Photo of Carrowmore Beach
Photo of Carrowmore Strand
Carrowmore Strand
Welcome to Carramore Beach, one of the Blue Flag Beaches along the County Mayo coastline. This popular beach is located 25 kilometres (16 miles) west of Westport.
Bird Life
Areas of Scientific Interest
Local History
Further Information
Bird Life
Some of the more common birds that can be seen at the beach include:
- Cormorants (Broigheall)
- Shags (Seaga)
Waders:
- Snipe (Naoscach)
- Lapwing (Pilibin)
- Oystercatcher (Roilleach)
Terns:
- Common Tern (Geabhrog)
- Artic Tern (Geabhrog artach)
- Sandwich Tern (Geabhrog dhuscothach)
Gulls:
- Common Gull (Faoilean Ban)
- Kittiwake ( Saidhbhear)
- Blackheaded Gull (Faoilean ceanndubh)
- Great Black-backed Gull ( Droimneach mor)
- Lesser Black backed Gull (Droimneach beag)
- Herring Gull ( Faoilean scadam)
Areas of Scientific Interest
Old Head
Old Head represents the extreme development of Atlantic oakwood and is one of the only sites that is actually on the coast. The area marked on the map is of international botanical, zoological and ornithological importance. The low hills at Old Head are covered in woodland and heath. The woodland mostly occurs on the sheltered eastern side of the hill and is of oak with its common associates of rowan, birch and willow. Conifers, notably sitka spruce and beech are also present. Because of the exceptionally high humidity, lichen growth on the trees is spectacular and large species such as Lobaria and Parmelia are most noticeable. The woodland also contains a large community of herbs. The woodland is an oasis for birdlife in a region with few trees of any sort. The area is quite vulnerable and could be easily damaged by grazing animals, the over-collection of plants or renewed planting of introduced species.
Machair
On the western seaboard, low, flat, windswept sand plains known as Machair are found. Machair consists of a mixture of siliceous sand derived from glacial tills and sediments and calcerous sand derived from the shells of animals which lived on the offshore platform. Machair beaches are often found between rocky outcrops or in small bays between headlands. The upper limit of the beach is usually marked by a pebble or cobble ridge behind which there are dunes. Behind the dunes is usually a gently sloping plain whose degree of flatness is a reflection of age. The level of the machair plain is controlled by the underlying water table. Hence many machair areas are flooded during winter. A seaward escarpment marks the landward limit of the plain. Machair is a completely vegetation covered coastal plain, marram and lyme grass being the most common varieties found. Orchids can be found in some locations. Grazing has an important role in machair formation and keeps the characteristic plant community in balance.
Sand Dunes
Sand carried inland by onshore winds is deposited in streamline form around some obstacle. Plants then colonise these small mounds of sand. As sand deposition proceeds, their foliage creates even more deposition and the root network binds the sand into low embryo dunes. As these dunes grow in height they coalesce parallel to the shoreline. In turn they are colonised and stabilised by other establishing plants and the dunes continue to grow.
Dune Erosion
Almost all dunes are subject to erosion, most commonly caused by “blow outs”. This happens when the wind gains access to sand beneath the vegetation at the crest and rapidly erodes the surface causing a depression. As the wind is channelled into it, the depression grows until its width reduces the channelling effect of the wind, leaving low-lying rolling dune pasture called Machair.
Frontal erosion occurs when the entire seaward face of the dune system is cut down by storm waves. This can be recognised by a steep slope of loose sand and slipping clumps of crestal vegetation. Human activity also has a large part to play in dune erosion. The removal of sand and shingle can eave large areas of dune open to wind erosion. Cutting dune vegetation or over-grazing the area by cattle or horses is another damaging activity. Recreation at beaches can also damage dunes. Vehicle movements can damage the turf carpet and the creation of paths through the dunes exposes bare sand where blow-outs can occur.
Local History
Croagh Patrick
In this area around Clew Bay. The horizon is dominated by Irelands most famous and beautiful place of pilgrimage – Croagh Patrick, the Holy Mountain. This quartzite conical peak towers 2510 feet above the shore of Clew Bay and is site of pilgrimage for many who come to pay homage to our national patron saint. Legend has it that St. Patrick spent the entire Lent of the year 441, in prayer and fasting on the mountain. In emulation, for countless years, thousands of pilgrims have climbed these slopes, often in bare feet. The annual pilgrimage takes place on the last Sunday in July. From the top of this mountain, St. Patrick is supposed to have rid Ireland of snakes and all venomous creatures.
Further Information:
If you would like to research further information, for example, on tourist attractions or activities within this area, find some useful links below:
www.met.ie (for up to date weather forecast)
Mayo Beaches
Westport Civic Office
Mayo County Council
Altamont Street
Westport
Co. Mayo
Phone: 098 50400
Email: westport@mayococo.ie
9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Mayo Beaches
Westport Civic Offices
Altamont Street
Westport
Co. Mayo
Phone: (098) 50400
Email: westportao@mayococo.ie
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.