Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim in West Cork

24 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 24 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This adventure is highly rated and has met our top quality standards.
Cork, Ireland

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On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Breakfast We provide a hot breakfast of porridge plus plenty of tea and coffee that is guaranteed to warm you back up.
  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Swim-buoys provided.

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    GR96+3FM Farrandau West
    County Cork, Ireland

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Begin your day with a peaceful walk to a 1,500-year-old holy well, steeped in legend. Take an invigorating sea swim at Castlehaven Strand—wetsuits and swim buoys included. Warm up with a hearty hot breakfast, and savour enthralling tales of local history and folklore.

    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 Bearcháin.
    Local seafarers and swimmers traditionally travelled this path to ask St Bearcháin 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 buoys and optional wetsuits 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 Uí 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.

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim in West Cork?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (IST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-351608P2

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    24 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 24 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    24
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

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    On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • BreakfastWe provide a hot breakfast of porridge plus plenty of tea and coffee that is guaranteed to warm you back up.
    • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
    • Swim-buoys provided.

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (IST).
    • This adventure requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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