A HIDDEN GEM ON MAYO'S WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Only an hour and 15 minutes' drive from our 4-star luxury hotel, it's the perfect destination for a day trip. Downpatrick Head is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs and adventure seekers alike. Part of Ireland's renowned Wild Atlantic Way, this coastal headland offers dramatic sea views, rich historical sites and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit spot in County Mayo.
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DUN BRISTE - A NATURAL WONDERS
Dominating the landscape is Dun Briste, a towering sea stack that rises 45 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Once connected to the mainland, it is now a haven for seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, razorbills, wheaters and cormorants. According to local legend, Saint Patrick struck the ground with his staff, causing the sea stack to beak away from the mainland, leaving the pagan chieftainCrom Dubh isolated.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Dun Briste and the surrounding cliffs, which are particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The area is also renowned for its geological formations and is a haven for birdwatching and also for whale and dolphin watching, offering a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
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SCENIC WALKS AND COASTAL TRAILS
For those eager to explore on foot, the Downpatrick Head Loop Walk is a 1.4km trail that offers easy access to the headland's highlights. This family-friendly walk provides breathtaking views of the cliffs, sea stacks and the Satgs of Broadhaven islands. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all ages, though caution is advised near the cliff edges.
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HISTORICAL SITES AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Downpatrick Head is steeped in history and mythology. The site features the ruins of a church founded by St Patrick, complete with a holy well and a stone cross. A statue of St patrick stands in the ruins, commemorating his association with the area.
Another notable feature is the EIRE 64 lookout post, a relic from World War II. One of 83 such posts erected along Ireland's coastline, its purpose was to signal to Allied pilots that they were flying over neutral Ireland. The stone building beside Dun Briste served as a 24/7 lookout during the war.