Pretty island named the best in Europe for camping where you can spot sharks

It’s camping season and enthusiasts across the country will be looking for the perfect place to pitch up. A tiny Irish island has been deemed the best in Europe to set up your tent – with gorgeous coastline and a cacophony of sea life to spot.

Cape Clear, Ireland, is located just off the south-west coast of County Cork. It is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland and has a diddly population of around 100 people.

The beauty spot has been named the “best European island for camping” by popular travel publication Conde Naste Traveller which praises its stunning beauty and natural landscapes.

It said: “Unzip your tent to sweeping views over the Atlantic and spot dolphins leaping from the waves as you make breakfast at Chleire Haven. 

“The perfectly placed campsite is nestled within the sheltered South Harbour of Cape Clear, a tiny island off the coast of Baltimore that’s just three miles long and a mile wide. 

“Set off on foot, following windy lanes across fields of purple heather and bracken down to the shimmering shore, where rare birds, basking sharks, whales and seal colonies play in the surf.”

Nearby Fastnet Rock, which is out at sea, is known as Ireland’s Teardrop and was the final glance of homeland soil seen by thousands of emigrants who set sail for America. 

But how can adventurous tourists reach the island?

Those looking to make the journey can fly to Cork and from there drive to Baltimore or Schull where ferries run to Cape Clear every 40 minutes.

Sightseers who have made the trip and praised the little island on travel review site Tripadvisor.

One said: “Spent a day on Cape Clear last week – and it was a wonderful experience. 

“We walked the entire island and enjoyed every second of it. 

“An absolutely beautiful, peaceful and magical place – I wanted to stay for a month! Highly recommended.”

Another said: “A fantastic experience from start to finish.”

They added there was an abundance of “fabulous scenery” and headed home after what was a “wonderful day”.