Sept 3 Keem Beach (Day 342)
We went for a late morning swim at Keem Strand in a light mist and cool breeze.
A long ‘strand’ of sandy beach and clear sea-glass green water the same temperature as the air!
The sun broke through the clouds and the breeze blew the mist away. After we left the water we looked back as a seal popped it’s head up as if to ask ” where are you going? The water’s great!”
In spring the waters here are frequented by basking sharks that in the past were hunted for their valuable oil.
After our swim we decided to climb the cliff above the beach.
We accidently got off the main trail and followed sheep trails through the heather on the slope.
At the top are the remains of several buildings, from ancient watch tower, medieval shepherd shelter to more recent coastguard lookout, all with long views of the rugged Atlantic coast.
A gap in the crumbling stone wall frames the moor sweeping up the sides of the cliffs.
On the right in the above picture is Croaghaun mountain towering over the valley and sweeping down to Keem Strand. On the opposite side of the mountain the tallest cliffs in Ireland plunge down to the Atlantic, cliffs that are three times higher than the more accessible and tourist-mobbed Cliffs of Moher!
Our adventures today deserved a reward! The smallest pub on Achill Island and one of the smallest in Ireland!
A toasty turf fire helped warm us to the bone after our swim and hike in the blustery cool breeze on the cliffs!