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Placenames Tour: Explore West Cork's Scenic Walks
5.0
55 Ratings
Castlehaven Cross
Uncover the captivating stories behind the placenames of West Cork on a unique discovery tour. Explore the Wild Atlantic Way while learning about the diverse influences that shaped this stunning landscape.
Uncover the captivating stories behind the placenames of West Cork on a unique discovery tour. Explore the Wild Atlantic Way while learning about the diverse influences that shaped this stunning landscape.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Castlehaven Cross - After introductions at our departure point, your guide will give a brief overview on the planned route and a few safety pointers for walking on the off-road sections.
- Castlehaven - Our first stop is at Jim Barryâs Cross where we briefly discuss the science and study of placenames and some of the history behind IrishâŠ
- Castlehaven Cross - After introductions at our departure point, your guide will give a brief overview on the planned route and a few safety pointers for walking on the off-road sections.
- Castlehaven - Our first stop is at Jim Barryâs Cross where we briefly discuss the science and study of placenames and some of the history behind Irish placenames.
- Castlehaven - Our 2nd stop is about 100m off road on the Legach, this is an amazing beautiful stop on the edge of the ocean. Based on placennames here we share some amazing stories about how local farmers obtained fertiliser from the sea to grow their potatoes and other crops.
- Castlehaven - Our 3rd stop is at Sandy Cove beach. Here we discuss how sand was harvested by local farmers using horses and donkeyâs.
What's Included
- Lunch included
- Tea and coffee provided
- Parking fees covered
- Hiking poles available
- Lunch included
- Tea and coffee provided
- Parking fees covered
- Hiking poles available
What's Not Included
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Join the worldâs exclusive daily placenames walking tour, offering a luxurious and intimate experience for up to 8 guests along the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way. Frequently highlighted on television and in the media, this exceptional tour unveils the concealed history of Castlehaven through its placenames, revealing tales of Viking traders, GaelicâŠ
Join the worldâs exclusive daily placenames walking tour, offering a luxurious and intimate experience for up to 8 guests along the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way. Frequently highlighted on television and in the media, this exceptional tour unveils the concealed history of Castlehaven through its placenames, revealing tales of Viking traders, Gaelic chieftains, and ancient lifestyles.
Uncover names such as Carrig na SaighneoirĂ, a small headland named after the medieval pilchard fishermen who enriched the OâDriscolls and OâDonovans to the level of European royalty. Discover Beann tSĂdhĂĄin (peak of the faeries) and An GlaisĂn Ălainn (the beautiful little stream), where the landscape narrates its own story.
This experience includes a gourmet picnic featuring West Cork cheese, smoked seafood from Union Hall, and Celineâs homemade baking, creating an unforgettable fusion of culture, history, and artisan cuisine.
12:00 Noon Daily | Max 8 Guests | Includes Artisan Picnic
Location
GR84+78 Castlehaven Cross
Our meeting point at Castlehaven Cross is 2km southwest of Castletownshend village on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The nearest town is Skibbereen, it is about 12 minutes away by car.
Use eircode P81 KC87 on your favourite mapping app if you need detailed directions.
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
(55 Ratings)
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Kevinbn7288nb
Dec 3, 2024
The Wild Atlantic Way's best experience by far! - We don't normally write reviews but we have to here because, quite simply, we had a absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. We had heard about GormĂș when it was featured on an Irish television programme called Nationwide so we decided to give it a go. And we were so happy we did!
Our guide, Conor, was an amazing story teller, whose knowledge of local folklore and heritage was utterly breath-taking, engrossing and infectious. We were completely hooked from the start as Conor enthralled us with the stories of people and events from history behind the old placenames of local sites and geographical features.
As we listened, Conor led us on a lovely meandering walk along the coastline enjoying stunning views of secluded beaches, soaring cliffs and hidden ancient ruins.
Conor was genuinely interested in us too and he epitomised that friendliness and connection for which Ireland is so famous, adding another layer of authenticity to our experience.
The absolute highlight of the day though had to be the incredible picnic lunch we enjoyed looking out across Castlehaven beach, with the harbour stretching before us and the hidden glade, holy well and ruined Church of the local Saint Barrahane (BearcĂĄn) behind us. Conor's fellow GormĂș guide (and wife) Celine had baked the most delicious fresh homemade scones and fruit cake, which along with some very tasty local cheeses, strawberries and patĂ©s, we happily washed down with sparkling elderflower drink, tea and coffee.
If you have any interestat all in history or heritage, or genuinely crave an authentic experience that captures west Cork's natural beauty, or just simply love to hear interesting anecdotes and stories from the past, this is an absolute must for you! Ten out of ten.... and we will definitely come back for more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P1600knsarac
Aug 11, 2024
excellent and informative tour - Conor was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable, entertaining and approachable. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the stories despite it being a wet and foggy day. The picnic lunch was amazing - all locally sourced and delicious. All in all a great outing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_c
Jul 26, 2024
The Highlight of Our Trip to Ireland - Well worth the drive from Cork City to experience the local history and beauty of Castlehaven Cross. Conor is personable, super knowledgable, and individualizes the tour on the spot. If you do nothing else, this tour is a must!
Review provided by Viator
Cork67
Jul 23, 2024
A must do if in the area - Fabulous experience and Conor was such a fun and informative guide. The bikes are easy to manage and we really enjoyed the experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffanymc9417jd
Jul 22, 2024
A real taste of West Cork - It's now starting to become a family tradition when we return to West Cork, to do one of the GormĂș experiences. Everything was perfect again this year.
Conor's stories are just sublime and bring ever rock and cove to life. The picnic lunch provided was just an amazing showcase of local cheeses, fish and fresh produce that this area is renowned for, all topped off with Celine's home-baking. We can't wait to come back again next summer and do one of their eBike tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lissacahan
Jul 8, 2024
Placenames and their Amazing Stories in West Cork - Chaith mĂ© lĂĄ breĂĄ le Conor ag foghlaim faoi na logainmneacha agus na scĂ©alta ĂĄitiĂșla a bhaineann leo. Ba bhreĂĄ liom an scĂ©al faoi chath chuan an Gleann BeĂĄrchain agus muid ag fĂ©asta ar lĂłn blasta de chĂĄiseanna ĂĄitiĂșla agus iasc deathaithe. Mholfainn an turas seo go mĂłr do chĂĄch.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mounfounomad
Jun 30, 2024
Conor Knows Cork! - Howdy All,
My wife and I had a wonderful walk in a beautiful part of Ireland with Conor. He taught us so much about the place names and how important these names are for the 1,000s of years that people have been living in southern Cork. Conor is also very attentive. When he saw that my wife was looking at a particular flower, he paused his description of the shoreline place names and described the plant that had grabbed my wife's attention and other nearby plants. He described current conditions and stories as well as ancient ones with clear-eyed details about what is known, what can be reasonably accepted and stories that are fun and informative, but not necessarily factual. While walking and talking you get to see the wonderful coast that transitions from wooded stands to grasslands to a variety of beaches. To top it all off, at the end there is a fantastic picnic! We had a great time that was superlatively satisfying in mind and body!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joanne
Jun 25, 2024
Tow Head at its best ! - What a wonderful morning spent with Conor on our walking tour of Toe Head ! Conor , a historian and folklore story teller regaled us with stories of the area in an amusing fashion . We just loved listening to him . The fauna , flora and spectacular views were beautiful . This is a must for anyone visiting the area . Enjoy đ€©
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I1876xtianm
Jun 1, 2024
A unique way to see & learn about West Cork. - We've walked with Conor before & absolutely love his passion & encyclopaedic knowledge of all things South West Cork. We did the Place Names walk around Castlehaven, including dramatic coastlines, secret beaches, ancient ruins & glorious flora & fauna - all embellished with tales from local history & folklore.
We would absolutely recommend any of Conor's walking (or cycling) tours - they are are both exceptional and unique!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dhera_i_will_ya
May 23, 2024
The nicest scones you will ever taste with enthralling storytelling. - We did some of the other GormĂș experiences last year, so knew we were in for treat. This experience which is partly a food experience and partly a history experience with a focus on the names of places, did not disappoint.
Conor is a local storyteller of some renown and his passion for telling enthralling stories shines through on this tour. We finished with the most delicious picnic which included the nicest home baked soda bread scones ever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
