Bioluminescent Swim Experience in West Cork with Storytelling

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!

One of the most surreal experiences we have had! Having thoroughly enjoyed our e-biking folklore tour with Conor, we took him for his word when he recommended the bioluminescence swim experience and my god, are we delighted we did. To dip into the sea in total darkness, paddling around while your body seems to be covered in fairy dust is something one has to experience for themselves to truly understand the awe and excitement all of us were feeling. Celine and Conor were absolutely brilliant. Prepped with wetsuits, swim caps, goggles and mini buoys, they expertly guided us through the entire experience and were incredible, start to finish. We began by sitting around a fire, and Conor graced us with one of his amazing folktales before we headed out to sea. Splashing around for a good forty minutes or so, we headed back to dry land to yet again sit around the fire where we were warmed with hot beverages, snacks and everyone in the circle either shared a story or sang a verse. Sitting under the dark sky, roaring fire, this is an experience you don't want to miss. So fantastically unique, you've got to try it to believe it. Makes you feel like magic might just exist, that alongside Conor's story telling and Celine's beautiful singing, you're promised the most enriching night. We will be back for this a thousand times over if we can, a must do!

We had such a great time! The swim was magical and we loved the storytelling and singing! We would definitely do this again!

My friend brought me for my 40th birthday to the bioluminescent swim and storytelling night – it was amazing! We stayed in the water for ages marvelling at this beautiful natural phenomenon. Celine & Conor were lovely and had warm drinks and Irish folklore stories ready for us by the firepit afterwards. It was a very clear night so we even saw the milky way! I look forward to going again in future, thank you both for a great adventure :)

My fiance and I attended this tour the day we got engaged - it was such a beautiful experience and way to end the night!!! Connor and Celine were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and kind :-) They stayed late with us to make sure our driver picked us up :-) We'll never forget this experience!!!! You won't regret booking it!!!

This was a truly magical evening with Celine and Conor. In the dark of night we all entered the ocean fully kitted out and saw the most amazing light show all around us. The cloudy sky meant the bioluminescence was amazing. Truly unforgettable. Then we gathered around a camp fire for tea and biscuits and stories and songs. Could not recommend it highly enough.

We had a great experience with Connor and Celine. The bioluminescence was incredible and the hosts were really friendly and accommodating. I would recommend to anyone!