Outline Site Description
A long coastal section of cliffs and bays.
Geological System/Age and Primary Rock Type
The rocks are all of Ordovician age from around 460 million years ago, but are quite variable in type, with rhyolite and andesite volcanic rocks, shales and slaty sedimentary rocks.
Main Geological or Geomorphological Interest
The cliffs display a complex mix of Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary rocks, with many folds and deformation of the sedimentary rocks observed. Where there are no volcanic rocks the sedimentary rocks are strongly cleaved, or slaty, because of the intense pressure they experienced during the Caledonian mountain building event. The volcanic rocks are less deformed. The lithological control on deformation is typical of the region but is displayed well here.
Towards the western end of the section there is a headland with a distinct arch eroded through it. However, on the foreshore eastward of the headland is a freestanding rock arch, with two arches present. Sea stacks and other coastal erosion features abound here.
The site is part of the complex of sites along the Copper Coast, which collectively are of national importance and which are already part of a proposed NHA (Ballyvoyle Head to Tramore No 1693).
Access and Safety
The beach is publicly accessible and there is a Copper Coast Geopark interpretative panel mounted near the access point. If exploring further parts of the section westwards to Kilfarrasy Island (a headland) and its sea arch, or eastwards towards Sheep Island the tide needs to be taken into consideration and low tide is needed for access.