Harbour Queen Ferries operate from Glengarriff, Co. Cork in the South West of Ireland. We provide a continuous boating service to the magnificent Garnish Island in the sheltered Bantry Bay. This area, with its myriad of tiny islands is a place of natural beauty and provides the ideal habitat for flora, fauna and aquatic life in general.

As well as operating a non-stop ferry service to Garnish Island, Harbour Queen Ferry Services provide water tours of beautiful Glengarriff Harbour, winding through the multitude of tiny islands, including Seal Island where one may see up to 250 harbour seals at any one time.

Due to the gentle air currents of the Gulf Stream this is an area that rarely meets the harsh winter of other Irish coastal regions.Tours are ideal for seal watching and provide superb photographic opportunities of these entertaining mammals in their entirely natural environment unspoilt by modern pollution. Seals can be seen at any time of year.

Trips to Garnish Island depart from the main pier in Glengarriff Harbour (1 kilometre from Glengarriff on the Bantry Road) every 20 minutes. Enroute the ferry passes seal island for a photo stop, before continuing the short hop to Garnish Island. Due to the nature of local weather and tidal conditions this trip operates from March to October and has never been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Fishing trips can be organised in Glengarriff Harbour & Bantry Bay where there is an abundance of fish including Mackeral, Pollack, Skate, Dogfish and many others. We can also accommodate the intrepid fisherman / sightseer as we offer small boating craft for hire, however, these need to be booked in advance.

Harbour Queen Services can vary their tours in the inner areas of Bantry Bay making the real beauties of one of the worlds most magnificent natural harbours open to everyone, both young and old. There is ample fishing opportunity in the area, but fishing from Garnish Island is prohibited. We can provide local knowledge and specialised itineraries to ensure you maximise your fishing experience while in the South West Region.

Garnish Island has got to be seen to be believed. This unique Island plays host to a multitude of plant variations, and the blanket of Summer colouring which covers the Island creates a rainbow of colour. For more deatiled information on the Island's attractions click on Island Details here or on the Navigation Bar.

There is a restaurant on the Island which serves light lunches and general refreshments

There are many Hostels, Hotels, Self-Catering Units and Bed & Breakfasts in the region and the weary traveller will be spoilt for choice especially during quiet periods. However, this area of the country can get very busy, very quickly during warm weather and so it is advisable to always book ahead. As a general guideline Bed & Breakfast rates start from around IR €35 per person.

Coupled with the breathtaking scenery there are a vast number of other activities to partake in even for the most discerning traveller. These include Golf, Shooting, Hill Walking, Forrests, Adventure & Sport Centres, Painting Schools, Museums, Art Galleries, Heritage Centres & Distilleries to name but a few.

One thing the traveller should know about West Cork.....while it may be relaxing, soothing, and stress free it is never, ever boring or dull.

Combined with the beautiful scenery, the many activities, and the traditional Irish pubs you have the Irish People with stories and truths that you've never heard before and will never forget again. Join us for the relaxation of a different kind, one that can't be bought.