Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim in West Cork
5.0
16 Ratings
Farrandau West

While the short hike on the pilgrims path is designed for people of all faiths and none, many people describe this dawn hike on a 1,500 year old pilgrims path as almost a spiritual experience. Combined with the dip or swim afterwards and a hot breakfast, it is the perfect way to start your day in West Cork.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • GR96+3F Farrandau West - We start with a short dawn hike using a pilgrims path that dates back over 1,500 years to visit the secret holy well known as Tobar BearchĂĄin. Local seafarers and swimmers traditionally travelled this path to ask St BearchĂĄin for protection from the sea. We then return to the strand and after a brief safety chat, we will dip or swim on the beach using the swim buoy provided. While this is an exceptionally sheltered bay and we stay close to the shore at all times, no swim buoy = no swim. We will finish with a hot drink and a light breakfast back on the shore and listen to two amazing stories about the prince of Donegal, Aodh Ruadh UĂ­ Dhomhnaill and the martyr known as Blessed Dominic Collins who are both associated with this tiny beach. Fun fact: this pilgrimage is 400 years older than the Camino.
What's Included
  • Swim-buoys provided
  • Tea and coffee
  • Breakfast
Location
GR96+3F Farrandau West
We meet at Castlehaven Strand about 2km southwest of Castletownshend on the Wild Atlantic Way
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(16 Ratings)
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Richardhk7860hi
Jun 23, 2024
Magical experience - Had the most magical experience on my swim morning with Celine & Conor, from the beautiful morning weather to the thought provoking pilgrimage walk to the ancient well and finally the rejuvenating swim Celine & Conor are great hosts and even provided and hearty health porridge breakfast thanks guys
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F2102gwlisam
Jun 23, 2024
Serene and life affirming - We loved this experience with Celine and Conor from GormĂș. The setting was beautiful, and the visit to Tober BearchĂĄin (hope I got the spelling right!), followed by the most amazing swim, was simply serene. The wetsuits provided helped with the cool water, but honestly, once we got going, it was fine. Once back on terra firma, Celine had a delicious hot breakfast prepared for us while Conor regaled us with an amazing final story
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Markbj6428sd
Aug 22, 2023
Unique and a true gem! - This experience is unique and a true gem! Our group loved Conor's story telling and it created such a memorable moment for us. Easy to find once we got the directions but we would never have been able to do this on our own. It was such a great way to start our day! Would absolutely recommend and do again! 😊
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Tiffanymc9417jd
Jul 5, 2023
A dawn like no other near Skibbereen - My family and I embarked on the dawn pilgrimage with Celine and Conor and it was ethereal experience. As the sun rose, the harbour lit up below us, revealing natural beauty that was breathtaking. The swim while cool was invigorating, the perfect blend of adventure & relaxation. Enjoying the hot breakfast post-swim was a treat, with local oatmeal that tickled our taste buds. The stories were really neat and Conor is a gifted storyteller. It was truly a bonding time for my husband, adult sons, and I. This activity brought together elements of nature, culture, and facinating local history. Highly recommend!
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Lorraine
Jul 3, 2023
An Unforgettable Experience - I'm not sure words can adequately capture the magic that is the Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim, but I will do my best. This unique journey began as the sun started to peak over the horizon, bathing the West Cork coastline in hues of pink and gold. The peace and tranquility of the early morning made the pilgrimage feel all the more sacred. Taking a dip in the crystal clear waters at Castlehaven just after dawn is a sensation I find hard to describe. It was invigorating, liberating, and a truly spiritual experience. The water was surprisingly pleasant, cool but not shockingly cold, refreshing and pure. Post-swim, we were treated to a hot breakfast right on the wall above the strand. Nothing beats something hot with the waves gently lapping at the shore. The breakfast was delicious. What really set this experience apart, however, were the people. Our guide Conor was engaging and knowledgeable, the local people were welcoming, and the fellow pilgrims became fast friends. This sense of camaraderie really added depth to the entire experience. Overall, the Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim with Hot Breakfast in Castlehaven is more than just an activity - it's a moment of connection with nature, history, and fellow travelers. I would highly recommend this unforgettable experience to anyone visiting the Skibbereen area. The memories I made here will last a lifetime.
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294susannahc
Jun 20, 2023
Perfect start to the day - The swim was incredibly exhilaration in a safe, beautiful, tranquil bay. Loved the peacefulness of the walk to the holy well in a temperate rain forest! Conor is a great storyteller, fascinating stuff you won't hear delivered in the same way elsewhere.
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Fellowtraveler582960
Apr 23, 2023
Rooted to the spot - We had a wonderful dip in the sea after a walk through temperate rainforest to a holy well. A beautiful serene spot and wonderful history of the area and early Irish history. Invigorating physically and intellectually. We were staying very locally and it was wonderful to have the area brought to life over the centuries.
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894mariekep
Aug 29, 2022
Wonderful morning - We spent a wonderful morning with Connor and Celine: beautiful weather, magic pilgrim path, fascinating stories, amazing views from the beach and a great swim and breakfast. Highly recomended!
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Karenk245
Aug 15, 2022
Fantastic experience - We had the most beautiful weather on Sunday morning to experience the dawn pilgrimage. It was a fantastic experience. We are blessed to have such incredible scenery and clear waters in west cork. If you are thinking of doing this please don’t hesitate, it is extremely enjoyable and totally relaxing. Conor and Celine and super hosts. Absolutely brilliant morning.
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Pilarsperezb
Aug 15, 2022
Unique swimming experience - I never thought I would wake up so early to swim in the cold Atlantic sea, but man was it worth it! The short pilgrimage was fascinating, and the swim made me feel so alive, with the cold calm water and the sun rising and warming us after the swim. Spent two weeks in Ireland and my boyfriend kept saying this was his favourite experience together with the cycle! We will be back for sure and I'm sure you will too Ps: don't hold back just because you're not an avid swimmer, it's a very relaxed swim fit for everyone (mind you the water is cold!)
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up to 10 guests
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July 2024
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