Lough Hyne Hike Map + Seeing The Bioluminescent

Lough Hyne is a small tidal saltwater lake 5km from Skibbereen, globally renowned for its rare marine life, striking beauty, and its title as Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve (1981).

What makes Lough Hyne special is its unique ecosystem, created by Atlantic seawater rushing in through “The Rapids” twice daily. This tidal exchange keeps the lake unusually warm and oxygen-rich, supporting a staggering variety of marine species.

There are two ways to experience it:

• By water: One one of the kayaking trips (yes, you can see the bioluminescence here at times)
• By land: One the Lough Hyne hike up Knockomagh Hill

Visiting Lough Hyne

Although a visit to Lough Hyne in Cork is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

You’ll find Lough Hyne in West Cork, a stones throw from Skibbereen (5km away) and 10 minutes from Baltimore.

2. The rapids

Lough Hyne is just 1km long and ¾km wide, but what sets it apart is the tidal flow through a narrow channel called “The Rapids”. Twice a day, Atlantic saltwater surges in via Barloge Creek at speeds of up to 16km/h, creating a unique mix of warm, oxygen-rich seawater that supports 72 fish species and a diverse range of marine plants.

3. Bioluminescence and night kayaking

Lough Hyne is famous for its after-dark kayaking experience which is made all the more interesting by the luminous phosphorescence in the lake. The water of Lough Hyne comes alive with bioluminescence, so you’ll have stars below you and, on a clear night, stars above.

The Lough Hyne hike

There are a couple of different Lough Hyne walks that you can head off on but the best, in my opinion, is the one that takes you up Knockomagh Hill.

In fact, I’d go as far to say that it’s up there with the best things to do in Cork. It’s slightly off-the-beaten-path, which means it’s rarely too crowded.

1. How long the walk takes

The Knockomagh Hill walk is a 3km trail that takes around 1 hour in total to complete. Allow a further 20 minutes at the summit to take a breather while taking in the views.

2. Difficulty

The Lough Hyne walk is a steep and strenuous climb but manageable for those with moderate fitness. Just be mindful of the uneven ground, which calls for a bit of extra care.

3. Where to start the walk

The Knockomagh Hill walk kicks off right from the parking area. When you hop out of your car, you need to walk up the road to this point. You’ll know you’ve reached it when you see the stone steps.

4. The climb to the top

The climb to the summit is an enjoyable one, as you make your way through lush, sheltered woodland en route to the top. When you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of Lough Hyne and the surrounding countryside. 

The Lough Hyne bioluminescent and night kayaking

Atlantic Sea Kayaking offers a Lough Hyne night kayaking experience with a difference. The trips take place in the moonlight/starlight on this bio-luminescent saltwater lake.

There’s something truly special about being out on the water at dusk, watching seabirds returning to their roost. If you’re lucky, you may get a flaming sunset or see the rising moon with a canopy of stars appearing one by one.

The adults-only trip take 2.5 hours and departs an hour before darkness. Suitable for beginners, you’ll be in double kayaks with safety equipment included in the price. 

Things to do nearby

When you finish the Lough Hyne hike, you’re a short spin from many of the best things to do in Cork, like:

• Sherkin Island: A 10-minute boat trip from the mainland with beaches, scenic walks, a Marine Station, and historical ruins
• Whale watching in Cork: Leave from Baltimore, where you might spot minke whales, dolphins and more
• Cape Clear Island: Ireland’s southernmost inhabited Gaeltacht
• Mizen Head: Home to a Signal Station, Marconi radio room, an arched bridge, and craggy cliffs
• Barleycove Beach: One of the best beaches in Cork