Placenames & Their Amazing Stories: with a West Cork Picnic

5.0 (76 reviews) 3–4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

76 reviews

5.0

Local artisan foods plus Celine's home baking are the focus of the picnic — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Stunning Scenery — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the world’s only daily placenames walking tour, an intimate, luxury experience (max 8 guests) along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way. Regularly featured on TV and in the media, this unique tour unlocks the hidden history of Castlehaven through its placenames—revealing Viking traders, Gaelic chieftains, and long-lost ways of life.

Discover names like Carrig na Saighneoirí, a tiny headland named after the medieval pilchard fishermen who made the O’Driscolls and O’Donovans as wealthy as European royalty. Explore Beann tSídháin (peak of the faeries ) and An Glaisín Álainn (the beautiful little stream), where the landscape itself tells a story.

Your experience includes a gourmet picnic of West Cork cheese, smoked seafood from Union Hall, and Celine’s home baking, making this an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and artisan food.

12:00 Noon Daily | Max 8 Guests | Includes Artisan Picnic

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks Small Group Excellent Quality Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Gormú

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: We provide hiking poles for those that want to use them
Included: We provide a picnic lunch featuring local artisan foodstuffs.
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea
Included: Parking Fees

Not included

Not included: Hotel pick-up or drop-off
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1

5 min

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.
Stop 2

10 min

Our first stop is at Jim Barry's Cross where we briefly discuss the science and study of placenames and some of the history behind Irish placenames.
Stop 3

20 min

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.
Stop 4

10 min

Our 3rd stop is at Sandy Cove beach. Here we discuss how sand was harvested by local farmers using horses and donkey's.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.