Born of the Sea, Rooted in Erris
Meet the Founder
The Keane and Mcintyre families have been fishing the seas around Blacksod Bay for over a 100 years. Micheal’s grandfather Harry Keane was the skipper of the first motor boat that came to blacksod. This boat was used to bring supplies from Newport and Westport to Blacksod Bay and it was also used to bring the crayfish and lobster to Achill so it could be transported to France and Europe.
Micheal’s other grandfather, known locally as Michael Mor fished around blacksod bay with his brother Tom in a currach and later in years purchased a boat in Scotland called the Doris Head and fished this hooker style boat for many years around the Inishkea’s, Devallan and Blacksod. The love of the sea was passed down to Micheal, his brothers and his nephews. Our passengers regularly see Micheal’s nephew’s boat, the Cora Jo out fishing while out on our trips.
What began as a passion for the ocean and a deep connection to the Mayo coastline has grown into an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking adventure, wildlife, and wild beauty on Ireland’s Atlantic edge.
Michael’s passion for the ocean started young—fishing and boating from the age of twelve and spending countless summers along the shores of the Mullet Peninsula. After years living in the United States, he returned home to Faulmore, drawn back by the wild pull of the Atlantic and the place that always felt like home. Blacksod Bay is a special corner of the world—rich in history, teeming with marine life, and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland. Michael and his family wanted to share that magic, so they set out to create something rooted in authenticity, adventure, and local knowledge. Michael launched Blacksod Sea Safari with their 33ft charter boat, the Huntress, followed by Vagabond and two powerful high-speed RIB built for excitement and exploration. Today, their family-run business offers a range of guided sea safaris—from gentle wildlife cruises and island-hopping adventures to exhilarating fast-blast trips and private charters.
Coastal Wonders
Wild Atlantic Views
Whether you’re stepping onto the hauntingly beautiful Inishkea Islands, scanning the waves for dolphins and seals, or marvelling at the Cliffs of Croaghan, each trip offers a chance to reconnect with nature—and see the wild Atlantic coast from a whole new perspective.
From our home to your adventure—welcome aboard.
THE DREAM TEAM!
Meet the Team
-
Mick
The Boss AKA The Bullet
The heart and soul of Blacksod Sea Safari, Mick is all about great craic, good company, and unforgettable adventures. A fluent Irish speaker with a love for a singsong, he’s passionate about making sure every guest has the best experience possible out on the water.
-
Toby
The Main Man
Originally from Galway, Toby has been part of the family for as long as we can remember. Having spent summers in Faulmore since he was a child, he knows the area like the back of his hand. Patient, fun, and full of local folklore, Toby loves sharing the magic and stories of the coast with every visitor.
-
Arlene
Behind The Scenes
Mick’s stepdaughter and our social media lead. Arlene keeps everyone connected with all the latest from Blacksod Sea Safari. From Instagram to Facebook, she’s the one sharing the magic, stories, and stunning shots of our adventures out at sea.
-
Pat
Pat AKA “Pat the Yank”
Pat is a true Erris local with a story or two to tell. After spending many years living and working in America (hence the nickname!), he made the move back home to the wild beauty of the west. These days, when he’s not out fishing with his family, you’ll find him at the helm of our sea safari tours—sharing his deep local knowledge, quick wit, and love of the sea with our guests. Pat brings heart, humour, and a wealth of experience to every trip.
-
Roisin
Front Deck
Roisin is the first friendly face you’ll meet when you arrive for your sea safari. She looks after check-ins, takes bookings, and makes sure every passenger is fully kitted out and ready for adventure. As a younger cousin of the crew, she’s grown up around the sea and brings her natural warmth, efficiency, and local charm to every tour day. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Roisin makes sure you’re set to enjoy every second.
-
Ollie & Max
The Pier Patrol
You’ll usually spot these two curious Jack Russells keeping watch from the pier or greeting guests before a trip. Ollie (the bossy one) and Max (the chilled one) are small in size but big on personality. Loyal crew members and part-time dock supervisors, they love a boat launch and love all the attention they get from passengers. Whether they’re supervising from the steps or sniffing out the next adventure, these two are an important part of the Blacksod Sea Safari family.
Blacksod Sea Safari
Meet the Fleet
From rugged hard boats to high-speed RIBs, our fleet is built for adventure. Whether you’re exploring hidden islands, cruising along dramatic coastlines, or spotting wildlife, each vessel offers comfort, safety, and unforgettable experiences on the water. Get ready to discover the wild Atlantic like never before.
Huntress 33ft & Vagabond 38ft
Our sturdy hard boats, perfect for the Inishkea Island Experience, Coastal Cruises, and The Four Lighthouses Of Erris Tours with a 12 passenger capacity on each boat.
Rascal & Beast
Our high-speed RIB boats, built for our heart-pumping Island Hop & Wildlife Safari Tour.
