BLACKSOD BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Where Dolphins Dance and Stone Cottages Whisper: Sailing from Blacksod to Inishkea
A 4-hour boat tour from Blacksod Pier to the uninhabited Inishkea Islands, offering a strong chance to see dolphins and the chance to explore 19th-century ruins.
Where Dolphins Dance and Stone Cottages Whisper: Sailing from Blacksod to Inishkea.
Departing from Blacksod Pier, this scenic boat trip carries you across Blacksod Bay to the remote Inishkea Islands—Inishkea North and Inishkea South—uninhabited isles named for Saint Kea. The journey is notable for a strong chance of dolphin encounters and sweeping views of the Atlantic; ashore, the remains of stone cottages and island buildings from the 1800s invite independent exploration with walking maps provided.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
High chance of dolphin encounters
The crossing to Inishkea offers a strong chance of encountering dolphins as you travel across Blacksod Bay toward the Atlantic islands.
Explore 1800s island settlements
Once ashore, visitors can wander among the remains of stone cottages dating to the 1800s—including the king’s house, a shebeen, school buildings, a church and a former two-storey shop—tracing a vanished island life.
Scenic Atlantic crossings from Blacksod Pier
The tour departs from Blacksod Pier and traverses Blacksod Bay to the remote Inishkea group, offering expansive coastal and Atlantic views en route.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
This full-day, four-hour outing departs from Blacksod Pier and sails to the uninhabited Inishkea Islands. The crossing is a highlight for wildlife watchers and view-seekers; once ashore guests are free to explore the islands independently, using available walking maps to find the stone cottages and island buildings from the 1800s.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip is for
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs approximately 4 hours.
Departure is from Blacksod Pier.
Guests go ashore on the Inishkea Islands and may explore independently; walking maps are available to guide visits to the ruins and island features.
The trip is described as suitable 'For all ages!'; no specific age or health restrictions are provided in the trip information.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Blacksod – Inishkea Island Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Blacksod Pier.
Will we see dolphins on the crossing?
There is a strong chance of encountering dolphins during the voyage to the Inishkea Islands.
Can we go ashore on the islands?
Yes—once ashore, guests are free to explore the islands independently and walking maps are available.
Are the Inishkea Islands inhabited?
The Inishkea Islands (Inishkea North and Inishkea South) are uninhabited.
What remains can be seen on the islands?
Visitors can find the remains of stone cottages dating to the 1800s, including the king’s house, a shebeen, school buildings, a church and a former two-storey shop.