Irish Scenery | Irish American Mom

The West Cork Coastline

October 3, 2018 by Irish American Mom 4 Comments

Today I have a little video treat for you. Here’s a lovely collection of photos of the West Cork coastline along the Sheepshead and Beara peninsulas.

I hope you enjoy these shots of County Cork’s peaceful, unspoiled landscapes.

You’ll find some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland in West Cork.

Many thanks to Ana, a reader from County Cork, who submitted these lovely photos of her home county’s beautiful scenery.

The Sheep’s Head peninsula in West Cork lies between Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay.

It’s a narrow finger-like projection of land which extends out into the Atlantic ocean.

The wild Atlantic is never far, no matter where you wander on this idyllic little slice of Ireland.

And be prepared to be captivated by the magnificent scenery.

Just north of the Sheepshead Peninsula lies the Beara Peninsula. Here you’ll find more mountainous terrain, ancient monuments, ring forts and ocean vistas.

And the good news for those who like to get off the well beaten tourist trail – the Beara Way is far less busy than its more famous neighbor, the Ring of Kerry. And its landscape is every bit as awe inspiring and breathtaking.

In Allihies you’ll find the remains of an old copper mine, which was in operation in the 1800’s.

Many 19th century Irish emigrants to the United States, who hailed from this area in West Cork, found work in the mines around Butte, Montana where their skills were highly sought after.

I love West Cork. I hope you’ll make it there some day to experience its amazing sights, hear the crashing roar of Atlantic waves, and feel the magic of its ocean mists.

Thanks to all for stopping by to check out this lovely collection of photos from Ana.

If you too would like to submit some of your photos of Ireland, you can find all the details on my photography submission page.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

If you enjoyed this little illustrated tour of West Cork, here are some more ramblings around Ireland you might enjoy.

Mizen Head

What Is A Dolmen?

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County Limerick – The Treaty County

Sea Stack Ascents Off The West Coast Of Ireland

July 3, 2017 by Irish American Mom 6 Comments

Join me on a journey today to some of Ireland’s most isolated places. Since 2007 Iain Miller and his friends have been exploring and climbing sea stacks found dotted around the coastline of Ireland.

Their favorite climbs lie along the spectacular coasts of counties Donegal and Mayo. And you all know how much I love Donegal.

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Iain contacted me to share some of his amazing videos. And so I’m delighted to take you way off the beaten track to explore some of Ireland’s off shore sea stacks. In fact, we’re getting so far off the beaten track, there is no track at all.

In these short videos Iain sets sail over the foaming ocean, or takes the high road by dangling across taut ropes to reach some of Ireland’s most remote and isolated destinations.

Just like me, many readers will never venture to the top of a sea stack, but that won’t stop us watching a video of some daring thrill seekers as they take us to some of the most beautiful, remote and atmospheric locations in all of Ireland.

I do not like heights, but I felt compelled to watch these fantastically scary and totally thrilling videos. Ireland’s rugged coastline is magnificent in all her natural and unspoiled glory.

Glenlough Bay, County Donegal:

Glenlough Bay on the South West Donegal coastline is one of the most remote, beautiful and wild locations in Ireland.

In the video above, an international group of visitors climb a 60 meter high sea stack braving bouncy westerly sea currents and winds.

The Ends of the Earth Sea Stack, County Donegal:

This next film recounts a visit to Ireland’s most remote location on the western tip of the Slievetooey Massif.

Laura Hartmann and John Neary walk into the northern tip of Glenlough Bay and paddle 200 meters off the edge to The Ends of the Earth Stack.

I just love the name of this sea stack. When exploring the western tips of Donegal’s coastline, it surely does feel like you are standing at the ends of the earth.

Downpatrick Head Sea Stack, County Mayo:

This next video takes us to County Mayo. Living 80 metres off Downpatrick Head on the north coast of County Mayo is the iconic Dún Briste Sea Stack. It’s name literally means ‘broken dún.’

First landed on by helicopter in the 1980’s, this amazing sea stack was climbed once before in 1990.

In the short film above Iain Miller and Paulina Kaniszewska make a very rare ascent of Dún Briste sea stack.

The Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal, Ireland:

For thrill seekers and mountain climbers, Ireland’s majestic sea stacks provide outstanding adventure, while climbing in isolated, unique settings.

Many of these stacks rise above the waters of the Atlantic ocean at the bases of huge sea cliffs. Easy access routes are non existent and a comprehensive understanding of the sea and rock climbing techniques is imperative to ensure a safe ascent of any sea stack.

If you are interested in learning from the experts or joining them on an adventure, you can find out more about Iain Miller and his team on their website, Unique Ascents.

A big thank you to Iain for sharing his work with us today.

Wishing everyone, who braves the elements and the majesty of Ireland’s coastline, a safe and happy climbing season this summer.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

Cycling Routes In Ireland

September 22, 2016 by Irish American Mom 2 Comments

Ireland is a great destination for cycling. The Irish roads are calling all you avid cyclists, with memorable trips in store for the energetic and physically active tourist who loves to travel the highways and byways by pedal power.

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Once you remember to pack your rain gear, the Irish roads await to take you on your trails over hills and mountains, or along the Wild Atlantic Way to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

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Every year there seems to be huge numbers of new cyclists on Irish roads, and for anyone who ever thought about taking a biking trip to Ireland, I thought a little information about the different cycling routes might be a good idea.

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Here’s an infographic, with excellent descriptions and stats for the best cycling routes in Ireland.

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In my younger days I loved to cycle, and have fond memories of touring around Ireland. I loved flat, fast rolling back roads for a good spin, but always be prepared for a few hills in Ireland.

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Happy trails to all who take to their bikes to explore the winding country roads, the hills and valleys, and the tiny villages and bustling towns of Ireland.

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Enjoy the open air and the surrounding scenery – there’s no where on earth quite like Ireland on a bike.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

The Metal Gate – Ireland’s Picture Frame

September 13, 2016 by Irish American Mom 10 Comments

Metal farm gates are found dotted around Ireland’s countryside. Whether separating fields, or protecting the entrance to verdant green pastures these functional entryways are part of my Irish memories.

These gates are so widespread around Ireland I am going to venture so far as to say, I consider them a symbol of Ireland. I know, you probably think I’ve lost my marbles, when I decide to write a blog post all about gates.

But by the end of today’s ramblings I hope you’ll understand why many of my Irish memories are framed by iron or steel farm gates.

And as you all know, my Irish inspired blog posts are definitely not found anywhere else on the world wide web. Who else, in their right mind, would try to convince you the utilitarian farm gate should be considered a symbol of Ireland?

Except me of course, Irish American Crackpot (that’s the new name for my blog around our house).

But let’s get back to the gates. Here’s my rational for calling them “Ireland’s Picture Frames.”

When driving in Ireland many of the roads are bordered by dense hedgerows, which unfortunately block the view of the surrounding landscape. To catch a glimpse of the magnificent Irish scenery drivers must watch carefully for a gap in the tree line and pray the view will open up.

Most of these openings occur only where a farm gate has been strategically placed for cattle or tractor entry.

But for those of us, who love to stop our cars to truly appreciate the grandeur of God’s creation, these gate openings are sometimes our only chance to catch a little glimpse of heaven.

As you peer through your car window at a spectacular mountain, or a windswept beach, the scene is often framed by a metal gate.

And so I bestow upon these metal gates, the honorary title of ‘Ireland’s picture frames’.

I have lovely childhood memories of driving around Ireland with my grandaunt or great aunt as we say in America.

My sisters and cousins would climb in to the back of her mini cooper, all packed in like sardines. I grew up in the 70’s when we all squashed in with little regard for seat belts, booster seats, or modern day safety rules.

As we drove around the beautiful Irish countryside, my great aunt would pull over at a farm gate, whenever she thought we should stop to take in the beauty of the world around us. These childhood memories of Ireland are framed by metal gates.

Some gates are sturdy and utilitarian. Some are old and rusty but appear to be portals to another world completely.

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How about these tall pillars which probably supported a more elaborate gate in days gone by?

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I love this photo of a snowy field framed by a farm gate in County Tipperary.

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And always remember, no matter how alluring the view may be, heed those “No Trespassing” signs.

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And how about the focal point of this wonderful gate? My father told me, when he was a young boy in the 1930’s in County Cork, he remembers gates being made out of old wheel rims. Truly ingenious.

I hope you enjoyed this collection of Irish gate photos. You can’t beat a little bit of nostalgia – even if just talking about gates. Let us know if your Irish memories are framed by metal gates.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

Mizen Head, County Cork

August 16, 2016 by Irish American Mom 16 Comments

When you think of Irish cliffs and must-see tourist sites, the famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare automatically spring to mind.

But today, I’m going to take you on a tour of County Cork’s lesser known, but just as spectacular cliffs at Mizen Head, Ireland’s most south westerly point.

I love to take you off the well beaten Irish tourist trail, to discover Ireland’s hidden treasures. If you plan to visit Ireland in search of bracing ocean scented air, then the Mizen is the place for you.

The wonderful thing about this magnificent County Cork outpost on the Wild Atlantic Way, is that it is far less busy than the more northerly Ring of Kerry or Cliffs of Moher.

And so, brace yourself for a photographic tour of dizzying proportions.

In today’s post I share some photos I took on a wild and blustery spring day. Join me as we peer over some of Ireland’s rocky precipices and enjoy the churning Atlantic ocean.

The old Mizen Head Signal Station has been transformed into an award winning Maritime Museum and Heritage Centre.

This rocky outpost is in a spectacular location high atop the cliffs and the swirling Atlantic Ocean tides. A path down 99 steps leads to a footbridge crossing the churning waters below.

Tread quickly across this bridge, if like me, you don’t have a head for heights.

I handed my camera over to my husband to take this shot looking directly below the bridge.

But once my kids started shouting they could see a seal battling the waters below, I overcame my fears to take a look.

Apparently seals and their pups are often seen swimming in the Atlantic swells within this gorge. Mizen Head is a perfect vantage point to scan the waters for whales and dolphins. Only seals spotted on our visit.

Here’s a view of the rocky shoreline from the bridge. The layers of rock are formed by Devonian era slate. The many shaded gray striations are simply spectacular.

This is a majestic landscape with breathtaking scenery equal to any found in Ireland.

Out in the distance the Fastnet Rock can be spotted.

A 19th century lighthouse sits atop this rocky outcrop known as the Teardrop of Ireland. For many leaving Ireland’s shores as emigrants, the Fastnet Rock was the very last little sliver of Ireland they beheld.

Building this safety beacon so far off shore is a credit to 19th century engineering skills.

The old signal station now houses an informative museum with exhibits showing what life was like for those who worked here many years ago.

Here you can learn about the vast array of wildlife to be found in the seas and surrounding cliffs, together with the history of the Fastnet Rock, Marconi and radio communication.

This majestic seascape, with its many breath-taking views has to be seen to be believed.

My family visited on a wet and blustery day, with storm clouds hovering on the horizon. Despite hail showers, and mist laden gales, we found the experience to be completely exhilarating.

Mizen Head is Ireland’s southerly land’s end. I highly recommend a visit, especially if you wish to experience the power of the Atlantic ocean, without the excessive crowds found in other corners of Ireland.

For anyone interested in visiting, here are two great websites for planning a trip –

Mizen Head Signal Station

Mizen Head Visitor Centre

Wishing you all happy trails in Ireland.

The West Cork Coastline

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

Mizen Head

What Is A Dolmen?

County Limerick – The Treaty County

Sea Stack Ascents Off The West Coast Of Ireland

Glenlough Bay, County Donegal:

The Ends of the Earth Sea Stack, County Donegal:

Downpatrick Head Sea Stack, County Mayo:

The Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal, Ireland:

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

Cycling Routes In Ireland

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

The Metal Gate – Ireland’s Picture Frame

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

Mizen Head, County Cork

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and Blessings)

Irish American Mom

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