How to find us Google Map and Directions

Direct ferries from Swansea in Wales to Ringaskiddy Port (Cork) with the Fastnet Line "MV Julia" with overnight crossing & cabin gets you to Baltimore around 10:30 am.

Time Table

Period 1 March - 10 July and 1 September onwards (off-peak):
Departing Swansea at 21:00 on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Departing Cork for the return journey at 21:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Period 11 July - 31 August (peak):

Departing Swansea at 21:00 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays plus 09:00 on Sundays

Departing Cork 21:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays.

Alternatively, Stena Line run between Holyhead - Dun Laoghaire or Dublin Port and Fishguard-Rosslare daily with their conventional 3.5 hr or 99 mins ferries.

Brittany Ferries runs from Rosscoff to either Rosslare or Cork with overnight crossings.

Google Maps

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By Car

Baltimore is on the R595 and just 12 km SW of Skibbereen. From Cork follow the signs for the N71 & West Cork, passing through Innishannon, Bandon, Ballinascarty, Clonakilty, Roscarbery, Leap and Skibbereen town. Upon reaching Skibbereen drive straight through the town centre and at the other end of town on the roundabout go straight across (you'll see Lidl on your right hand side), from here it's just another 10 or 15 mins drive. Once in Baltimore you'll pass Casey's Hotel on your right hand side and after approximately 500 yards there's a right turn opposite an old water pump, signed for Aquaventures & The Stone House B&B (we're the first premises on the right hand side, opposite the Baltimore Harbour Hotel & Leisure Centre).

Using car SatNav 51d 29m 05s N - 009d 22m 05s W

By Plane

Aer Lingus and Ryan Air have frequent flights from all European destinations with regular good deals provided you travel light. The nearest airport to Baltimore is Cork. For divers - rent tanks & weights from us and any other dive gear you might not wish to bring with you to reduce baggage charges. We can arrange for a local taxi company to collect/deliver you. Guide price €320 for a 16-seater bus return journey or €95 for a taxi one-way.

By Public Transport

Buses from Cork Merchant's Quay (city centre) to Skibbereen with regular timetable on line visit Bus Eireann.

If you arrive by plane, there are regular bus services between Cork Airport and Merchants' Quay (Cork City Centre) from where you'll then catch the rural service to Skibbereen.

Unfortunately there is no frequent bus services between Skibbereen and Baltimore. There's even talk of this service being cancelled but in the meantime check the current timetable. The easiest way therefore is by taxi so give Michael a call on his mobile 00 353 087-1317313.

By Ferry

Aquaventures can offer discounted ferry tickets when booked as part of a package, so email us for a quotation.

The new Fastnet Line "Julia" superferry runs between Swansea & Cork and taking this route will save you approximately 600 kms driving on return journeys (instead you'll be relaxing on a luxury overnight sea crossing). Running 6 times a week, departing 21:00 hours and arriving 07:00 hours (from Swansea Wed/Fri/Sun - from Cork Tue/Thu/Sat). During peak periods 11 Jul - 31 Aug there will be 8 sailings per week (from Swansea Mon/Wed/Fri plus Sun 09:00 - from Cork Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun). On certain dates these times are affected by tides so double check their website for further details.

From the ferry port in Cork (Ringaskiddy) follow the signs for the R613 signed for Carrigaline, Ballygarvan, Fivemilebridge and Ballinhassig where it joins the N71 to West Cork. Further directions see above.

Stena Line have daily ferry crossings (3hr 40 mins) or fastcraft HSS/Lynx crossings (99 mins) between Holyhead - Dun Laoghaire or Dublin Port and Fishguard - Rosslare. Drive time from Dun Laoghaire or Dublin to Baltimore is 4 to 5 hours and Rosslare to Baltimore 3.5 to 4 hours.