About 5kms away from Clonakilty is Inchydoney Beach. This Blue Flag Beach is often named Ireland’s favourite beach and it is very popular with surfers.
Again today, my meanderings along the Wild Atlantic Way had me following along the south coast of Ireland; and I stopped at many beautiful beaches as well as cliff tops.
Skibbereen means “little boat harbour”. Today Skibbereen is a pleasant market town on the banks of the River Ilen. During the Famine however, Skibb was hit perhaps harder than any other town in Ireland, with huge numbers of the local population emigrating or dying of starvation or disease.
Main Street in Skibbereen at the end of the work day. Like most pubs in Ireland, the drinking and fun overflows into the street in front. No point in even trying to drive.
The River Ilen which runs through Skibbereen
Lough Hyne is one of Ireland’s natural wonders. It’s glacier-gouged depths were originally filled with fresh water until rising sea levels breached one end around 4000 year ago. It is now linked to the sea by a narrow tidal channel and is one of Europe’s few salt-water, inland lakes.
A white painted landmark beacon (a.k.a. Lot’s Wife) stands on the headland about 2kms from Baltimore - and it’s a beautiful walk from the village out to the beacon.
The 13h century castle Dun na Sead (Fort of the Jewels) dominates Baltimore Harbour
And now finally, after a month on Irish shores, it’s time for me to head home. A morning flight from Dublin...
Leaving the Emerald Green Island behind:
And back on the west side of the Atlantic Ocean again:
Sept-Îles
On the way to landing in Toronto
