Lighthouse Loop Walk, Sheeps Head-Heaven On Earth

Posted on Posted in BLOG, Ireland, Lighthouses, West Cork

The Sheeps Head in West Cork is one of only a few locations in Ireland which has been designated the European Destination of Excellence. The lighthouse here is on the the tip of the peninsula and this gorgeous loop walk brought us past Lough, farmland and bog, to see stunning views from the lighthouse out onto the Atlantic ocean.

The Sheeps Head Lighthouse-Suzanne Burns
The Sheeps Head Lighthouse-Suzanne Burns

This location is drenched in history and we discovered some of this as we wended our way along. The walk took approx. 2.5 hours and terrain was uneven and a wee bit boggy in parts. The wild beauty and ruggedness was obvious was we ambled along in the glorious sunshine.

Lighthouse loop walk. Sheeps Head-Suzanne Burns
Lighthouse loop walk. Sheeps Head-Suzanne Burns

The lighthouse stood out like a beacon of hope on its rocky promonotory, overlooking the wild Atlantic ocean. It was built in 1986 to guide the tankers between Bantry and Whiddy Bay terminal. Due to its remote location, all of the equipment and supplies required to build the lighthouse had to be choppered in. It took 250 helicopter trips to bring all of the components necessary to build the lighthouse!

Stunning Sheeps Head vista-Suzanne Burns
Stunning Sheeps Head vista-Suzanne Burns

Walking through the valley we passed blanket bog which harbours the carnivorous plant, Sundew. This plant grows in nitrogen poor soils and it has devised a nifty solution to this conundrum. Its sticky leaves trap the unwitting flies that it seduces and as they struggle, the become more trapped in its sticky hair, which then digest the failing fly.

Could this be Ireland? The Sheeps head Lighthouse-Suzanne Burns
Could this be Ireland? The Sheeps head Lighthouse-Suzanne Burns

Sometimes the shy common lizard can be seen basking on the rocks here on a sunny day. We were unable to find it on this occasion, most probably due to the many tourists and hikers that were here today. It is the only reptile in Ireland and only reaches 4-6 inches in length. The chough which is a corvid could be seen sweeping above us. According to legend, when King Arthur died his soul migrated into this bird. Its red beak and legs are supposed to indicate the blood that covered the Kings body when he died in battle. Gannets could also be seen plunge diving offshore. They hurtle into the water at speeds of up to 125km per hour to spear their prey. Their heads are filled with air bubbles like a crash helmet to protect them on their aquatic impact.
A haven for man and beast, heaven on earth!

2 thoughts on “Lighthouse Loop Walk, Sheeps Head-Heaven On Earth

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *