Lough Hyne
Lough Hyne
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
Attractions
24 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
300 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
49
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Jim D
Kinsale, Ireland251 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Lough Hyne is worth a visit based purely on it's location, natural beauty and watersport options. Add in the uniqueness of the lough (a very protected saltwater lake that's as good as inland) the possibility of bioluminescence and it's a must-see. We live in West Cork now, close enough to make visits more or less off the cuff, and we have our own kayaks, but if you don't, it's worth going on the guided tour where stable sea kayaks are supplied and a knowledgeable tour-leader will show you the kayaking ropes and guide you through the darkness to where the luminescence is brightest.
The best months are in the summer and, obviously, the darker the night, the better. As evening darkens to night one's paddle changes from a simple means of propulsion to a magic wand scattering little sparkles with every stroke. A hard pull will ignite a swirl of light deep in the water and the bow wave becomes a "V" of night-club ultraviolet. As you come ashore there will be night swimmers paddling around, exclaiming with delight, enjoying the patterns and swirls they make with their hands. And then it's us into dry clothes, and a flask of coffee (or something stronger) into us. Highly recommended.
The best months are in the summer and, obviously, the darker the night, the better. As evening darkens to night one's paddle changes from a simple means of propulsion to a magic wand scattering little sparkles with every stroke. A hard pull will ignite a swirl of light deep in the water and the bow wave becomes a "V" of night-club ultraviolet. As you come ashore there will be night swimmers paddling around, exclaiming with delight, enjoying the patterns and swirls they make with their hands. And then it's us into dry clothes, and a flask of coffee (or something stronger) into us. Highly recommended.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JULIE B
26 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Loved the scenery and the uniqueness of the lake. Swam for a while and my partners son did a few jumps into the lake which was amazing! So many people enjoying the lake.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nuala372
Dublin, Ireland26 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is the most magical swimming spot ever. I adore swimming here. The atmosphere and surroundings are very special.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison L
12 contributions
Jun 2023
My husband went on a night time Kayak trip and it was stunning. Such a beautiful place seemingly unspoiled by tourism or businesses or billionaire homeowners.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DubTwosome
Dublin, Ireland2,009 contributions
Jun 2023
What a fabulous little spot. We were only there for a brief visit yesterday but would dearly have loved a swim in the crystal-clear waters. It’s a very popular spot for swimmers, kayakers and general water lovers. It’s a totally unspoiled, calm spotlessly clean place. Highly recommend it particularly for families with small children. Great for paddling and splashing about. We’ll definitely come back and next time we’ll be prepared for a swim. We will also be prepared to visit it at night time in the hope that we can see the bio-luminescence that’s so talked about down there.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sage B
9 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We highly recommend seeing this lake that is off the beaten path. There is a night kayaking tour with Atlantic Sea Kayaking.
Written 25 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg
17 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
Went for the 2km walk up the hill behind the lake. Really nice walk, surrounding by greenery. The view at the top over the lake and the surrounding area was gorgeous!
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reflectorgo
Cork, Ireland560 contributions
May 2022
Beautiful lough, easy to walk all round it and in the summer you can have a morning swim, bracing as it is. :)
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curious544441
Fermoy, Ireland2 contributions
Mar 2022
Great place for some outdoor adventure, hike, swim, kayak, have a picnic, looking forward to going back again and hopefully try guided kayaking near the caves
Written 28 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick Callan
Castlewellan, UK29 contributions
Oct 2021
A terrific natural feature with a long history of marine environmental studies and well worth your time stopping off.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi ! Just wondering if it's possible to do wild camping near the Lough or if there are strict rules not permitting it?
Natália P
61 contributions
Hi lads!!
I’m planning in go to Lough Hyne next week to do the hike. I’m planning in take my 4 years old with me. Is that a easy walk or ye think a small child wouldn’t be able to do?? He does a lot of small hikes with me but I only take him along when I know it’s a safe and easy enough walk.
Thanks
emmsul
clonakilty5 contributions
How can you get to lough hyne from skibbereen without a car?
Marcus Aurelias
Nassau, New Providence Island95 contributions
There is no public transport, bike hire shop in Skibbereen is available and cycle over. Otherwise walking ( take a few hours ).
Can you let your dog off lead?
Scenic321293
Cork, Ireland13 contributions
We were there recently and did not see any signs about not letting dogs in the lake. Maybe we missed them? In fact our Labrador had a great time swimming! We saw at least 3 other dogs off lead, one in swimming.....and it’s owner was a local.
Hey! I would like to take "The moonlight/starlight experience" but I don't know how to get there by bus or train. I will be traveling from Dublin.
caitmehigan
Cork, Ireland38 contributions
Train from Dublin to Cork and 237 bus from Cork to Skibbereen
Simone B
Ballater, UK2 contributions
I'm planning an excursion in last period of April
waterproof clothes are provided by kayak company?
bioluminescence phenomenon is present during that period?
thank you
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingLOUGH HYNE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lough Hyne
- Hotels near Lough Hyne:
- (5.36 km) Bridge House
- (7.84 km) Grove House and Courtyard Cottages
- (4.69 km) Casey's of Baltimore
- (4.39 km) Liss Ard Estate
- (5.32 km) Rolfs Country House
- Restaurants near Lough Hyne:
- (5.36 km) An Chistin Beag
- (5.34 km) The Church Restaurant
- (4.68 km) Casey's of Baltimore
- (9.21 km) Mary Anns Pub & Restaurant
- (3.24 km) The Sibín