Thursday 9 April 2015

Carrick-a-Rede


The rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede

The flood basalts of the Antrim plateau give rise to a distinctive step like topography that is exposed spectacularly along the coastline and the tourist potential of the area has been exploited since Victorian times - although the maintenance of safe paths is a constant battle, there are many well established routes for walkers.

A view of the chalk cliffs from Carrick-a-Rede

Just a few kilometres away from the Giant’s Causeway, the small island of Carrick-a-Rede and the neighbouring cliffs are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, for its geology. Here, there is the best example of a volcanic plug in Ireland, with dolerite and ash deposits marking a point where the molten rock burst through the chalk.

Basalt, volcanic ash and chalk

By walking across the rope bridge, which is a very popular tourist attraction, you get to see these strongly contrasting rock types in the cliff face, as well as sea caves and magnificent views across the sea to Scotland.

A view of Scotland in the distance

We had only been at the Antrim coast for less than 4 hours, but it would probably take a few days to properly explore this part of Ireland – there is plenty to see for both the casual observer and the serious geologist. When we finally got back to Dublin, we all felt that we had had a great day out. The next day, feeling refreshed, I threw myself into my next project – the Dublin Stone Show.

A wave cut platform in the chalk and a sea cave