10 Nature & Wildlife Tours in Ireland’s Ancient East That You Shouldn't Miss

Baltimore Sea Safari is a family run boat trip business from Baltimore in West Cork, Ireland, providing coastal sightseeing tours, with whale, dolphin, porpoise, seal and wildlife watching. Our aim is to introduce our passengers to the outstanding beauty of the West Cork coastline, while looking out for the wildlife that may be in the area. The waters off Baltimore offer the perfect environment to see whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking shark, seals and a wide variety of seabirds. We operate in an area of exceptional unspoiled natural beauty within Carbery Hundred Isles, Roaringwater Bay (which is a designated Special Area of Conservation SAC) and the Ilen River, which are home to the most diverse range of sea and bird life to be seen anywhere in Ireland. During our boat trips we provide an informative commentary on the sights of interest, and on the fascinating history of the area and its wildlife. We visit seal colonies on all of our boat trips, and the shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of unique boat allows us to take passengers into sea caves previously used by smugglers and pirates. During all of our boat trips we collect data on the wildlife that we encounter, logging times, numbers, behaviour, positions and take photos for photo ID where ever possible. This data is shared with other agencies, groups and universities to help develop a better understanding of the whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks, seals, ocean sunfish and other wildlife that frequent the waters around the West Cork coastline. We also have an onboard Hydrophone for listening to the sounds of the sea. Even though we have a good record for whale, dolphin and wildlife sightings, they are not guaranteed.

Enjoy a fun filled trip around the Hook Peninsula in Wexford Ireland by Jeep. Visit the beautiful Tintern Abbey, Hook Lighthouse and Duncannon Fort and experience the wonders of the area, through stories and songs. Take a walk along the cliff to Slade or the 1km beach in Duncannon, all within a four hour trip that will be hard to forget.

Experience Ireland's wonderful birds, wildlife and natural gems with Ireland's leading bird expert, Eric 'the Birdman' Dempsey. Discover the best birding and wildlife sites in Ireland in a relaxed, fun but highly professional way with Eric, author of eight books on Ireland's birds and wildlife. If you're a photographer, join Eric on a wildlife photography day and learn the secrets of capturing nature with your camera. Or if you just want to relax and enjoy our garden birds, why not stay at The Lodge at Sycamore Hill which is Eric and Hazel's home (along with Suzie the dog, two cats and the various wild animals and birds that call this place home!). Come join us for a nature day you will never forget. See our website or make contact with us for further details.

Colin Barnes is Ireland's longest established and best known whale watch operator, and has been enthralling whale watchers and wildlife enthusiasts in West Cork since 2001. Cork Whale Watch offers wonderful opportunities to observe marine wildlife in West Cork. These productive coastal waters provide critical feeding habitat for a diversity of species including cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), seals and sea birds, along with prolific fish life.If you've seen natural history documentaries on whales from anywhere in Co. Cork or Waterford, the chances are it was filmed from the MV Holly Jo. Among Colin's contributions are: RTE's "Wild trials", "Wild Journeys", "Living the Wildlife" and in recent years Colin has worked with both BBC Autumnwatch and Winterwatch and BBC Seasons to film large whales off the Cork coast. As a former fisherman of 40 years experience observing whales in West Cork, Colin may not have letters after his name, but those that do, know who to contact if they need to find, film or carry out research on whales and dolphins along the Cork coast. Colin has contributed to and co-authored scientific publications on both fin and humpback whales in collaboration with Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), and contributes to the All-Ireland Cetacean Sighting Scheme, by reporting sightings data to IWDG. Colin is a rare breed of conservationist, who has evolved from the fishing industry, his passion and understanding of local marine ecosystems is second to none. Colin is available for longer filming and research charters year round.

Whether you are into wildlife photography or landscape photography we have a day tour package for you! Always wanted to get close and personal to Irish nature and its wildlife and capture beautiful pictures of a; Fox, Badger, Jay, Buzzard, Red Squirrel or even the elusive Pine Martin? Well, now you can!

Ireland’s original and leading small-group tour operator since 2002, Vagabond specialises in fantastic off-the-beaten track tours of Ireland – we will take you to the hidden corners of the world’s favourite country. Right from the start our mission has always been that ‘We want you to love Ireland as much as we do’ – and we really love Ireland! Our small-group tour sizes (max 15) make our tours a unique and unforgettable way to experience the real Ireland. Our tours are immersive and delivered in a professional, yet informal and contemporary style, all of which makes Vagabond Tours a welcoming, personal and unforgettable way to see authentic Ireland.

Maltfield Stud Riding School & Livery Yard offers both children and adults horse riding instruction, forest trail riding and beach rides. Located 35 mins drive from Dublin and 15 mins drive from Wicklow town, Maltfield Stud is one of Wicklows longest established approved equestrian centres. Recommended by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments, it offers qualified instruction within a friendly and safety conscious environment. Childrens hourly group trek/lesson from 25 euro Adults hourly group trek/lesson from 35 euro 2 hour Beach rides from 75 euro (Experienced riders only) Childrens pony camps run during July/August .Cost 125 euro per child, Mon to Fri 10am to 1 pm. Early booking is essential. Hats, back protectors and boots supplied.

Formerly Giddy Gally Adventures; We are an Irish outdoor Adventure and Events company specialising in Adventure Holidays, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Corporate and Team Building Events. Formerly Giddy Gally Adventures and winner of Best Outdoor Adventure Escape Provider at the 2017 Outsider Magazine Awards we have continued to evolve and expand our expertise in our respective industries. We provide a variety of packages ranging from half day to multi day excursions. We offer a number of packages for Corporate Groups and Team Building Events. All our events are specifically tailored to accommodate every group’s needs. It is our mission at Go Beyond to provide our customers with an unrivalled level of professionalism and standard of quality. We will endeavour to ensure each and every one of our customers has a truly memorable experience.

MunsterBus Tours: Offering Private Tours (max 16 persons) of Ireland, with professional knowledgeable driver/guides and luxury Mercedes vehicles for your comfort. If you wish to experience a single private day tour, cruise excursion or maybe a private multi-day tour we are happy to customize a bespoke itinerary to suit your personal requirements, offering an unrivaled combination of value, quality and service. Let our guides bring key attractions to life as they share stories and anecdotes with you on any of these unforgettable journeys. We visit The Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, The Cliffs of Moher, Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, The Giant’s Causeway, The Rock of Cashel, Belfast, The Titanic Experience, Game of Thrones and every other ‘nook & cranny’ both on and off the beaten track, travel The Wild Atlantic Way, your way! Our experience will ensure you enjoy your experience.

Experience the Grand Canal the way it was intended and take a leisurely cruise on a restored traditional Canal Barge. Cruises operate from Sallins Harbour which is only 30 minutes from Dublin city center by train and is located just off the M7 motorway. The barge is available for private charter for groups any day of the week and operates up to 6 scheduled cruises daily at weekends. Kildare is known as the Canals County with 120 km of still waters crossing its landscape and linking its towns and villages. The Captain will give you a unique insight into the life and history of the Grand Canal as it winds its way through the county Kildare countryside. You can choose a short one hour cruise to the Leinster Aqueduct where the canal crosses over the River Liffey, or a 2.5 hour cruise through Digby Lock where you'll experience the workings of an eighteenth century canal lock. There's bar service on-board serving a selection on locally brewed craft beers and in summer there are two 1.5 hour evening cruises to McCreevey's Lock. Afterwards you can enjoy a meal in one of the waterfront restaurants in Sallins village. The M.V. Amo is licensed by the Department of Transport and Tourism for 12 passengers. There’s an outdoor seating on the open decks at the bow and stern and it has a very comfortable interior with ample seating, toilet facilities and a wood-burning stove. Scheduled cruises operate from March to October and advance booking is essential.