Found on the map a hiking route nearby, on boardwalk in a blanket bog. Driving in this area is a pleasure, because every turn seems to be totally different and unexpected, unique, gorgeous wild landscape. The hike is easy and offer a good look of this bog area where peat were removed in the old days as the main heating and cooking fuel in this area.
Drove round the area to different water edges for fishing, without success. Saw a good parking area on the beach called Coral Strand. While walking on the beach, the crunchy noise caught my attention.
There is a reason for the name, the beach is not covered by sand, but small bits of coral like materials. Internet search found that is is Maerl algae, a super slow growing (1mm per year) purple red algae in the seabed. It produces calcium to slowly solidify its body. Dead ones got pushed up to the beach and bleached by the sun. They are so beautiful, like 3D puzzle pieces. There are only 2 ‘Coral’ beaches in Ireland and I came across one by accident.
The bay faces west directly, in this unusual day with clear sky all day long through to the evening, we are awarded with a memorable sunset.
Without a cloud, the night is very cold, needed double duvets in the camper bed.
