Ferriter’s Cove B&B

Fáilte (Welcome) to Ferriter’s Cove, situated in the heart of Corca Dhuibhne, which is the historical name for the Dingle peninsula.

The stunning scenery of the peninsula offers the perfect backdrop for many activities….. which include two excellent link courses, beautiful sandy beaches, shore angling, hillwalking, sailing, kayaking, diving and cycling tours. There are plenty long distance walking routes.

The area boasts the greatest concentration of archaeological sites in Ireland, among them Gallarus Oratory. It is also a Gaeltacht region – where the Irish language is in daily use. The beautiful Blasket Islands, which was a cradle for many famous Irish writers, such as Peig Sayers, Tomás Ó Criomhthain and Muiris Ó Súilleabháin, are just a short distance away and can be easily reached by ferry from nearby Dunquin. The rich culture attracts musicians from far and wide — so you can enjoy the very best of jig, reel, and hornpipe, while quaffing a glass of the “black stuff” Sláinte !!! Your Health!!!

Ferriter’s Cove Bed and Breakfast overlooks Ferriter’s Cove, a great location for shore angling, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or windsurfing.

A couple of hundred yards away is a magnificent 18 hole championship links golf course. Ceann Sibéal Golf Course (Dingle Golf Links), a magnificient 18 hole championship course. The club house has a bar and restaurant with panoramic views of the golf course, The Blasket Islands, The Three Sisters, Clogher Head, Smerwick Harbour and Mount Brandon. “This Links have everything that St. Andrews has – and more!” – Christy O’Connor Jnr.

Behind the B&B are the ruins of Ferriter’s Castle, where the poet and soldier Piaras Feiritéar (or Pierce Ferriter) was born. He was one of the last Irish Chieftains to be defeated by the Oliver Cromwell’s forces. He was hanged in Killarney in 1652.

Two miles away is the village of Ballyferriter, one of the most popular destinations for Irish language summer-school students.  The village museum, Músaem Chorca Dhuibnhe, provides information on the history, archaeology and geology of the area, see www.WestKerryMuseum.com

The three pubs in the village, Tigh Uí Mhurchú (Murphy’s Pub), Tigh an tSaorsaigh (Sayers Pub), Tigh Uí Chatháin (Kane’s Pub) and the hotel Ostán Ceann Sibé al have regular traditional music sessions and serve food during the tourist season.

There are lots of walking and hillwalking routes in the locality that are easily accessible from Ferriter’s Cove Bed & Breakfast, including Mount Brandon, Mount Eagle and Cruach Mharthain (Croagh Marhin).

We are located just a short stroll from The Dingle Way Walking Trail and you can walk along this trail to the Wine Strand, one of the finest sandy beaches on the peninsula. The southern route of the Dingle Way will take you along cliffs to Clogher Beach, Clogher Head and Dunquin, with spectacular views of the wild Atlantic Ocean, Sibéal Head and the Blasket Islands.

Many scenes from David Lean’s film ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ were shot in the area. The ruins of the school used in the movie can still be seen, just south of Clogher Head and traces of the village can be found on the slopes of Croagh Marhin. The nearby sandy beach at Coumeenole (unsafe for bathing) was also used in the movie “Ryan Daughter” and provides excellent view of the Blasket Islands.

Along the majestic mountain range that makes up the Dingle Peninsula are numerous hills and mountains, which are suitable for climbing and hill walking. It was these mountains that produced the legendary Tom Crean who heroically accompanied Scott and Shackleton on their Antarctic expeditions.

The highest mountain on the Dingle Peninsula is Mount Brandon (the third highest mountain in Ireland, 950m), is a pleasant well marked hike if the “Saints Way” route is taken. Each year during Easter Week local people of all ages use this route on their annual pilgrimage to the top. After parking by the graveyard at Ballybrack follow the white posts and the Crosses to the top of Mount Brandon. The climb is easy but care should be taken at the top especially in low visibility with cloud or fog, as there is a steep cliff on the eastern face of the mountain. On the summit of Mount Brandon are the remains of an oratory that was built by St. Brendan the Navigator and his monks.

The long sandy beaches at Béal Bán, Wine Strand and Ventry are ideal for swimming. Smerwick Harbour is also popular for fishing, kayaking, wind surfing and dinghy sailing.

Horse racing is held on Béal Bán on the first weekend in May (weather permitting). A regatta, featuring traditional naomhógs or currachs, is held on the harbour during August each year at Baile na nGall (Ballydavid).

There are many great locations for kayaking around the Dingle Peninsula. If you don’t have your own kayak with you, you can always try sea kayaking with IrishAdventures.net or rent a Sit-on-top kayak at Jamie Knox Watersports

Windsurfing lessons for all levels are available at Jamie Knox Watersports in Castlegregory. Some speed sailors have achieved over 40 knots windsurfing in the waters off Castlegregory. Jamie also offers surfing and stand up paddle boarding (SUP) as well as summer camps for kids.

Surfing lessons are available at around the Dingle Peninsula from –

• Finn McCool’s Surf Company
• Jamie Knox Watersports
• Kingdom Waves Surf School

Directions: After leaving Dingle Town on the Slea Head Road turn left over the bridge at the roundabout. Take the next right and follow the signs for Ballyferriter (Baile an Fheirtéaraigh). Pass through Ballyferriter village and take the next turn right and follow the signs to Ceann Sibéal Golf Course. Turn left just after the entrance to the complex of holiday cottages.   Distances

• Kerry Airport (Farranfore): 72 km (45 miles) Approximately 1 hours 20 minutes
• Cork Airport: 168 km (104 miles) Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
• Shannon Airport: 190 km (118 miles) Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
• Dublin Airport: 371 km (104 miles) Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes