Focailín Tosaigh

Ní fada ó shin agus thugas cuairt ar Shlí na hAille I mBaile Choitín. Lá breá samhraidh a bhí ann agus, mar is gnáthach thugas liom mo cheamara. Bhí sé beartaithe agam aer glan na farraige a tharraingt isteach i mo scámhóga is grianghrafanna de na radharcanna áille a dhéanamh ann.

Ba mhó fós na suntais a chonaiceas ná aon rud a samhlaíodh dom cheana. Chuaigh Slí na hAille trí pháirceanna a bhí faoi shíocháin; bhí bláthanna fiáine le feiscint i ngach áit ar na háilte arda. Bhain áilleacht na radharcanna an anáil díom le hiontas. Dhealraigh gach aon rud sa saol a bheith i gceart is i gcóir.

Neartaíodh an nasc idir mise agus an áit seo ag gach aon chasadh sa tslí. Ceann de na siúlóidí ab ea é a d’fhág ar mo shuaimhneas mé. Ba chúis iontais dom féin é gur bhaineas an oiread sin taitnimh as an turas.

Radharcanna

Bláthanna fiáine agus páirceanna

An Bád Tarrthála – ‘Mary Stanford’

Chonaiceas ar mo shlí an bád tarrthála ‘Mary Standford’ Bhain eachtra mór leis sa bhliain 1936 nuair a d’éirigh lena chriú ochtar fear a thabhairt slán ón bhfarraige. Chuaigh an scéal i gcion orm go mór agus an bád láidir sin le feiscint i gcónaí.

An Tig Solais

Tá sé le feiscint tamall amach ón míntír. Ar Oileán Bhaile Choitín. Is féidir turas farraige a chur in áirithint ann. Níor chuas féin ann ach bam haith liom dul ann amach anseo.

Fad An Turais

Leanann Slí na hAille ar na hailte ar feadh 7 ciliméadair amach ón tsráidbhaile go Trá Bhaile Andrín. Ní mór casadh siar ar an tslí chéanna chun fillte nó siob a shocrú le car de do chuid, b’fhéidir.

Tógann an turas fillte 2.5 nó 3 uair a chloig ag siúl go réidh. Ní mór cur leis má tá sé ina rún agat griangrafanna a dhéanamh.

Gaeilge - Risteárd Mac Annraoi

Ballycotton Cliff Walk - A Hidden Gem Trail with Absolutely Stunning Views

Introduction

I’ve recently visited the Ballycotton Cliff Walk on a sunny, beautiful day, with my camera in hand and a quiet plan to enjoy the sea air and capture a few lovely landscapes.

What I found was far more special than I imagined. The trail led me through peaceful fields full of wildflowers, along dramatic cliffs with absolutely stunning views of the ocean. The colours, the calm, the open sky, everything felt just right.

At every turn, I felt more connected to the place. It was one of those walks that fills you up in the best way. I was pleasantly surprised by how much this walk gave me.

What to see

The Views

The ocean goes as far as you can see. The light on the water, the colour of the sea, the cliffs dropping below. It was all absolutely stunning, like a real-life painting.

Wildflowers & Fields

The trail winds through peaceful fields and open land, where I found so many wildflowers in bloom. It felt calm and quiet, with butterflies and bees floating around me. It was a little piece of fascinating nature.

The Mary Stanford Lifeboat

Along the way, I came across the historic Mary Stanford lifeboat. It has an incredible story, back in 1936, this very boat rescued 8 men from a storm at sea. Seeing it there, standing strong after all these years, was really special.

The Lighthouse

Just offshore, I could see Ballycotton Island with its lighthouse. You can actually book a guided boat tour to visit the lighthouse! I didn’t do it this time, but it’s definitely something I’d love to come back for.

Duration

The full cliff walk stretches for about 7 kilometres one way from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen Beach. It’s a linear trail, meaning you’ll either need to return the same way or arrange a lift.

Full walk (return): Around 2.5 to 3 hours at a gentle pace with extra hour for photos

How to get there

Bus Éireann - Route 240: Serving Cork to Ballycotton from Cork City via Midleton.

Car From Cork City: It takes about 50 minutes to drive. Take the N25 towards Midleton, then follow signs for Cloyne and Ballycotton.

There’s free parking in Ballycotton village near the start of the walk.

Tips Before You Go

Bring water and a snack – there are no shops on the walk itself

Check the weather – the views are best on a clear day, and the wind can be strong

Don’t forget your camera – the cliff views are spectacular

Dogs are welcome 🐶

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of visiting, do it. You’ll find more than just a trail, you’ll find beauty, history, and a truly amazing piece of Ireland’s coastline

English - Jiri Hanusek

Slí na hAille ag Baile Choitín - seoid rúnda le radharcanna suntasacha