Downpatrick Head is a series of vertiginous cliffs cut off from the rest of Ireland in County Mayo. Located less than 3 miles from the village of Ballycastle, it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the county’s most beautiful wilderness sites. It’s easy to get to by road, and there’s also a short footpath where you can enjoy the view on foot!
Dun Briste – © Michael Gismo
Downpatrick Head is hard to miss with its dark stone strata.
Access is via a small free parking lot (often exposed to sea spray, which will “salt” your car a little).
The rest is on foot, allowing you to admire the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, crashing violently against the cliffs. A lovely statue of Saint Patrick marks the start of these cliffs, and you can admire Poll na Seantoine, a 30-metre chasm carved out naturally by ocean erosion.
History tells us that it was in this cavity that insurgents of the 1798 Rebellion hid. Unfortunately, the tide washed them away. A commemorative plaque has been erected nearby to tell their story…
If you continue your walk, you’ll pass by a WWII-era observation post. It offers a superb panoramic view of the cliffs.
However, the latter are very steep, dropping precipitously into the raging ocean. So beware of venturing close to the shore, or wandering around in windy conditions. Children should also stay close to you for added safety.
Finally, you’ll have the chance to admire the highlight of the show: the Dun Briste rock, which is completely detached from the cliffs, and stands alone, facing the ocean.
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