A journey through the west of Ireland’s stunning sea stacks

Join me on a journey to some of Ireland’s most isolated places. Since 2007 Iain Miller and his friends have been exploring and climbing sea stacks found dotted around the coastline of Ireland. Their favorite climbs lie along the spectacular coasts of counties Donegal and Mayo.

Iain contacted me to share some of his amazing videos. And so, I’m delighted to take you way off the beaten track to explore some of Ireland’s off shore sea stacks. In fact, we’re getting so far off the beaten track, there is no track at all.

In these short videos Iain sets sail over the foaming ocean, or takes the high road by dangling across taut ropes to reach some of Ireland’s most remote and isolated destinations.

Just like me, many readers will never venture to the top of a sea stack, but that won’t stop us watching a video of some daring thrill seekers as they take us to some of the most beautiful, remote and atmospheric locations in all of Ireland.

I do not like heights, but I felt compelled to watch these fantastically scary and totally thrilling videos. Ireland’s rugged coastline is magnificent in all her natural and unspoiled glory.

Glenlough Bay, County Donegal

Glenlough Bay on the South West Donegal coastline is one of the most remote, beautiful and wild locations in Ireland.

In the video above, an international group of visitors climb a 60-meter-high sea stack braving bouncy westerly sea currents and winds.

The Ends of the Earth Sea Stack, County Donegal

This next film recounts a visit to Ireland’s most remote location on the western tip of the Slievetooey Massif.

Laura Hartmann and John Neary walk into the northern tip of Glenlough Bay and paddle 200 meters off the edge to The Ends of the Earth Stack.

I just love the name of this sea stack. When exploring the western tips of Donegal’s coastline, it surely does feel like you are standing at the ends of the earth.

Downpatrick Head Sea Stack, County Mayo

This next video takes us to County Mayo. Living 80 meters off Downpatrick Head on the north coast of County Mayo is the iconic Dún Briste Sea Stack. Its name literally means ‘broken dún.’

First landed on by helicopter in the 1980’s, this amazing sea stack was climbed once before in 1990.

In the short film above Iain Miller and Paulina Kaniszewska make a very rare ascent of Dún Briste sea stack.

The Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal, Ireland

For thrill seekers and mountain climbers, Ireland’s majestic sea stacks provide outstanding adventure, while climbing in isolated, unique settings.

Many of these stacks rise above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean at the bases of huge sea cliffs. Easy access routes are nonexistent and a comprehensive understanding of the sea and rock climbing techniques is imperative to ensure a safe ascent of any sea stack.

If you are interested in learning from the experts or joining them on an adventure, you can find out more about Iain Miller and his team on their website, Unique Ascents.

A big thank you to Iain for sharing his work with us today.

Wishing everyone, who braves the elements and the majesty of Ireland’s coastline, a safe and happy climbing season this summer.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom.

* Mairead Geary came to America for one year 20 years ago. She now lives with her husband and children in Kentucky and is proud to be an American citizen. Read more on her blog here.