All of the pictures in this post were taken this year by iPhone, and many are included and can be yours as framed images (for a discounted consideration) from my Instagram Collection – a selection of photos and images optimised for mobile devices and small prints
Raven Point, Curracloe, Co Wexford is Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and an absolute gem of a place to visit at any time of year.
Background information:
From Ireland’s National Parks and Wildlife Service
The general area forms the southern end of Curracloe beach, one of Ireland’s longest beaches, unspoiled and not developed apart from a few smallish caravan parks and chalets. It’s a twenty minute drive from Wexford Town.
Raven point itself is one of the best places I know to leave it all behind and get ‘grounded’, to use an electrical term – meaning to send electricity to earth and render a circuit into a state of discharge. That’s a contradiction in terms as everyone I know comes home from here recharged!
To walk or run the full loop is approximately 9 Km, and there are countless paths ‘off trail’. Details here. There are many shorter walks too.
Dawn and dusk are very special times to visit, with spectacular sun and moon rises to be seen, and wildlife and flora is abundant and generally undisturbed. Frequently the seals cast curious looks at us humans as we pass by. As usual in Ireland, you can see all four seasons more or less every day. Spectacular skies are frequent and Winter is just as good, or even better than summer.
Raven Woods are State forests and are an essential part of the coastal defences along the peninsula behind which is the famous Wexford North Slob, an area of reclaimed land, well below sea level. There has been some fairly heavy erosion these past few winters, which is a worry. Very high tides can now leave part of the beach inaccessible for a time.
Strolling in the woodland is best in the early or late part of the day, when the light comes in nicely.
We usually walk through the woods and cross to the beach by one of the many pathways. The experience of walking out of the woods or dunes onto the beach is magical and can be breath-taking.
Swimming is safe at the beach but not at the point itself, where there can be strong currents. There are no lifeguards in this area. Use your common sense and heed the notices. The beach is often deserted, usually outside of peak hours, at dawn or dusk, or on working days, when nude swimming is sometimes discreetly practiced (although technically illegal). Despite some reports to the contrary, it isn’t a naturist beach, nor should it be.
Camping is outlawed, but sometimes happens anyway. Only a total idiot would light a fire anywhere in or near these woods. Horse riding on the beach looks and must surely feel spectacular. Yoga at the waters edge, right at the point on a fine summers morning is great. A great place for dog walking as well, but we take care to keep the dog under control, and of course to clean up any little accidents.
Family portrait with dog:
Erosion – these were uncovered last winter:
Although the place is a photographers paradise, and this short essay only captures a tiny taste of it, the real joy of the place is its unspoiled and natural beauty.
Rain over Rosslare:
On a few rare occasions this year, an occasional drone or dune buggy has shattered the peace and quiet, but nevertheless, it remains one of the gems of Co. Wexford and Ireland.
Enjoy.
Ger.
P.S. Here’s how the photos look framed from my Instagram Collection.
Ger Lawlor 