Cleggan Cliffs

This time, no unpleasant surprises with the GPS, as we came upon a small dirt track that was supposed to lead us straight to the cliffs. Playful enough to face the discouraging puddles along the way, we decide to leave our vehicle on the side and walk the remaining 200 metres.

Step by step we approach the cliffs. By way of welcome, sheep. Again. Rather surprising in Ireland, isn't it? No, not really. What's special about them this time? How they look! Some lean on their front knees to graze. At first glance, it's amusing to see them approaching the ground in this way, but a little research later on this way of doing things tells me that they're probably victims of foot rot (a bacterium that attacks their hooves). Now that's not so funny...

Let's remain optimistic, I'm not a vet, but most of the flock seems to be in good health and grazing peacefully. The sheep are scattered over a larder that stretches as far as the eye can see. Some of them prefer to stay inland, but others, more daredevil-like, make their way down the cliff. I rub my eyes watching them!

As I approach, I'm forced to admit that the sheep are real acrobats. They don't hesitate to get close to the water in search of grass. Perhaps it tastes saltier? During our visit, we were lucky enough to have glorious sunny weather, as you can see for yourselves in the various photos, and to be in clouds at the same time.

How surprising! So this is what it's like to have your head in the clouds?

How can I describe the feeling at that moment? We're in plain sight, some fifty meters above water level, watching sheep graze, our heads in the clouds, the smell of Atlantic ocean spray in our nostrils, lulled by the sun's rays. Perfect for getting away from it all! In spite of ourselves, we quickly forgot to check our watch.

A few metres further on, reefs gradually take shape and seem to rise straight out of the water. I can't say it's atypical to see rocks rising up from the ocean, but they're certainly eye-catching. I really understand more and more why this place is so popular, and why it's so highly recommended. I'm delighted!

To round off our visit to the Cleggan cliffs, this time we came across a magnificent gravel beach below. This beach is very secluded. The chances of being disturbed while taking a dip in the water must be very slim. Well, it was September when we were there, so putting on a swimsuit for a dip wasn't exactly on the agenda for the day!

To sum up, and I hope you'll have understood from what I've told you, this place is just great! No matter how you turn around, turn around, turn around, there's not the slightest trace of a dwelling in the area. It's isolated, quiet, restful, and I'm running out of words to describe it.

If you love nature, this place is perfect!