Let’s start with this – there are no bridges at Bridges of Ross. One natural bridge is all that remains today of the original three rock arcs. Because over the ages, the relentless waves of the Atlantic have first sculpted them out of the cliffs, only to eventually take them away again. For interest’s sake, HERE is a period photo from 1906 of one of the natural bridges. It has since eroded and collapsed into the lagoon. And the same will eventually happen to the last Bridge. The name in its plural form, Bridges of Ross, is all that is left to remind us. As everything on Earth, rocks also have a life cycle.
How Did We Discover This Place?
You know, we had been living on the West Coast for four years and had been visiting for at least a decade longer, before we ever heard about this magical place. We were on a cycle around the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare when we got chatting to a lady in Carrigaholt. She then happened to suggest the Bridges of Ross as a scenic spot that we could take in on route. So, following the rule to always act upon recommendations by locals, we did.
We were already in a remote area and the short detour brought us to an even more secluded location. Truly and properly off the beaten track. And here we discovered our new favourite place on this part of the West Coast. The first time we came to the Bridges of Ross, we were the only people here for hours! We are still so grateful to the good woman for mentioning this gem. Do the locals keep the knowledge of the breath-taking Bridges of Ross to themselves? We are convinced they do, indeed.
Where Are The Bridges Of Ross?
If you want to discover them for yourself – and we feel very strongly that you should – the Bridges of Ross lie on the north side of the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare. They are about 20kms from the town of Kilkee and 6kms from Loop Head Lighthouse. Turn off the R487 road between Kilkee and Loop Head Lighthouse onto the Coast Road L2000. While the site is not visible from the road, it’s not hard to find. It’s just after a tiny turn off the L2000 and there are signposts as you get closer to it.
Things To See And Do At The Bridges Of Ross
As you park up by the metal Wild Atlantic Way marker, take the left hand-side path towards the edge of the sea. A short walk along the trail and a majestic lagoon will open in front of you. There is a handy bench here with a fabulous view over the crashing waves. Keep walking along the path for five or so minutes until you arrive at the remaining natural bridge with a carved out rockpool underneath. The stone arc is magnificent, it almost seems to defy gravity and resist the laws of physics.
Easy Cliff-Top Walk
You can keep walking on from the Bridge for another cca 1km to the very tip of the peninsula. It is an easy and very tranquil out-and-back trail. What’s more, the scenery is stunning throughout – rolling Atlantic waves and picturesque tidal pools that are crying out to be explored. The walk is well established with wooden posts separating it from the adjacent farmland and dotted with benches. There is no barrier on the sea side, so take care close to the sea edge when the waves are wild.
Bird Watching
Sea birds enjoy the spot and come here to nest. We’re no ornithologists by any stretch of the imagination, but we easily spotted puffins and seagulls, but there are many others. If you happen to be here during the autumn migration, we were told that the seabirds pass close to the shore, which must be exciting. You can easily perch yourself (pun intended) on one of the ocean-facing benches so that the sun is in your back and not in your eyes.
Meditate, Contemplate, Feel
Apparently, the Bridges of Ross are a geological curiosity, a perfect specimen of a formation with underwater flows. Most of the coastline in this part of County Clare belongs to the Ross Sandstone Formation. Jutting out of it is a rocky finger – the location of the Ross Bridges. In the context of geological history of the Earth, the Ross Formation dates to 320 million years ago. Three hundred and twenty million years. Mind blown.
If you’re of a philosophical disposition, sitting here taking in the beauty of the place might make you think about the nature of the universe and the place of human life in it. You cannot help but be in awe of the power of the ocean, the cradle of life on Earth. This place is beyond ancient and beyond beautiful. Quietly sitting, observing and feeling the fearless seas pounding the shore is very powerful. The Bridges of Ross are no different to us and everything else on this planet, really. An everchanging environment which will keep transforming for millennia to come.
A favourite quote by Professor Brian Cox comes to mind:
”The ingredients in our bodies were assembled in the hearts of long dead stars over billions of years. And they have assembled themselves spontaneously into temporary structures that can think and feel and explore. And their structures will decay away again at some point, And in the very far future there will be no structures left. So there we are. We exist in this little window when we can observe this magnificent universe.”
What Else Should I Know About Visiting The Bridges Of Ross?
- Parking is free.
- There are no other facilities – no toilettes, no coffee van. However, the wonderful Keating’s Bar and Restaurant in Kilbaha is a mere five minute drive.
- Wear good footwear, appropriate for the rocky and wet shore.
- Every time we’ve been here, the wind was blowing with all its might, so a warm and windproof jacket is a good idea.
- Be careful when approaching the sea edge.