Downpatrick Head

Downpatrick Head is a promontory in northern Mayo, Ireland, that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, its flat, grassy clifftop is surrounded by steep cliffs and surging waves. Legend has it that Saint Patrick established a church here; today, the ruins of the church, a holy well, and a stone cross remain, which is how the place got its name. A distinctive view here is the Dún Briste sea stack standing near the shore, which means "broken fort" in Irish. The sea stack is tens of m high and stands just tens of m from the cliff, with its layered, colorful rock strata visible even without binoculars. The clifftop also features a massive blowhole named "Poll na Seantainne," where waves surge up from the hole. A fenced viewing platform is located nearby for safe viewing. On clear days, you can also see the Staggs of Broadhaven in the distance. In summer, the cliffs and sea stacks become a breeding ground for seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants, making it a great time for birdwatching. The site also preserves a World War II coastal lookout post and stone-built markers.