to navigate along the shores of Bantry Bay. The perfect way to explore is to hire your own powerboat and see what this Wild Atlantic inlet has to offer. We would be happy to give you more information on your arrival or contact Bantry Bay Boat Hire directly on Facebook:
Bantry Bay Charters
Bantry Bay Charters offers top quality marine adventures. Join them aboard the “Deep Star” or “Puffin, for deep-sea fishing, marine wildlife tours, whole watching or a customised day on Bantry Bay.
Whale Watching & Baltimore Boat rides to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear
When it comes to unique wildlife encounters there are few things as breath-taking and humbling as coming face to face with the world’s largest creatures.
The West Cork coast attracts minke whales, fin whales and humpback whales to feed in it’s rich waters every year.
At Seafort Luxury Hideaway we can arrange Whale Watching and/or Trips to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear with prior notice.
Golfing
One of the many activities you can enjoy in West Cork is Golf, as the area has a plethora of great courses to offer.
Consistently voted one of top golf clubs in Cork, Bantry Bay Golf Club offers one of the most beautiful and challenging 18 hole courses in the country with spectacular views over the bay. Best of all the club is situated right next door to Seafort, so either a 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive.
According to Dan Rooney, former US ambassador to Ireland, Bantry Bay Golf Club is one of Ireland’s best-kept golfing secrets. Why not check it out for yourself? There are several other golf clubs to try out in the area, making Seafort the ideal base for a golfing holiday.
Kayaking
Bantry Blueway is Ireland’s first water-based trail, inviting visitors out onto the waters of Bantry Bay to enjoy kayaking activities. There are three trails catering for different abilities so whether you are a kayaking expert or a complete novice, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way from the water. Seafort offers guests complimentary use of our kayaks when available, and organize rental if not, so you can test out your paddling skills in our secluded inlet of Bantry Bay.
Further afield, explore Loch Hyne by moonlight in a kayak while the magical bioluminescence lights up your paddle with golden shimmering lights as you glide across the lake in the darkness.
Hill Walking
Hungry Hill, the highest hill on the Beara Peninsula and, the neighbouring Sugarloaf Mountain are an impressive sight from the Seafort dining room so you can plan your ascent over a hearty breakfast or dream about it for another day. Both ascents lead to absolutely stunning vistas over Cork and Kerry.
The Bantry Walking Festival takes place annually in June and is an ideal way to explore the local area with an experienced local guide.
Walking Activities
From stunning coastal walks along Sheep’s Head to the more strenuous challenge of Hungry Hill, Bantry is a paradise for walkers of every level. Don your hiking boots for the annual walking festival that takes place in June with guides on hand to share their local knowledge. Spend a day discovering the tranquility of Gougane Barra National Park or take the ferry from Bantry pier to Whiddy Island and combine a breathtaking looped walk of the island with a rest-stop in the local island pub. We are happy to advise on walks to suit the weather, your interests and fitness level.
Bantry is the hub for the three West Cork peninsulas; the Beara, Sheep’s Head and Mizen peninsulas. The award-winning Sheep’s Head Way provides 89 kilometres of trail with some unforgettable scenery and starts and finishes in Bantry, passing through the colourful villages of Kilcrohane, Ahakista and Durrus. High cliffs, old churches, quiet country roads, stone circles and short stretches of woodland paths are just some of the varied attractions along the way and you are never far from views of the Wild Atlantic. The terrain is varied, with a few long ascents but there are several shorter looped walks also.
Fishing
Walk from the house when low tide, or travel to local rivers and lakes for course or game fishing.
Sea Fly Fishing: – Fishing for Sea Bass, Mullet, Coalfish, and Pollack.
River Fly Fishing: – Fishing for Trout and Sea Trout.
Lake Fly Fishing: – Fishing for Pike and Perch.
