August and September

As the Atlantic transitions from day’s last light to the mysteries of night, West Cork’s craggy contours and mesmerising panoramas hide a radiant secret: a marine light show that’s in a league of its own.

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.

1 hour and 45 minutes

To book, visit https://www.gormu.com/tour/gealach-na-farraige-west-cork-bioluminescence-swim-experience-with-storytelling

Cottages for Couples Guests get a discount of €25 per person. Just enter the promo code BARAOIS  when booking.

This experience is operated by Gormú.

Contact: 

Tel: +353 830153545
Email: conor@gormu.com