Blogger: Lauren Lucy Crowley
There is something so childlike about jumping off a pier in Ireland…. pshyching yourself up… ensuring your companions aren’t going to back out…. doing the countdown…. taking the leap… thinking “what am I doing” for that split second in the air… before crashing with a sore splash into the icy cold salt water!
In all my years, not once have I ever regretted jumping off a pier… although it seems like a crazy idea mid-air (particularly when it’s only April), that rush of adrenaline, and sense of achievement combined with a brain freeze…. makes it one of the best feelings in the world!
While spending some time in Ballinskelligs recently, we set off on an adventure in the car, having spotted a small brown signpost for Glens pier – down what looked like a dead-end, we decided to investigate. The road was narrow, windy and steeped downward, little did we know what an amazing hidden gem was waiting for us at the end of the road!
Much to our joy, the road opened up to a gorgeous pier, although small in size, the surrounding crystal clear water had the most turquoise tinge I can remember seeing in Ireland for a long time! Enclosed by mountains all around, there was something so secretive about the location, looking out to the left we had a perfect view of the stunning Skellig rock – what more could a girl wish for!
Informed by a local, we found out that the pier has been in existence for centuries and there are old steps cut into the rock which shows where people landed before the new pier was built – pretty interesting eh?! The pier was apparently a hive of activity in olden days with more than 100 fishermen calling there daily – and now during the summer months is a haven for divers – I can certainly understand why!
We knew we had to return for a swim, and I was so glad we did! We had so much fun, and believe it or not… it was kind of addictive! I found myself saying over “just one more time” over and over again! If you’re exploring the south Kerry region, be sure to stop by at this beautiful hidden gem! Even if you’re not brave enough to jump off – the views are truly spectacular!
Directions from Caherciveen: Leave Caherciveen on the N70 heading for Waterville, Turn right onto R565 at Sheehan’s Food Store, At the church keep right, on your left you will see the small brown signpost for Glens pier – follow the road down!
“If you carry your childhood with you… you never become older!”
1 Comment
We just found your blog yesterday and did the trip today. It was exactly as good as you said it was! Multiple leaps into the sea from the pier! Thanks so much for sharing.