Welcome to Gaeltacht na nDéise
Gaeltacht na nDéise is located in the sunny south-east of the country, situated by the sea with excellent views around every corner. An Rinn and An Sean Phobal are the two parishes in this small Gaeltacht with just over 2000 people living here. The communities love of the Irish language, traditional singing and music gives the area a particular vitality.
The Irish Language & Culture
Gaeltacht na nDéise has its own distinct and unique Irish language dialect and is famous for traditional music and Sean Nós (traditional) singing.
The number of Irish speakers in the area has increased in recent years and there are now over 500 people in this very small Gaeltacht area, between An Rinn and An Sean Phobal, who speak Irish on a daily basis outside the education system. Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise has had an important role, through the Irish Language Plan in supporting local community groups, committees, clubs and schools in providing the community with regular and varied opportunities to use the Irish language as part of community life. Use whatever Irish you have when you are in the area!
You can listen to Ireland’s King of Song, Nioclás Tóibín, and many other wonderful singers from the area on the site Sean Nós Beo
An Rinn
There is a variety of amenities for visitors in An Rinn with two piers, one in Baile na nGall and one in Heilbhic. We also have excellent beaches. Part of this coast is under special protection and offers many opportunities for people who are interested in the environment and birdwatching in particular.
Pop into Sólás na Mara for a relaxing Seaweed Bath. Think about visiting the Joan Clancy Gallery to see the latest art exhibition. Or visit Criostal na Rinne to see a Master Craftsmen at work. It is also impossible to comment on An Rinn without talking about Coláiste na Rinne, which is famous for teaching and promoting the Irish language from 1905 onwards.
An Sean Phobal
In An Sean Phobal there is a dramatic seascape with high cliffs together with several deeply incised gullys and small bays. The grassland on the cliffs attracts a wide variety of seabirds and is designated as a special area of conservation. The area is a special place for bird watchers and people interested in nature.
In Sean Phobal you will find the Megalithic Tomb, An Chailleach Béara which has been there since 2,000 B.C. or so. The Lighthouse at Mionn Ard has been warning shipping since 1851, about the cliffs that lay below. Reilig an tSléibhe Famine Graveyard reminds us of the Great Famine, a catastrophic time in Irish history, which caused many deaths from 1842 onwards.
Walks
There are plenty of places in Gaeltacht na nDéise to go for a walk, by yourself, with friends or as a family. Here, you will find information on three walks that would be suitable for anyone, including families with young children. Each walk includes a fun Treasure Hunt to complete while walking. Click on the headings of each walk below to access the leaflets, which can be printed out.
This 6km walk on An Coinigéar is always a great way to blow away the cobwebs! Make it an extra special walk by doing a nature treasure hunt through Irish while walking on the sand spit. Look out for all the rabbits that live here!
There is a car park halfway around this 3.5 km circular walk that is perfect for a rest or a well earned picnic. Look out for views of two lighthouses, including Mionn Ard in An Sean Phobal, the highest lighthouse in Ireland !
This 3.5 km route makes for an energetic walk including a trip to the beach to skip stones. Towards the end of the walk look out for the Mass Rock which is in the same field as the old ruin Tigín Ghleann Anna or the Stable that looks like a castle!
Location
Gaeltacht na nDéise is conveniently located between the two vibrant coastal towns of Dungarvan and Ardmore.
The market town of Dungarvan lies about 10K to the north east of Gaeltacht na nDéise & boasts a wide range of award winning restaurants and cafes including the renowned Tannery Restaurant, Townhouse & Cookery School. Dungarvan is also known for its beautiful harbour, featuring many local and visiting pleasure craft. Overlooking the harbour is King John’s castle, an Anglo-Norman fortification founded in 1185.
Dungarvan is now recognized as a Gaeltacht Service Town and a Language Plan is in place to increase the visibility and use of the Irish Language in the town. Information about Irish language events taking place in the area can be obtained from dungarbhanlegaeilge@gmail.com.
Lying approximately 20K to the south west of Gaeltacht na nDéise is the pretty seaside resort of Ardmore and location of the luxury Cliff House Hotel with its Michelin star restaurant ‘The House’. Ardmore is also famous for its beautiful beaches, art and craft shops, St. Declan’s twelfth century round tower and the cliff walk with its amazingly diverse range of flora and fauna.
For information on accommodation and other attractions contact the Tourist Office in Dungarvan
Phone: +353(58) 41741
Email: info@dungarvantourism.com
Website: https://www.dungarvantourism.com
