Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle County Mayo, Ireland

 

 Downpatrick Head Ireland

 

Dun Briste Sea Stack at Downpatrick Head.

A signature point on the WILD ATLANTIC WAY

 

Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle, Co Mayo.Ireland

Just a few kilometres north of Ballycastle village, County Mayo

 

This stunning location in North Mayo   West of Ireland,  is where millions of years of geological formation meets folklore, legends,  history both ancient and modern, including World War II and the birth of Christianity in Ireland.

 

Pul na Sean Tinne

Pul na Sean Tinne | Hole of the Old Fire

often referred to as a Blowhole, is an area of Downpatrick Head

 

Eire 64 Lookout Post from WW II

 

Dun Briste Sea Stack

 

Downpatrick Head Mayo drone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dOQkwW6iwk&t=2s

 

St Patrick's legacy 

Downpatrick Head

 

St. Patrick’s Church

St. Patrick's Church at Downpatrick Head is a ruined church in County Mayo, Ireland that is said to have been founded by St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. The church is located on a small peninsula at Downpatrick Head, which is a popular destination for coastal walks. 

 

 Church on Downpatrick Head. With a statue of St. Patrick inscribed nAom PAdPAIS 1993. The fenced-off area on the right of the picture is a blow hole.

 

Downpatrick-Head-Ballycastle-Mairead-Melody-Carr

St Patrick’s Church at Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle County Mayo, Ireland

 

The “Spirit of Place” installation entitled “The Crossing” centred around the blow-hole known as ‘Poll na Seantainne’ at Downpatrick Head along the Wild Atlantic Way. The installation explores the multi-layered relationship between landscape, culture and authentic travel as it relates to Downpatrick Head, North Mayo’s “Signature Discovery Point” on the Wild Atlantic Way. This installation is by renowned architect, Travis Price, and his team from Catholic University, Washington. 📸 Michael Mc Laughlin

 

 

The name Downpatrick is derived from a time when St Patrick himself founded a church here. At this small peninsula, you can see the ruins of the church building, a stone cross and holy well here today. This was once a popular pilgrim destination, and today the crowds still gather here on the last Sunday of July – known as Garland Sunday – to hear mass at this sacred site.

 

Fast-forward through the centuries and Downpatrick Head became a lookout post during World War II. You can still see the stone building there today, and the stone aerial marker, ÉIRE 64, to let pilots know that they were flying over Ireland.

 

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

 

The broken fort

Dún Briste, County Mayo

 

The St Patrick connections don’t end there though. Gazing out to sea, you’ll no doubt spot the small collection of islands called the Stags of Broadhaven, but you’ll also see a lone sea-stack standing close to the edge of the cliffs. This sea-stack is called Dún Briste, which means "broken fort".

 

Local legend says that when a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, St Patrick struck the ground with his crozier, splitting a chunk of the headland off into the ocean, with the chieftain on top! The sea stack is beautiful to behold because you can see the layers upon layers of multi-coloured rock strata.

 

 

Megalithic mind frame

Another intrigue of the area is Poll Na Seantainne: This is a spectacular blowhole that plummets down to the tempestuous ocean below.

 

While in the area make sure to take the short drive out to visit the Céide Fields Visitor Centre in Ballycastle. The Céide Fields is the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world. The remains of ancient stone walls, settlements and megalithic tombs have been preserved here thanks to a protective bog environment. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed!

 

Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle, Co Mayo.Ireland

 

Dún-Briste-and-Downpatrick-Head-Ballycastle-Co-Mayo-Wild-Atlantic-Way-Ireland

 

다운패트릭 헤드 코 마요 아일랜드

 Downpatrick Head - County Mayo

Ireland-County-Mayo-northwest-coast-Downpatrick-Head-Dún-Briste-Sea-Stack-rock-needle

다운패트릭 헤드 코 마요 아일랜드 절벽

 Downpatrick Head - County Mayo Ireland

 

Delightful Downpatrick Head on the Wild Atlantic Way

Downpatrick Head on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is a feast for the scenery lovers and history buffs alike!

 

Dún Bríste

Destinations

·30/03/2021

 

Notions on Tour

Dylan. from Wexford in Ireland.

 

Dún Bríste in all its glory

 

Downpatrick Head on Mayo’s North coast is possibly the place I’ve visited that has both the most and the most diverse things to offer! The best part is that it’s totally free to visit! Located just outside the North Mayo village of Ballycastle and 20 minutes from the Céide Fields (the world’s oldest field structure), it’s a definite highlight on the Wild Atlantic Way! If you want to make a longer trip out of your visit, you can’t opt for a better place to stay than the nearby Mount Falcon Estate!

There’s a decent sized car park for visitors. It’s also a relatively short walk up a not too steep hill to the cliff edge. Here, the showpiece of Downpatrick Head, the sea stack, Dún Bríste (Broken Fort) will greet you.

 

The Full Glory of Downpatrick Head

 

Dún Bríste

 

Dún Bríste is not just the showpiece for Downpatrick Head, I think it’s one of the absolute highlights of the whole Wild Atlantic Way! The sea stack is just over 100m offshore and it stands 45m above the sea. Although it might not look it, the surface of it is almost 40m long and 15m wide. As it’s impossible for land based predators to get to it, it’s a haven for nesting sea birds such as puffins, cormorants and kittiwakes.

 

 

Dún Bríste

 

Legend has it that Crom Dubh, a Druid Chieftain, lived on what is now Dún Bríste. After he refused to convert to Christianity, St. Patrick struck the ground with his staff and the stack separated from the mainland, leaving Crom Dubh to die on Dún Bríste.

 

In reality, it separated from the coast in 1393 by high seas and violent stormy weather when the land bridge broke off. It’s thought some people who lived there were taken off using ships ropes. In 1980, scientists discovered the ruins of two stone buildings and an opening they suspected was to allow sheep to pass from one field to another.

 

 

Poll na Sean Tine

 

Poll na Sean Tine, similar to Dún Bríste, has a legend surrounding its origin. We’re back to our friends St. Patrick and Crom Dubh again! Crom Dubh attempted to throw St. Patrick into an eternal flame. St, Patrick foiled him by scratching a cross into a stone and casting it into the fire. The fire then collapsed into the sea, leaving the hole behind. Hence the name, Poll na Sean Tine (Hole of the Old Fire)! During the 1798 rebellion 25 men, Irishmen and French soldiers, lost their lives taking refuge on the ledge at the bottom, killed by the incoming tide.

 

 

Poll na Sean Tine

 

Poll na Sean Tine is a large blowhole with an underground tunnel to the sea. In stormy weather, when the sea is very rough, the blowhole has expelled foam and vapour that can often look like smoke rising from a fire. This gives further justification to both the name and the legend!

 

St Patrick’s Church

 

St. Patrick’s Church

It’ll come as no surprise to learn that Downpatrick Head takes its name from the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. The man himself, as well as featuring in the legends, founded a church here. The ruins of a leter church mark the site. At the centre of these ruins stands os statue of St. Patrick, erected in the 1980s (to replace an earlier one from 1912).

Every year, on Good Friday and Garland Sunday (the last Sunday of July), mass is celebrated at Downpatrick Head. Many faithful people make the pilgrimage to Downpatrick Head for this in order to pay homage to St. Patrick.

 

 

Clover at St. Patrick’s Church

 

World War II Comes to Downpatrick Head

 

Yes, you read that right. World War II. There are two aspects of Downpatrick Head I have yet to tell you about! Both relate to this period in history. The most obvious of these is the small building with the bay windows looking out to sea, Similar buildings were dotted all around the coast. The Irish Coast Guard constructed them between 1939 and 1942. They used the installed telephones to monitor and report all sea traffic passing by. Almost all of these buildings were built using the same plans, so it can be surreal when you see them in totally different places. Have a look at the full list here!

 

World War II Lookout Post 64

 

This lookout post (LOP) was number 64, This is quite relevant because close to it, built into the ground is a giant sign saying Éire 64. The 64 relates to the number of this lookout post, as I’m sure you may have guessed. The Éire sign was placed there to literally tell all passing aircraft, be they Allied or Axis, that they were above neutral Ireland. This particular sign was likely directed at the American aircraft flying across the Atlantic.

The Éire 64 Sign!

The keen observer will notice there’s a slight error………. The next photo is me correcting it!

Fixed it!

I really hope you enjoyed touring Downpatrick Head on the Wild Atlantic Way with me! I implore you to go and see this wonderful place for yourself!

The broken fort

Dún Briste, County Mayo

 

The St Patrick connections don’t end there though. Gazing out to sea, you’ll no doubt spot the small collection of islands called the Stags of Broadhaven, but you’ll also see a lone sea-stack standing close to the edge of the cliffs. This sea-stack is called Dún Briste, which means "broken fort".

 

Local legend says that when a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, St Patrick struck the ground with his crozier, splitting a chunk of the headland off into the ocean, with the chieftain on top! The sea stack is beautiful to behold because you can see the layers upon layers of multi-coloured rock strata.

 

 

Megalithic mind frame

Another intrigue of the area is Poll Na Seantainne: This is a spectacular blowhole that plummets down to the tempestuous ocean below.

 

While in the area make sure to take the short drive out to visit the Céide Fields Visitor Centre in Ballycastle. The Céide Fields is the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world. The remains of ancient stone walls, settlements and megalithic tombs have been preserved here thanks to a protective bog environment. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed!

 

Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle, Co Mayo.Ireland

 

 

Dún-Briste-and-Downpatrick-Head-Ballycastle-Co-Mayo-Wild-Atlantic-Way-Ireland

 

다운패트릭 헤드 코 마요 아일랜드

 Downpatrick Head - County Mayo

Ireland-County-Mayo-northwest-coast-Downpatrick-Head-Dún-Briste-Sea-Stack-rock-needle

다운패트릭 헤드 코 마요 아일랜드 절벽

 Downpatrick Head - County Mayo Ireland

 

 

 

Delightful Downpatrick Head on the Wild Atlantic Way

Downpatrick Head on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is a feast for the scenery lovers and history buffs alike!

 

Dún Bríste

Destinations

·30/03/2021

 

Notions on Tour

Dylan. from Wexford in Ireland.

 

Dún Bríste in all its glory

 

Downpatrick Head on Mayo’s North coast is possibly the place I’ve visited that has both the most and the most diverse things to offer! The best part is that it’s totally free to visit! Located just outside the North Mayo village of Ballycastle and 20 minutes from the Céide Fields (the world’s oldest field structure), it’s a definite highlight on the Wild Atlantic Way! If you want to make a longer trip out of your visit, you can’t opt for a better place to stay than the nearby Mount Falcon Estate!

There’s a decent sized car park for visitors. It’s also a relatively short walk up a not too steep hill to the cliff edge. Here, the showpiece of Downpatrick Head, the sea stack, Dún Bríste (Broken Fort) will greet you.

 

The Full Glory of Downpatrick Head

 

Dún Bríste

 

Dún Bríste is not just the showpiece for Downpatrick Head, I think it’s one of the absolute highlights of the whole Wild Atlantic Way! The sea stack is just over 100m offshore and it stands 45m above the sea. Although it might not look it, the surface of it is almost 40m long and 15m wide. As it’s impossible for land based predators to get to it, it’s a haven for nesting sea birds such as puffins, cormorants and kittiwakes.

 

 

Dún Bríste

 

Legend has it that Crom Dubh, a Druid Chieftain, lived on what is now Dún Bríste. After he refused to convert to Christianity, St. Patrick struck the ground with his staff and the stack separated from the mainland, leaving Crom Dubh to die on Dún Bríste.

 

In reality, it separated from the coast in 1393 by high seas and violent stormy weather when the land bridge broke off. It’s thought some people who lived there were taken off using ships ropes. In 1980, scientists discovered the ruins of two stone buildings and an opening they suspected was to allow sheep to pass from one field to another.

 

 

Poll na Sean Tine

 

Poll na Sean Tine, similar to Dún Bríste, has a legend surrounding its origin. We’re back to our friends St. Patrick and Crom Dubh again! Crom Dubh attempted to throw St. Patrick into an eternal flame. St, Patrick foiled him by scratching a cross into a stone and casting it into the fire. The fire then collapsed into the sea, leaving the hole behind. Hence the name, Poll na Sean Tine (Hole of the Old Fire)! During the 1798 rebellion 25 men, Irishmen and French soldiers, lost their lives taking refuge on the ledge at the bottom, killed by the incoming tide.

 

 

Poll na Sean Tine

 

Poll na Sean Tine is a large blowhole with an underground tunnel to the sea. In stormy weather, when the sea is very rough, the blowhole has expelled foam and vapour that can often look like smoke rising from a fire. This gives further justification to both the name and the legend!

 

St Patrick’s Church

 

St. Patrick’s Church

It’ll come as no surprise to learn that Downpatrick Head takes its name from the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. The man himself, as well as featuring in the legends, founded a church here. The ruins of a leter church mark the site. At the centre of these ruins stands os statue of St. Patrick, erected in the 1980s (to replace an earlier one from 1912).

Every year, on Good Friday and Garland Sunday (the last Sunday of July), mass is celebrated at Downpatrick Head. Many faithful people make the pilgrimage to Downpatrick Head for this in order to pay homage to St. Patrick.

 

 

Clover at St. Patrick’s Church

 

World War II Comes to Downpatrick Head

 

Yes, you read that right. World War II. There are two aspects of Downpatrick Head I have yet to tell you about! Both relate to this period in history. The most obvious of these is the small building with the bay windows looking out to sea, Similar buildings were dotted all around the coast. The Irish Coast Guard constructed them between 1939 and 1942. They used the installed telephones to monitor and report all sea traffic passing by. Almost all of these buildings were built using the same plans, so it can be surreal when you see them in totally different places. Have a look at the full list here!

 

World War II Lookout Post 64

 

This lookout post (LOP) was number 64, This is quite relevant because close to it, built into the ground is a giant sign saying Éire 64. The 64 relates to the number of this lookout post, as I’m sure you may have guessed. The Éire sign was placed there to literally tell all passing aircraft, be they Allied or Axis, that they were above neutral Ireland. This particular sign was likely directed at the American aircraft flying across the Atlantic.

The Éire 64 Sign!

The keen observer will notice there’s a slight error………. The next photo is me correcting it!

Fixed it!

I really hope you enjoyed touring Downpatrick Head on the Wild Atlantic Way with me! I implore you to go and see this wonderful place for yourself!

 

Delightful Downpatrick Head on the Wild Atlantic Way

Downpatrick Head on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is a feast for the scenery lovers and history buffs alike!

 

Dún Bríste

Destinations

·30/03/2021

 

Notions on Tour

Dylan. from Wexford in Ireland.

 

 

Dún Bríste in all its glory

 

Downpatrick Head on Mayo’s North coast is possibly the place I’ve visited that has both the most and the most diverse things to offer! The best part is that it’s totally free to visit! Located just outside the North Mayo village of Ballycastle and 20 minutes from the Céide Fields (the world’s oldest field structure), it’s a definite highlight on the Wild Atlantic Way! If you want to make a longer trip out of your visit, you can’t opt for a better place to stay than the nearby Mount Falcon Estate!

There’s a decent sized car park for visitors. It’s also a relatively short walk up a not too steep hill to the cliff edge. Here, the showpiece of Downpatrick Head, the sea stack, Dún Bríste (Broken Fort) will greet you.

 

The Full Glory of Downpatrick Head

 

Dún Bríste

 

Dún Bríste is not just the showpiece for Downpatrick Head, I think it’s one of the absolute highlights of the whole Wild Atlantic Way! The sea stack is just over 100m offshore and it stands 45m above the sea. Although it might not look it, the surface of it is almost 40m long and 15m wide. As it’s impossible for land based predators to get to it, it’s a haven for nesting sea birds such as puffins, cormorants and kittiwakes.

 

 

Dún Bríste

 

Legend has it that Crom Dubh, a Druid Chieftain, lived on what is now Dún Bríste. After he refused to convert to Christianity, St. Patrick struck the ground with his staff and the stack separated from the mainland, leaving Crom Dubh to die on Dún Bríste.

 

In reality, it separated from the coast in 1393 by high seas and violent stormy weather when the land bridge broke off. It’s thought some people who lived there were taken off using ships ropes. In 1980, scientists discovered the ruins of two stone buildings and an opening they suspected was to allow sheep to pass from one field to another.

 

 

Poll na Sean Tine

 

Poll na Sean Tine, similar to Dún Bríste, has a legend surrounding its origin. We’re back to our friends St. Patrick and Crom Dubh again! Crom Dubh attempted to throw St. Patrick into an eternal flame. St, Patrick foiled him by scratching a cross into a stone and casting it into the fire. The fire then collapsed into the sea, leaving the hole behind. Hence the name, Poll na Sean Tine (Hole of the Old Fire)! During the 1798 rebellion 25 men, Irishmen and French soldiers, lost their lives taking refuge on the ledge at the bottom, killed by the incoming tide.

 

Poll na Sean Tine

 

Poll na Sean Tine is a large blowhole with an underground tunnel to the sea. In stormy weather, when the sea is very rough, the blowhole has expelled foam and vapour that can often look like smoke rising from a fire. This gives further justification to both the name and the legend!

 

St Patrick’s Church

 

St. Patrick’s Church

It’ll come as no surprise to learn that Downpatrick Head takes its name from the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. The man himself, as well as featuring in the legends, founded a church here. The ruins of a leter church mark the site. At the centre of these ruins stands os statue of St. Patrick, erected in the 1980s (to replace an earlier one from 1912).

Every year, on Good Friday and Garland Sunday (the last Sunday of July), mass is celebrated at Downpatrick Head. Many faithful people make the pilgrimage to Downpatrick Head for this in order to pay homage to St. Patrick.

 

 

Clover at St. Patrick’s Church

 

World War II Comes to Downpatrick Head

 

Yes, you read that right. World War II. There are two aspects of Downpatrick Head I have yet to tell you about! Both relate to this period in history. The most obvious of these is the small building with the bay windows looking out to sea, Similar buildings were dotted all around the coast. The Irish Coast Guard constructed them between 1939 and 1942. They used the installed telephones to monitor and report all sea traffic passing by. Almost all of these buildings were built using the same plans, so it can be surreal when you see them in totally different places. Have a look at the full list here!

 

World War II Lookout Post 64

 

This lookout post (LOP) was number 64, This is quite relevant because close to it, built into the ground is a giant sign saying Éire 64. The 64 relates to the number of this lookout post, as I’m sure you may have guessed. The Éire sign was placed there to literally tell all passing aircraft, be they Allied or Axis, that they were above neutral Ireland. This particular sign was likely directed at the American aircraft flying across the Atlantic.

The Éire 64 Sign!

The keen observer will notice there’s a slight error………. The next photo is me correcting it!

Fixed it!

I really hope you enjoyed touring Downpatrick Head on the Wild Atlantic Way with me! I implore you to go and see this wonderful place for yourself!