County Cork, Ireland Adventure

One of the few places in the world where it’s actually faster to get around by a sailboat than car, the west coast of Ireland is one big giant dreamland if you’re after remote exploration. As the most north-westerly outpost of Europe, Ireland is exposed to every raw groundswell the Atlantic can throw at it, yet the waters are warmed (slightly) by the Gulf Stream. Yes, the water is cold; yes the weather is wet; but the Emerald Isle is also home to some of the world’s best waves (it’s known as a surfer’s paradise) and endless jaw-dropping, stupidly gorgeous land and seascapes. For raw beauty, there may not be a better place in the world.

This Adventure begins in the boat-a-plenty port of Baltimore, the launch point for yachts heading into the untamed West Coast. We’ll down a few pints with the locals then set sail for places remote and really, really wild. There’s a dizzying number of bays, islands (most are uninhabited), and fjords that will keep our heads craned towards the horizon; in a straight line to Dingle it’s under 60 miles. But you could spend months and months in this area and only scratch the surface. p>

This Adventure is the Best Odyssey at its best. Remote, wild- and totally unforgettable.

Resources: Sustainable Tourism Ireland, Ocean Scene, Irish Surfer

Summary: + Very consistent swell + Awesome scenery + Challenging waves + Fastnet Lighthouse + Mussel, oysters, clams and potatoes! + Lots of Discovery possibilities - Cold water - Lack of easy breaks - Decent chance of rain

Skellig Islands, West Coast Gareth McCormack Photo, Nat Geo

GUEST RIDER: Unannounced Air: 56.3 Water: 56.1º F Mean Wind Avg.: 12.6 SW Miles: 100