A signature Discovery Point along the Wild Atlantic Way, and one of the must-sees on the route
Just a few miles north of Ballycastle, on the edge of the earth overlooking the wild Atlantic, lies the rugged, windswept outcrop of Downpatrick Head. Now a Signature Discovery Point on the famed Wild Atlantic Way, the area provides unparalleled views of the ocean. This also includes a unique vantage point over the Stags of Broadhaven. A majestic sea stack rises tower – like from the sea. With its centuries of layered rock it provides shelter to thousands of nesting sea birds.
The history and legends of Downpatrick Head
Legend has it that the tyrannical Celtic chief, Crom Dubh (meaning ‘the dark, stooped one’) lived on the edge of Downpatrick Head. St. Patrick, on paying a visit to the neighbourhood and hearing of his misdeeds, set out to visit him. Seeing the saint approach, Crom Dubh set hig dogs on him. The saint, however chastened the hounds. Crom Dubh in desperation set a fire with which to hinder Patrick. Picking up a stone, the holy man hurled it into the middle of the fire, sinking it deep into the earth.
Today, the hole is known as ‘Poll na Seantainne’ (‘Hole of the Old Fire’). Visitors can gaze from the edges of the blowhole, deep into the sea from the Spirit of Place viewing point.
History continued….
Upon reaching Crom Dubh, St. Patrick tried to reason with him and convert him to good ways, to no avail. Such was the fury of the conversation that Patrick in frustration struck a blow to the ground. It was so hard that the ground gave way, separating Crom Dubh’s home – and the chief himself – from the mainland. Crom Dubh had no choice but to remain on the sea stack until the midges ate the flesh from his bones. The separated sea stack today is called Dún Briste (meaning ‘Broken Fort’).
Visitors can see several other archaeological monuments on Downpatrick Head. These include Bronze Age ring-barrows, early ecclesiastical sites & the remains of a promontory fort, a church building, a stone cross and a holy well. A World War I lookout tower stands sentry-like on the promontory. A World War II stone aerial marker has recently been restored. The “Eire 64” marking was one of many placed along the coastline to identify Ireland as neutral during the war.
Explore Downpatrick Head
The Wild Atlantic Way website now has spectacular 360 degree photography of Downpatrick Head on their website – click here.
Aerial Photography Eire have captured by drone, the majesty of the site in the following video:
In this video, local tour guide and forager Denis Quinn speaks about what it’s like to live in this beautiful area on the Wild Atlantic Way
But of course, the only way to truly appreciate the magic of Downpatrick Head is to take a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way and see it for yourself!
Sea Cave below Downpatrick Head
Downpatrick Head is a stunning place to visit and there many photos taken from the cliff top. People are now looking to capture a more unique photo to share on their social media channels. More of these visitors to the area are now exploring the coast and trying to find the sea cave which is located at the foot of the cliffs. The cave is accessed via a series of ledges by the sea, which start near the car park and traverse around the base of Downpatrick Head.
Please be advised though, the sea cave and the surrounding area is a dangerous place to visit, WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO VISIT THE CAVE. IF YOU CHOSE TO DO SO, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. For those who really want to, please seek out the services of an highly experienced local guide who will take the following factors into account:
- Conditions Underfoot – The sea life that clings to the rocks makes the walk around to the cave extremely slippery.
- Tides – It is only possible to get to the cave when there is a very low tide, please check tide times and heights using a suitable source.
- Weather – The Wild Atlantic Way is named so for good reason, please check the forecast as weather can change quickly which will affect sea conditions.
Most of all, be safe and do not take any unnecessary risks! Weather and sea conditions can change very rapidly around the coast, if you are at all unsure please do not attempt to reach the cave.
