Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts

Thursday 21 May 2015

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland

A short coastal footpath leads to a Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous rope bridge close to Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge connected the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede. On the way to splendid bridge, there are amazing vantage points to stop and see the majestic natural beauty. Though, the geology flora and fauna have won Carrick-a-Rede recognition as an area of distinctive scientific interest.  Fulmars, kittywakes, guillemots and razorbills breed on the islands near to the rope bridge. The magnificent rope bridge offers tourists not only delightful views of this wild Atlantic coastline, but also the exclusive and exciting experience of crossing a suspended rope bridge.

Therefore, the present bridge was established in 2008 and replaced numerous previous versions, dating back more than a few hundred years, which were used by local fishermen. In the early days, the bridge was narrower and had only a single rope as a railing. However, these days the rickety bridge is safely enclosed by a network of ropes on both sides, but not all tourists are willing to wiggle and wobble their way. Since Carrickarede Island is no longer used by fishermen, the National Trust over the years, have maintained the strengthened the rope bridge.

Along the coastal of this area, as with much of the Antrim plateau, the cliffs are of basalt with the characteristic Ulster chalk beneath. At Carrickarede, the ancient volcanic pipe has left dolerite, a harder rock than basalt, which erodes more sluggishly. Moreover, behind the dolerite, to the south, the vent is well filled with pyroclastic rocks that break down more effortlessly, mostly coarse tuff agglomerate. Though, the combination of the firm rock out front and the softer rock behind, with long term erosion by the waves, has in the end left this small island.

It is not doubt, that Carrick-a-Rede also motivated an exciting rope bridge experience. Thus, traditional fishermen erected the bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island over a 23m-deep and 20m-wide chasm to check their salmon nets. Nowadays tourists are immensely drawn here simply to take the rope bridge challenge! Moreover, once you reach at Carrick Island, the reward is seeing the different birdlife and an continuous view across to Rathlin Island and Scotland. There’s only one way off the island back across the swinging bridge! Well, don't look down! The Carric-a-Rope Bridge is one of best love attractions with rocky Island connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge. Here you can have stunning views of special scientific interest, unique geology, flora and fauna, fantastic bird watching. Please be noted, that the bridge is open from Mid-March to early October, when it's taken down so it won't be swept away by winter storms.   Source: Charismatic Planet














Tuesday 10 March 2015

Atlantic Light from Peter Cox



Peter Cox wants a coffee table book with photographs from these locations? Support the Kick starter at atlanticlight.ie, for over a year now; I've been trying to work on a project to create a new book of aerial photographs of Ireland's west coast. Though making these images, I've also been shooting video with a view to producing a short film. This represents a highlight reel of the journey to date along the wild Atlantic way. If you'd like to learn more and see the upcoming book, please visit the Kick starter page at atlanticlight.ie.  Music: Rise by Lights & Motion, licensed from musicbed.com, with filmed with a DJI S1000 and Canon 5D Mk III. I must say; stunning piece of work Peter, best of luck with the kickstarter.

Saturday 16 August 2014

Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park in Ireland


You’d never thought this waterfall was that big looking at pictures of it but once you saw it you’d knew the majestic beauty of Torc Waterfall. In Irish language it is called “Easach Toirc”. The Torc waterfall is situated at the base of Torc Mountain, about 7 miles from Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. The Torc waterfall is one of the landmarks on the motor entrance to Muckross House and can be accessed from a car park on the N71 better known as the Killarney Kenmare road.  The Torc Waterfall is a nice stopping point on the N71 as you drive through Killarney National Park. The walk from the car park is not very far, it'll take three mins tops.

You’ll see that red deer are frequently seen and heard in the area. Due to easy access and parking make the site popular with walkers and tour bus groups who often visit as part of the Ring of Kerry tour. A public hiking trail stretches from the waterfall to the top of Torc Mountain. The Torc Waterfall is best seen after heavy rains when it offers scenic woodland views. The Torc Waterfall is most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, especially busiest place in summer. If you’d like to have better view of lakes then push yourself a little ahead and climb the hundred steps to the left of the waterfall to get some magnificent view of the lakes. The Torc waterfall is approximately 70 to 80 feet high and the Owengarriff River which feeds it rises in “The Devil’s Punchbowl” on nearby Mangerton Mountain. Torc Waterfall is so much gorgeous than it appears, and default place for outstanding photography.

In reality the waterfall offers great view, easy accessible options for visitors to discover the true beauty of nature in Ireland. Torc Waterfall is one of Killarney's most famous natural tourist attractions and a traditional stopping point for many tourists, as waterfall is cascading from the misty heights of Torc mountain, and for sure this majestic waterfall is not to be missed.

Torc Waterfall Killarney from Vacation Killarney on Vimeo.