Pilgrims Path Hike: Spiritual Dawn Experience 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 Strand—wetsuits 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

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
(17 Ratings)
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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 & CelineđŸŒŠđŸŠđŸ»â€â™€ïžđŸ™đŸ’• - 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 BearachĂĄn’s Well starts the adrenaline flowing aswell as instilling confidence as you are graced with the traditional swimmers’ blessing of Tober BearachĂĄn! Conor’s 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 Celine’s 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. We’ll be back 🙏🙏💖💖
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
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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
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! 😊
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
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
December 2024
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