Dramatic cliff collapse closes one of the country's most scenic roads to tourists
Tuesday April 10 2007
Hundreds of tonnes of earth and rock suddenly crashed into the sea right alongside the road at Cuas na gColúr (the cove of the doves) between Coumeenole Bay and Dún Chaoin shortly after 7pm on Easter Sunday.
The collapse was witnessed from out at sea by a local ferry operator.
At the time two people were on the Atlantic cliff top, believed to be taking photographs and stepped back when a crack appeared beneath their feet. It is understood others were on the road alongside at the time when cracks appeared.
Major cracks now line a ten-metre stretch of roadway at the spot and diversions are in place.
The site is also alongside the Dún Chaoin graveyard, where Blasket writer Peig Sayers rests.
The 48km Slea Head tour is one of the most dramatic in western Europe and attracts thousands of visitors. It passes by some of the richest archaeology on this island, including Bronze Age forts and early Christian beehive huts.
Ceann Sibéal (Sybil Head), The Great Blasket Island itself and the Blasket Island Interpretative Centre all line the route which guides recommend as a day-long tour.
Some 40 years ago locals say the cliff and road also collapsed in the area. Locals believe the extremely wet winter weather followed by the equally dry period recently accelerated the collapse of the cliff.
Kerry County Council said it was clear coastal erosion was responsible for the cliff collapse. Its engineers were assessing the damage but the road would not re-open.
The council was already negotiating with landowners for land for an entirely new road further inland.
- Anne Lucey
