Ireland is full of surprises when it comes to geology! The Dun Briste is proof of this: this large rock, rising straight out of the water, is in fact a huge chunk of cliff that broke away from the Emerald Isle. Straight as an I, it lies less than 5km off the coast of County Mayo and is part of a larger group of cliffs belonging to Downpatrick Head. And it has to be said: this “abandoned” cliff offers an exceptional view of the ocean!
View of Downpatrick Head and Dun Briste – © Wirestock
If the cliffs of Downpatrick Head are a treasure in themselves, the Dun Briste is the highlight!
Firstly, because it offers an atypical panorama… but above all because of its impressive dimensions!
Dun Briste rises to over 50 metres above sea level. Solid and majestic, this rock is simply magnificent, with its dark rock strata and its summit entirely covered in bright green grass.
All around, you’ll find a number of birds, including fabulous cormorants, puffins and gulls that have come to nest here. In other words: the Dun Briste is home to a fascinating ecosystem!
If you feel like it, Downpatrick and its rock are of course open to the public. Access is free, and the spot is ideal for a romantic picnic and a few shots. It’s best to visit on a clear day: you’ll enjoy an exceptional view!
Be careful, however, not to get too close to the edge: it can be very dangerous if you’re careless, and there are no guard rails. The wind blows hard and the cliffs are breathtaking! Bring a thick sweater (why not an Irish sweater?) and stay on your guard as you observe the site!
You can also organize a short hike along the cliffs. Every step of the way offers a breathtaking panorama, and the sea air provides all the health benefits you need!
In Ireland, every unusual fact is surrounded by myth and legend! That’s why locals like to say that this rock was formed following the prayers of Saint Patrick.
For the record, it all began with an angry ogre named Geodruisge, who lived on the site of this rock. Screaming and disrespectful, this character would have pushed things so far that Saint Patrick, exasperated, would have prayed to God to get rid of him!
God would have heard him then! As a result, the ground collapsed around the ogre, creating this strange rock cut off from the rest of the world. A prisoner, the ogre was then condemned to live on Dun Briste until his death…
View of Downpatrick Head and Dun Briste – © Cristi
Legends have a certain charm, of course… But science also has a lot to say about this rock! This enormous rock is an exceptional geological site, allowing you to measure the full force of the ocean.
On this point, the scientists are quite clear: it’s the result of several million years that this piece of cliff was detached… This is due to the regular movement of tectonic plates,erosion caused by ocean currents, salty water and incessant waves pounding the cliffs!
These combined factors would have gradually nibbled away at the cliff, eventually cutting it off and isolating it from the rest of the island of Ireland!
The proof: medieval remains have even been discovered on Dun Briste during archaeological digs. Further proof that Dun Briste was once firmly attached to the mainland!
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