Fáilte (Welcome) to Ferriter’s Cove, situated in the heart of Corca Dhuibhne (the historical name for the Dingle Peninsula) in South West Ireland.
Ferriter’s Cove Bed and Breakfast overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Ferriter’s Cove which has sheltered waters and sandy beaches making it a popular location for shore angling, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and walking.
Just 300 meters away is a beautiful and challenging 18 hole links golf course – Ceann Sibéal Golf Course (Dingle Golf Links). The Club has a bar and restaurant, with spectacular panoramic views of The Blasket Islands, The Three Sisters, Clogher Head, Smerwick Harbour and Mount Brandon.
The club also has a practice green and driving range. Clubs, trolleys and buggies may be hired at the pro-shop. “This Links have everything that St. Andrews has – and more!” – Christy O’Connor Jnr.
The stunning scenery of Dingle Peninsula offers the perfect backdrop for many activities, including golf, walking, hillwalking, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, sea fishing, shore angling, diving and cycling. Just a short drive away is Slea Head the most western point in Ireland, where whales, basking sharks and sunfish may sometimes be seen.
The area is rich in history. Just 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 (see Pierce Ferriter – our great patron and Treasure of Fortune)
The oldest settlement in Kerry was recently excavated on the shores of Ferriter’s Cove and was dated to around 4,000 B.C. The area boasts the greatest concentration of archaeological sites in Ireland, with a number of important monastic settlements, including Reask, Gallarus and Kilmalkedar. One of the most famous saints from the area was St. Brendan the Navigator, who legend says discovered America.
Overlooking Ferriter’s Cove are the ruins of a Coastguard Tower on top of Ceann Sibéal (Sybil Head). Constructed to protect against invasion, it was one of many famine relief projects to help the poor earn money to buy food. The Coastguard Station on the top of Ceann Sibéal was 40 feet high and 30 feet square. From the Coastguard Station, the sister towers on the Great Blasket and Ballydavid Head can be seen. Care needs to be taken at the top as there is a sheer cliff of nearly 700 feet. Permission to pass through the fields to visit the Tower may be required from the landowners.
Ferriter’s Cove is in 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!!!
BALLYFERRITER
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.
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.
CLOGHER HEAD
A couple of miles south is Clogher Head which offers wonderful views of the Blaskets, Ceann Sibéal and the Three Sisters. Beneath the headland is the beautiful Clogher Beach, however the beach is unsafe for bathing. Just up the road from Clogher Beach is the world famous Louis Mulcahy Pottery Shop – “Potadóireacht na Caolóige”. Another pottery shop on the same road is “Faoileán Pottery” where the visitor can paint their own pottery. There is a nice cliff walk from Ferriter’s Cove to Clogher Beach, the route is well marked.
