This page is currently under construction .... 8th July 2008
The following is a brief description of a walking tour around the Headland of Clogherhead. It will take approx one hour plus time taken for stops and chat breaks. (Print this page and bring it with you)
Starting Point
A good starting point is at the Cross. A mythical position really. There is no cross nor is there a crossroads. However it is known as the Cross. The point is at the centre of the village on the Main Street at Levin's Bar. Proceed down the street towards the Amusement Arcade. A position slightly to the left of the Amusement Arcade once stood the Big Well. This was the main water collection point for the villagers in times past. It was a magnificent stone structure and is a shame it got knocked down. Turn left on to Strand Street.
Crooked Street
Strand Street is the official name but it is also known as Crooked Street. It leads us to the Little Strand. You will pass by Little Strand Antiques and the Little Strand Restaurant on your way to the Little Strand. Opposite the Little Strand Restaurant there is a narrow right of way that leads to the Little Well which was in use till recent times. Towards the end of this road you will come to a white washed wall on the left which also guards a well, this time with a pump. At this point the road splits in three. Take the middle route towards the strand.
Little Strand
This is a public unspoilt beach area with a small car park. On and Off it attracts Blue Flag status. It is generally safe to swim and there are no soft sand areas. There is a lifeguard on duty during the summer months.
RNLI Lifeboat
Clogherhead has a long tradition of hosting a lifeboat station. The current station is positioned on the Little Strand. The Lifeboat is a Mersey Class boat called the Doris Bleasdale. If the station is open you can usually look around and browse their souvenir shop.
Neptune Adventure Centre
This Centre is located at the Little Strand car park. As its name suggests it provides adventure to all age groups seeking adventure and knowledge from the sea and its surroundings.
Looking South
Looking right (south) offers a walk along the beach which is unspoilt and uninterrupted for almost five miles (8km) to the mouth of the Boyne river. Remember this is a ten mile round trip.
Take a Left
Our walk continues left (east) along the beach and towards the headland.
Captain Lightfoot starring Rock Hudson
This was a 1955 film production, some of which was shot at Clogherhead. Look closely at the houses you are now approaching. The third house on the right hand side of the road that ends at the beach is the 'Public House' in the film. The scene depicts Rock Hudson and others running into the Public House. The inside scenes were obviously in studio.
Continueing ...
(Do not continue on this road, but do return to the beach.)
There is a small rocky / stoney area that leads to a stone wall on your left followed by a fence then a green area.
Little Harbour
At this green area you will notice a small inlet with another small inlet further out on the rocks. This area is known as the Little Harbour. Small rowing and sail vessels used this area. It was conveniently adjacent to the village. Continue and pass a stone wall and a sewage treatment works. Don't dwell here.
Towards the Headland
The Headland now comes into full view and that feeling of freedom and calm enters your being. Continue for a short distance and pass through a stile at a stone wall. Take the pedestrian worn path closest to the sea.
Eire
After about 150 yards there is an area on your left (now overgrown) that contains stones that spell the word EIRE. These stones were whitewashed and were clearly visible from the air. Their intention was to alert pilots during the war that there were now in Eire.
Start the Climb
Continue on the path and start to climb the slight hill. Remember that the top of the Headland is only 54 meters above sea level. As you climb take the odd look back and south and notice the pleasant view along the coast. There you can see Bettystown, Laytown, Balbriggan, Skerries and the Rockabill Lighthouse.
Red Man's Cave
As you climb the Head following the path you will pass a point quite high up but close to the cliffs. There is a steep path to a cave known as the Red Man's Cave. Do not descend this steep cliff as it is quite dangerous and tidal.
Legend has it that in penal times priests would say Mass in the cave. Remember that it was outlawed to do so. The punishment for those who were caught was certain death. Legend suggests that the Mass ceremony was discovered and all the attendees were killed. The blood from the massacre is still to be seen on the walls of the cave.
420 Million Years ago
It is 420 million years ago and the fusion between the two continents which would form Ireland's land mass is almost complete.
Through a series of individual collisions, north-west and south-east Ireland are finally welded together along a 'suture', which runs from here in Clogherhead in County Louth to the Shannon Estuary in the south-west of Ireland.
What is amazing though is to imagine that when you stand at Clogherhead the lands to the North and South were once thousands of miles apart.
The great bonding marked by the almost vertically folded, greywacke rocks at Clogherhead is reflected in the mix of fossils found in and around this headland.
Those on one side fit North American patterns, and those further south are more European in make-up.
It is the existence of both 'American fossils' and 'European fossils' on one land mass which allows geologists to identify that this join in the land exists.
(See the History section of this site for more details and a link to a BBC documentary on the subject.)
Look Out Station
You are now approaching the brow of the hill and the coastline to the north is coming into view. Do not cross the stone wall yet. Instead turn left going up the hill towards the Watch Out Station. From here you have a magnificent vista looking north towards the Cooley and Mourne mountains and south to the Boyne Estuary and Skerries. To the east is the wide expanse of the Irish Sea. I hope you have a clear bright day to capture the view.
Watch Out Station
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Statue
Now return to the Headland path and cross the stone wall. You will notice a number of paths from here. Take the one that goes immediately right and goes close to the rocks. Along this area there is a small statue embedded into the rocks. It was placed here anonymously in times past to keep cattle that grazed on the land away from the rocks. Do not enthusiastically look for the statue as the rocks are dangerous.
Newgrange Standing Stones
the standing stones at Newgrange were cut from the rock at the Headland. I wonder were the builders of Newgrange aware 6,000 years ago of the events that took place at Clogherhead 420 million years ago. It is interesting that they came to Clogherhead for the standing stones.
As you approach the Pier you will pass a low lying area where you can easily walk towards the water. At low tide, at the mouth of the inlet there is a large discarded stone. Could this have been a Standing Stone destined for Newgrange but abandoned?
Incubation Units
Continue towards the Pier. As you approach you will cross a small wooden stile. Notice the Business Incubation Units on your left. These Units are managed by Clogherhead Development Group (who also manage this website). The Units are leased to relatively new business in the area and currently employ about 10 people in activities such as Crab Meat and Fish Preparation.
Pier
Continue down towards the Pier. The plaque commemorating the re-opening of the Pier in 2007 is on your right hand side at the start of the Pier.
The Pier is synonymous with Clogherhead. Refer to the History Section of this site for Ancient descriptions of Clogherhead including Port Oriel.
The 'old' pier featured in the opening scene of the 1997 film "The Devil's Own" starring Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt.
The Clogherhead fleet represents a significant force within the Irish Fishing industry. The fleet can now moor safely from all winds thanks to a 10 million euro restructuring of the Pier during 2005 and 2006.
The following can be best viewed from the end of the Pier.
Auction Hall
The Auction Hall is operated by Clogherhead Fisherman's Organisation. Fish and prawns are graded and auctioned from the pier. Sometimes the auctions are by phone for practical reasons. Clients are based around Ireland, England and the Continent mostly France and Spain.
Slipway
The Slipway has been recently improved to allow safe launching and retrieval of small pleasure craft.
Red Sail
The factory, previously called the Red Sail, is operated by Clogherhead Fisherman's Organisation.
Stiles
Proceed by road back towards the village. When you pass the entrance for the Red Sail factory about half way up the harbour hill watch out for a stile in the stone wall. This stile was once used to access water in an area known as the Three Wells in the general vicinity of the Red Sail factory.
Proceed along this road till you come to a 90 degree bend on the road to the left. Notice a stone stile on your right in the corner. Cross this stile and proceed up the field with the hedge on your left hand side. Continue in this direction passing two more stone stiles on route. The sea and beach will be noticeable on your left hand side.
Mullagh
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Graveyard
Pass by the graveyard on your left hand side. Pause here and pay your respects for a quiet moment. Continue down the path to the road and turn left and finish your walk at the Cross.
The END
Headland Walk
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The following is a brief description of a walking tour around the Headland of Clogherhead. It will take approx one hour plus time taken for stops and chat breaks. (Print this page and bring it with you)
Starting Point
A good starting point is at the Cross. A mythical position really. There is no cross nor is there a crossroads. However it is known as the Cross. The point is at the centre of the village on the Main Street at Levin's Bar. Proceed down the street towards the Amusement Arcade. A position slightly to the left of the Amusement Arcade once stood the Big Well. This was the main water collection point for the villagers in times past. It was a magnificent stone structure and is a shame it got knocked down. Turn left on to Strand Street.
Crooked Street
Strand Street is the official name but it is also known as Crooked Street. It leads us to the Little Strand. You will pass by Little Strand Antiques and the Little Strand Restaurant on your way to the Little Strand. Opposite the Little Strand Restaurant there is a narrow right of way that leads to the Little Well which was in use till recent times. Towards the end of this road you will come to a white washed wall on the left which also guards a well, this time with a pump. At this point the road splits in three. Take the middle route towards the strand.
Little Strand
This is a public unspoilt beach area with a small car park. On and Off it attracts Blue Flag status. It is generally safe to swim and there are no soft sand areas. There is a lifeguard on duty during the summer months.
RNLI Lifeboat
Clogherhead has a long tradition of hosting a lifeboat station. The current station is positioned on the Little Strand. The Lifeboat is a Mersey Class boat called the Doris Bleasdale. If the station is open you can usually look around and browse their souvenir shop.
Neptune Adventure Centre
This Centre is located at the Little Strand car park. As its name suggests it provides adventure to all age groups seeking adventure and knowledge from the sea and its surroundings.
Looking South
Looking right (south) offers a walk along the beach which is unspoilt and uninterrupted for almost five miles (8km) to the mouth of the Boyne river. Remember this is a ten mile round trip.
Take a Left
Our walk continues left (east) along the beach and towards the headland.
Captain Lightfoot starring Rock Hudson
This was a 1955 film production, some of which was shot at Clogherhead. Look closely at the houses you are now approaching. The third house on the right hand side of the road that ends at the beach is the 'Public House' in the film. The scene depicts Rock Hudson and others running into the Public House. The inside scenes were obviously in studio.
Continueing ...
(Do not continue on this road, but do return to the beach.)
There is a small rocky / stoney area that leads to a stone wall on your left followed by a fence then a green area.
Little Harbour
At this green area you will notice a small inlet with another small inlet further out on the rocks. This area is known as the Little Harbour. Small rowing and sail vessels used this area. It was conveniently adjacent to the village. Continue and pass a stone wall and a sewage treatment works. Don't dwell here.
Towards the Headland
The Headland now comes into full view and that feeling of freedom and calm enters your being. Continue for a short distance and pass through a stile at a stone wall. Take the pedestrian worn path closest to the sea.
Eire
After about 150 yards there is an area on your left (now overgrown) that contains stones that spell the word EIRE. These stones were whitewashed and were clearly visible from the air. Their intention was to alert pilots during the war that there were now in Eire.
Start the Climb
Continue on the path and start to climb the slight hill. Remember that the top of the Headland is only 54 meters above sea level. As you climb take the odd look back and south and notice the pleasant view along the coast. There you can see Bettystown, Laytown, Balbriggan, Skerries and the Rockabill Lighthouse.
Red Man's Cave
As you climb the Head following the path you will pass a point quite high up but close to the cliffs. There is a steep path to a cave known as the Red Man's Cave. Do not descend this steep cliff as it is quite dangerous and tidal.
Legend has it that in penal times priests would say Mass in the cave. Remember that it was outlawed to do so. The punishment for those who were caught was certain death. Legend suggests that the Mass ceremony was discovered and all the attendees were killed. The blood from the massacre is still to be seen on the walls of the cave.
420 Million Years ago
It is 420 million years ago and the fusion between the two continents which would form Ireland's land mass is almost complete.
Through a series of individual collisions, north-west and south-east Ireland are finally welded together along a 'suture', which runs from here in Clogherhead in County Louth to the Shannon Estuary in the south-west of Ireland.
What is amazing though is to imagine that when you stand at Clogherhead the lands to the North and South were once thousands of miles apart.
The great bonding marked by the almost vertically folded, greywacke rocks at Clogherhead is reflected in the mix of fossils found in and around this headland.
Those on one side fit North American patterns, and those further south are more European in make-up.
It is the existence of both 'American fossils' and 'European fossils' on one land mass which allows geologists to identify that this join in the land exists.
(See the History section of this site for more details and a link to a BBC documentary on the subject.)
Look Out Station
You are now approaching the brow of the hill and the coastline to the north is coming into view. Do not cross the stone wall yet. Instead turn left going up the hill towards the Watch Out Station. From here you have a magnificent vista looking north towards the Cooley and Mourne mountains and south to the Boyne Estuary and Skerries. To the east is the wide expanse of the Irish Sea. I hope you have a clear bright day to capture the view.
Watch Out Station
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Statue
Now return to the Headland path and cross the stone wall. You will notice a number of paths from here. Take the one that goes immediately right and goes close to the rocks. Along this area there is a small statue embedded into the rocks. It was placed here anonymously in times past to keep cattle that grazed on the land away from the rocks. Do not enthusiastically look for the statue as the rocks are dangerous.
Newgrange Standing Stones
the standing stones at Newgrange were cut from the rock at the Headland. I wonder were the builders of Newgrange aware 6,000 years ago of the events that took place at Clogherhead 420 million years ago. It is interesting that they came to Clogherhead for the standing stones.
As you approach the Pier you will pass a low lying area where you can easily walk towards the water. At low tide, at the mouth of the inlet there is a large discarded stone. Could this have been a Standing Stone destined for Newgrange but abandoned?
Incubation Units
Continue towards the Pier. As you approach you will cross a small wooden stile. Notice the Business Incubation Units on your left. These Units are managed by Clogherhead Development Group (who also manage this website). The Units are leased to relatively new business in the area and currently employ about 10 people in activities such as Crab Meat and Fish Preparation.
Pier
Continue down towards the Pier. The plaque commemorating the re-opening of the Pier in 2007 is on your right hand side at the start of the Pier.
The Pier is synonymous with Clogherhead. Refer to the History Section of this site for Ancient descriptions of Clogherhead including Port Oriel.
The 'old' pier featured in the opening scene of the 1997 film "The Devil's Own" starring Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt.
The Clogherhead fleet represents a significant force within the Irish Fishing industry. The fleet can now moor safely from all winds thanks to a 10 million euro restructuring of the Pier during 2005 and 2006.
The following can be best viewed from the end of the Pier.
Auction Hall
The Auction Hall is operated by Clogherhead Fisherman's Organisation. Fish and prawns are graded and auctioned from the pier. Sometimes the auctions are by phone for practical reasons. Clients are based around Ireland, England and the Continent mostly France and Spain.
Slipway
The Slipway has been recently improved to allow safe launching and retrieval of small pleasure craft.
Red Sail
The factory, previously called the Red Sail, is operated by Clogherhead Fisherman's Organisation.
Stiles
Proceed by road back towards the village. When you pass the entrance for the Red Sail factory about half way up the harbour hill watch out for a stile in the stone wall. This stile was once used to access water in an area known as the Three Wells in the general vicinity of the Red Sail factory.
Proceed along this road till you come to a 90 degree bend on the road to the left. Notice a stone stile on your right in the corner. Cross this stile and proceed up the field with the hedge on your left hand side. Continue in this direction passing two more stone stiles on route. The sea and beach will be noticeable on your left hand side.
Mullagh
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Graveyard
Pass by the graveyard on your left hand side. Pause here and pay your respects for a quiet moment. Continue down the path to the road and turn left and finish your walk at the Cross.
The END
Headland Walk
