Slieve League Cliffs

The start of the International Appalachian Trail begins here for its short stretch in Ireland.  These cliffs are truly spectacular, twice the height of the Cliffs of Moher, but look quite different. Perhaps it’s a bit more of a tourist construct that a geological one.

It certainly didn’t remind me of the Appalachians (either Southern or Northern) in terms of rocks, geography, or vegetation — it reminded me more on my way, of Point Reyes, CA, where I had field sites decades ago.

Wonderful, nevertheless.  I’m glad I ventured on the long drive up there and back today — it was a Bank Holiday in Ireland, so the traffic was light.  A perfect opportunity, I thought, for a long drive.

It was well worth it.