A 90-minute catamaran cruise through Killary Fjord, Ireland's only glacial fjord, where the Twelve Bens and Mweelrea mountains drop straight to the Atlantic and a resident pod of dolphins often races the bow.
The Connemara Lady, a purpose-built 21m catamaran, departs Nancy's Point and cruises 14km west to the mouth of the fjord before turning back. The stable hull carries a no-sea-sickness guarantee and covered outside decks plus a cosy cabin, so rain does not spoil the trip.
The point where the boat turns is the best spot for the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, which often race the bow wave. Watch the shoreline for seals and otters, and look out for sea-birds and the mussel ropes and salmon farm pens along the way.
An onboard café serves a full menu on every scheduled cruise, led by locally sourced seafood such as Killary mussels and smoked salmon, plus sandwiches, scones and cakes. The licensed bar pours draught Guinness, craft beers, wines and a famous Irish coffee.
Children are welcomed to the wheelhouse to take the wheel and earn a skipper's certificate, with colouring sheets and an art competition in summer. Youth (11–17) tickets are reduced and under-11s sail free.
A live English commentary on the outward leg explains the geology and mythology of the fjord, backed by a scale model of the landscape on board. Printed commentary is available in six languages.
The boat can be hired for weddings, parties, corporate and school events, carrying up to 150 guests with catering from buffet to full sit-down service, a sound system and live music.
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