Atlantic ocean

INTERESTING SURROUNDINGS

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On a bit of a ramble in our immediate area I enjoyed some spectacular sights and afterwards I researched some interesting little bits of history and knowledge of the area here.

I thought that I would take a drive as far as Traguma (Tráigh Omna), this beach is backed by marsh land and a small lake called Lough Abisdeally, this small lake (in the photo), is a real beauty it is very sought after by birdwatchers. This was a rather pleasurable attempt to get to know more about my immediate surroundings.  Tragumna is supposed to get its name from the stumps of oak trees dug up out of this strand. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0298, Page 061). Sounds rather interesting!

On the way there I took a wrong turn and kept driving along narrow lanes and got totally lost. Long ago there was a time when I wondered about all these myriads of little roads crossing the country side until I learnt about the famine roads. The Irish peasantry were made to build roads in order to get food under the strictures of the poor law during the famine. These included random and unneeded roads. That is what I am told. Anyway my journey became a little longer than expected. It was raining lightly and I took some photos out of the car window.

These are some views of the landscape that I passed, it was wonderful of course.

  • Toe Head Signal Tower in the distance
The tower in the distance is the ruin of Toe Head signal tower (Ceann Tuaitheat). These signal towers (dating back to 1805) were situated around the coast of Ireland and their duty was to spot an incoming fleet of invaders (they were afraid of French invaders at that time) and through signals warn the government in Dublin.
  • Photo from Google Earth
I worked this out (the identity of the tower in the distance) by using Google Earth interactive maps, I was able to fly over the hill and saw that there was no other possibly than that the tower (in my photo) was the signal tower at Toe Head. It was important to me to know the identity of this tower. Thank you Google earth.
Then the open ocean, here to see some caves and rocky shores. And rain streaming down!
  • This is my favourite view!
The road still leading to I know not where at this stage so I just kept driving, the views were very scenic.
  • At this stage I found it exciting and a little lonely too.
Finally to arrive at Tragumna beach after all, in a bit of round about way. Spectacular skies! About 100 metres from the beach lies the little island called Drishane Island. People swim here normally, now totally deserted of course though I did see one or two cars.
  • Local wildlife information
  • An early spring seaside plant
  • A variety of seaweed looking very healthy

And that was it, what was going to be a within 5km (just about) drive to help with my cabin fever turned into a tour of the little roads around the countryside. I felt so good after it, ready for another week back into the cabin (which of course I do love very much too). Mental health is so important and it is our responsibility to take care of it 🙂

LOUGH HYNE IN WEST CORK

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Lough Hyne is a salt water lake some 10 minutes away from Skibbereen town in West Cork. The lake is surrounded by a wooded hill on the one side, and is connected to the Atlantic by a narrow gorge (tidal channel) called ‘the rapids’ on the other side. The lake is a marine reserve, very interesting wildlife is found there. I’ve seen seals there too, head bobbing up and down in the water. People swim and do other water sports there. A good link to more information is here:
http://www.skibbheritage.com/hyne.htm
The flowers around the lake are beautiful and some species I have not found elsewhere around Skibbereen. It’s a lovely picnic area too for families.

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COAST ROAD FROM EYERIES TO ALLIHIES

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Views of one of the most beautiful peninsulas in Ireland, the Beara peninsula. We went there once again the other day, and this time we travelled from the mountain village of Eyeries, along the coast road with the most incredible sea views looking towards the Kerry mountains and the open Atlantic, and inland towards the Slieve Miskish Mountains.  After a beautiful journey we arrived in Allihies. I would like to share some of the photos I took along the way, even though the day was hazy and this does not make for clear photography.

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Looking towards the Kerry mountains, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, with Carrantuohill as the highest peak in Ireland.

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The open Ocean and a misty view of the Cow and the Calf islands.

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Typical Irish traditional cottage along the road.

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The road winds along the coast with very rocky views looking inland.  I think that the main rocks are slate and shale, but there could also be some old red sandstone.

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Sheep are the main farm income around here, and they grace the landscape with their presence.

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I found these cliffs fascinating and the way the waves were crashing into them!

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Looking back at Allihies village far in the distance, with the ancient copper mines behind it.