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Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim in West Cork

23 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 23 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Cork, Ireland
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from $80.76 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
We can normally source a wetsuit that will fit our guests
The underwater scenery is spectacular in Castle Haven - starfish, kelp forests, sea urchins, fish and much more!
We finish with tea/coffee and hot porridge breakfast
We always finish with a local story.
Swim-buoys are provided and mandatory for swimmers and dippers

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1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
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

    Show on Google Maps

    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
    • Operated by a business

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

    Cancellation Policy

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

    Still have questions?

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

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    Reviews

    5.00
    23 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 23 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    23
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
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    On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

    Filter by:

    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 tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (IST).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is 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.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    The minimum age to participate is 10. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim in West Cork is as follows:

    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Dawn Pilgrimage and Swim in West Cork will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    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
    • Operated by a business

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    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (IST).
    • This tour 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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