Alternative to Downpatrick Head cave for photography

Hello,

I'm looking for an alternative for the Downpatrick Head cave to photograph.

Photo: https://imgur.com/Qganuah

Does anyone maybe know another location where you can get to sea level with a camera, to photograph big rocks or cliffs in the water? All locations that I know with rocks and cliffs in the water are from high viewpoints, not from sea level photographing up.

Some cliffs/rocks around you to frame the rocks/cliffs in the sea would be a bonus.

Kind regards

Hello Theo,

Your quest to capture the essence of sea cliffs and rocks from a unique sea-level perspective certainly makes for an exciting photographic adventure.

While it's important to underscore the safety concerns about exploring sea caves - particularly when considering the timing of tides - there are a couple of other locations that might provide the view you're after.

One of them is Murder Hole Beach in County Donegal. It is a beautifully secluded spot with a sea cave that could offer you that much-coveted sea-level vantage point. However, I should stress that accessing the beach can be a challenge, and it's not a venture to undertake lightly or without company.

Another location to consider is the Ballybunion Cliffs in County Kerry. Near the town of Ballybunion, these cliffs are dotted with small caves at their base. However, access to these caves can be significantly influenced by tidal conditions, so careful planning around tide times is a must.

In all cases, please remember to prioritize your safety. Check tide times, let others know about your plans, consider going with a companion, and if possible, hire a guide. The natural beauty of these sites is indeed breathtaking, but they can also be unpredictable and potentially hazardous.

Best of luck with your adventures and happy photographing! 

Hi Arvind,

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I've looked at those locations and they look amazing as well! But you are right that those might be just as dangerous and unpredictive as the cave at Downpatrick Head, so I'm looking for a safer option.

It doesn't have to be a cave, but at least some high cliffs/rocks in the water where you can get at sea level without having to worry about tides. 

Kind regards,
Theo

Hi Theo,

By their very nature, cliffs and caves are all places where caution is required!

I have a few ideas of ways and places to see the cliffs from the sea. The Cliffs of Moher has a boat trip by The Doolin Ferry Co and the Slieve League Cliffs up in County Donegal has a similar service too. 🛥️

Another sea spot would be Thrupenny pool in Bundoran, County Donegal. It is a natural sea-pool that attracts swimmers but there is a cave on the edge that is a safe enough place to visit.

A couple of excellent locations in County Antrim would be, Mermaid's Cave under Dunluce Castle, Downhill Beach under the Mussenden Temple, and of course looking back at the Giant's Causeway. 

As an island, there are numerous places to view cliffs and coastline from beaches and boats. Hopefully, this has given you some more ideas at least!

Hi Theo,

I would just like to add further potential caves for your shoot.  Martin has already given you suggestions of sea caves on the Causeway Coast and I have thought of some others you might like to investigate.

The Whiterock Beach in Portrush has a number of caves and arches that would be interesting to photograph in the right conditions.  The beach looks towards the Skerries Islands and Dunluce Castle is on the cliff to the east.  The beach is easily accessible and has a car park nearby, however low tide would be necessary to get to some of the caves.  Please see names of the caves below.
Cathedral cave is perhaps the most impressive with three arches, other caves along the way include the Heart Cave, Teardrop Cave, Lord Antrim's Parlour and many more.

There is another cave located on the Causeway Coast near to Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.  Access to the cave is from the attraction's car park.  From the lower car park there is a path that takes you down to the foreshore.  There you will find a limestone cave.  This is HBO Game of Thrones film location territory and the cave looks out towards Sheep Island.  You can also see the Rope Bridge from the foreshore.

There are also great rock formations near to Ballintoy Harbour.  You will find caves, stacks and small islands.

Wherever you end up going to get the photographs, please consider sharing them with the Community.
Happy cave hunting!
Anne