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Pilgrims Path Hike: Spiritual Dawn Experience in West Cork
5.0
22 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.
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:
24 hours
Highlights
-
GR96+3F Farrandau West - Start your day with a serene walk to a 1,500-year-old sacred well, rich in legend. Enjoy a refreshing sea swim at Castlehaven Strandâwetsuits and swim buoys are provided. Warm up with a delicious hot breakfast, and delight in captivating tales of local history and folklore.
The day begins with a short dawn hike along aâŠ
- GR96+3F Farrandau West - Start your day with a serene walk to a 1,500-year-old sacred well, rich in legend. Enjoy a refreshing sea swim at Castlehaven Strandâwetsuits and swim buoys are provided. Warm up with a delicious hot breakfast, and delight in captivating tales of local history and folklore.
The day begins with a short dawn hike along a pilgrimsâ path that has been in use for over 1,500 years, leading to the hidden holy well known as Tobar BearchĂĄin. Local seafarers and swimmers have traditionally followed this path to seek St BearchĂĄinâs protection from the sea.
After returning to the strand and a brief safety discussion, participants can enjoy a dip or swim at the beach using the provided swim buoys and optional wetsuits. Although this bay is exceptionally sheltered and we remain close to the shore at all times, a swim buoy is required for swimming.
The experience concludes with a hot drink and a light breakfast back on the shore, accompanied by two fascinating stories about the prince of Donegal, Aodh Ruadh UĂ Dhomhnaill, and the martyr known as Blessed Dominic Collins, both of whom are connected to this small beach.
Interesting fact: this pilgrimage is 400 years older than the Camino.
What's Included
- Swim-buoys provided
- Tea and coffee
- Breakfast
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(22 Ratings)
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G4426dkpatriciah
Jul 31, 2025
A great start to our day in West Cork - Conor and Celine were amazing guides and kind hosts. The pilgrimage to the well was beautiful and shaded. Other than a swimsuit, a towel, and clothes to warm up in, everything was provided: swim buoys, wetsuits, warming blankets, etc. The swim was well organized and accommodated our group very well. The hot oats and tea afterwards topped it all off and Conorâs retelling of the local lore brought it to life and related to the local landmarks.
10/10 would do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annegs7142gi
Jul 22, 2025
Do Not Miss These Adventures with Conor and his Lovely Family - This is an absolute must for any and all! Conor and his family are remarkable folks and we are very grateful to them. It was an exhilarating experience and the wonderful breakfast they served after the plunge was amazing. Conor is a fount of historical information and history and is an amazing storyteller. We were INCREDIBLY fortunate to have him as our guide for all the adventures we went on. We will be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julianapw8536je
Jul 6, 2025
I already want to do it again! - Celine's gifted ability with words makes you realise and feel the soul of this piece of Irish landscape. You will be embedded in history, saints giving name to the landscape, its awaking waters, and kindness of people!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tarasc8970bs
Jun 30, 2025
Stunning swim, stories and history - This was our second GormĂș experience in 24 hours!! We booked it after enjoying his fantastic walking experience with folklore. This is a beautiful way to start your day. First you take a gentle walk to a holy well that only a local would know. We were the only people there. You then don a wetsuit if you wish and immerse yourself into pristine water off the coast. Connor and Celine let you take it as easy or as energetically as you like. As you drift or swim you learn about the area and its history. You finish with a beautiful breakfast picnic of warm porridge, coffee and berries picked from their garden. Connor conversationally shares folklore, history and how places were named. He is happy to answer impromptu questions and tailor the experience to your interests. It is a privilege to share in Connor and Celineâs connection to Cork. It enhanced our trip to Ireland immeasurably.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johno2523
Jun 25, 2025
History walk and Swim - Conor and Celine are wonderful. The morning started with a lovely walk to the holy well. Conor provided the history of the area and he is really knowledgeable. The additional poem by Seamus Heaney was a lovely addition. The swim was gorgeous and again Conor included the history of the area which really added to the experience. The water was crystal clear and calm. Afterwards we were treated to a lovely breakfast of porridge and tea with a selection of fruit and nuts. We would certainly recommend this little gem of a tour. Nobody will be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jom3232
Oct 29, 2024
unique experience - What a unique experience. We enjoyed the short walk and especially the swim while the sun was rising. The hot breakfast was the cherry on the top.
Conor was very friendly with a lot of knowledge about the area and especially about the folklore. He told us many stories.
We highly recommend this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faraway39087487925
Aug 3, 2024
This amazing experience feels individualised, personal, serene & sacred, thanks to facilitators, Conor & Celineđđđ»ââïžđđ - It is hard to find words to adequately describe how amazing & special this experience felt & how much it meant to us personally. Conor & Celine are exceptionally equipped to make the experience individualised & personal, while leading with their knowledge & expertise of the area.
A short informative walk to St BearachĂĄnâs Well starts the adrenaline flowing aswell as instilling confidence as you are graced with the traditional swimmersâ blessing of Tober BearachĂĄn! Conorâs historical storytelling is captivating & pertains directly to the cosy, small strand & waters where you swim & to the Holy Well of St BearachĂĄn , across the way. Coupled with Celineâs knowledge of the natural life within the ocean & her unique ability to instill confidence in the experience , he entire experience feels serene & sacred from start to finish. Fresh hot tea/coffee, porridge & one last story from Conor warms the heart in a way that last for the whole day ahead. MĂle BuĂochas Conor & Celine. Weâll be back đđđđ
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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! đ
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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