Gaeltacht na nDéise

Fáilte go dtí Gaeltacht na nDéise An Rinn agus An Sean Phobal

Only six miles west of Dungarvan, you’ll find yourself transported into the wild heart of the Irish Gaeltacht. With views overlooking Dungarvan Harbour and the Comeragh Mountains, the landscape here is both beautiful and dramatic.

Gaeltacht na nDéise is the only Irish-speaking region in South East Ireland. Irish is the first language of the people here. A visit to An Rinn and An Sean Phobal is a unique cultural experience. The area is famous for its love of Irish music, song, dance and language.

For visitors, there is lots of great places to see and things to do; with craft shops, pubs, beaches and coastal stops to break up your drive. One such place is An Connigéar, a long, pencil-slim peninsula in Dungarvan Bay which is home to a huge variety of seabirds. An Coinigéar Walk is a scenic walk with majestic views of Dungarvan Bay and the dramatic Comeragh Mountains.

Also in this area is Coláiste na Rinne, an Irish language college. Established in 1909, this college attracts many students for full time courses and those held during the summer months.

We recommend visiting Criostal na Rinne to experience the craft of crystal cut by hand. Not only is it home to beautiful hand-crafted giftware but there are free tours and demonstration showcasing the techniques involved in glassmaking.

Another interesting stop is Heilbhic, a tiny but important fishing port where visitors can indulge in relaxing Irish seaweed baths with Sólás na Mara. Ceann Heilbhic (Helvic Head) commands wonderful views over the bay and Copper Coast, with the impressive Comeragh Mountains rising as a fantastic backdrop. The fishing port is a peaceful stop. Above the pier is an obelisk commemorating all those who lost their lives when the ship Erin’s Hope sank off Helvic Head in 1867. The scenery here is breathtaking and high recommended.

Whether its Irish music, song, crafts, heritage and culture, walking, cycling, swimming or bird watching, there is something for all in Gaeltacht na nDéise.

Notes of interest:

• The warning signs on the road are in Irish:
  • AIRE (care/attention)
  • PÁISTÍ (children)
• The Waterford Gaeltacht has a population of 1,816 people and represents 1.8% of the total Gaeltacht population of Ireland.