Edge of the World

Drive on the edge as you travel to the end of Achill Island! One of the most amazing and breathtaking drives on earth! Not for the faint of... more

by Norma Brock

Title

Edge of the World

Artist

Norma Brock

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Drive on the edge as you travel to the end of Achill Island! One of the most amazing and breathtaking drives on earth! Not for the faint of heart!

This is a view of Keem Bay from the breathtaking Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland in Sept 2012. Keem Bay is a perfect horseshoe bay between the cliffs of Benmore to the west and Croaghaun mountain on the east. A beautiful blue flag beach is sheltered to the west by the rounded dome of Moyteoge. The cliffs of Benmore connect with the spectacular Achill Head at the Northwest end of the beach.

The clifftop road was constructed in the 1960s and dips and turns along the edge of the cliff sides. The Achill Island coastline measures over 80 miles, and the road takes you frighteningly close to that coastline! This road also crosses a geological boundary, exposing a seam of amethyst quartz in the cliffside. Amethyst is said in folklore to be a love charm, a protection and a sleep aid. Achill treasure seekers will find beauty abounding, even if they don't find any gems.

Keem Bay was long used as a prime fishing location on Achill Island, and is likely the site of the artist Paul Henry's famous painting 'Launching the Currach' (1910, on display in the National Gallery of Ireland). Today, the remote beach still has a nostalgic feel and an almost unearthly beauty and peacefulness. It is truly a dream come true for many of us lucky enough to have driven the roadway all the way to Keem Beach.

Uploaded

October 20th, 2012