A Favourite Spot

One of my favourite spots in this wonderful province is Old Head, near Louisburgh.
But no, it's not for the beach. If you want real beaches, head to Wexford - Curracloe, Raven Point, Carnsore. But then we're not here to praise South East Leinster.
No, actually it's the fabulous wood on the twin peaks that serve as a backdrop to the more famed beach. Jump over the pier (not into the water ...) go around the back beach and up the steps on to the two hillocks. Discover the woods. Mostly of ancient oak, this semi-natural wood also contains ash, birch and others. It is a protected Nature Reserve.
Then proceed further around towards the Head itself and stare across at Achill, Achill Beg, Mulranny and Clare. And then out into the broad, deep ocean. If you're lucky, you'll spot some dolphin. You might see seals (although more easily come by at nearby Roonagh) and you'll surely see the low flying cormorants.
But the great thing about Old Head is to look backwards from out at the point (be careful walking out there, the path sometimes literally hangs over the sheer rocks below). See the twisted, bent over trees, as they suffer a life long battering by the Atlantic winds.Many of them have their uppermost branches at ninety degrees to their lower trunks, as they are forced eastwards by the howling gusts in off the ocean. Beautiful.
Get there, it's a great place.