Bioluminescent Swim Experience in West Cork with Storytelling

Highlight of our trip for sure! Such a unique experience to swim through glowing sparkles everywhere around you. The storytelling and song around a fire were such a lovely topper, we absolutely loved it! Thank you Connor and Celine (and baracona the fox) for the experience!

Absolutely magical. The bioluminescent swim experience offers something uniquely elemental - sitting around a cosy fire, under a dark sky, beside a quiet beach, listening to the waves break and Irish stories from a long time ago to then slip into the clear, calm waters and immerse yourself in the natural wonder that is bioluminescence. The water feels alive as tiny bursts of light sparkle and swirl around you with every movement. It’s like swimming through a starry night sky! Celine & Conor couldn't be more welcoming, knowledgeable or more organised. You're in expert hands here. Everything is considered: from the material (cosy fire, lights, wetsuits, googles, lighted swim buoys, swim hats, warm blankets, tea & biscuits) to the experience (storytelling, singing, science, chatting). I would 1000% recommend anyone visiting the West Cork area to experience this one-of-a-kind, authentic evening.

It was a fantastic experience one that’s hard to describe. I loved every minute of it, including the story telling and singing. And the cup of Barry’s tea afterwards topped it all :) also very organised 👍

This is a wonderful experience: mixing a deep knowledge and love of the lore of West Cork, which Conor and Celine have in abundance, with the beauty of the place. As a guest you are immersed, literally and figuratively, in the wonder of the West Cork coast and the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescent sealife. The experience is safe and you are carefully supported, but the magic of direct contact with the natural world is maintained throughout. The swim is followed, round the fire, by a chance to hear and to contribute to the seanachie storytelling tradition of this part of Ireland. Conor wears his learning lightly, but everyone benefits from it in the course of the evening. This experience is that paradoxical thing: profoundly simple. We loved it and will return as no two sessions are ever the same.

We were down in lovely West Cork last week, staying in Skibbereen. Our accommodation had recommended some activities with Conor & Celine, and we were so lucky that they did. We had first met Conor who took us for an e-bike tour which was amazing, and when we finished he recommended the bioluminescence swim the following evening. It truly was one of the most magical experiences. It’s hard to put into words but I really cannot recommend this enough. To make it better, we couldn’t have asked for better hosts/guides than Conor & Celine. The most lovely genuine people. They had top quality kit for those doing the swim we didn’t need to bring anything ourselves, only clothes and towels. (We didn’t bring flip flops actually, that would have been useful. We’ll remember next time!). Not only that, but they had campfire chairs, blankets and hot drinks and treats for us all to warm us up after the swim. Conor is also an amazing storyteller and we were treated to a few enchanting tales, and some beautiful songs from Celine. We will definitely be back!