Bridges of Ross

The name is plural but only one arch is left. Three natural bridges were cut into the flagstone cliffs here by the Atlantic; two have collapsed, the last stands, and the same forces are working on it. The rock is Carboniferous flagstone, layered and fractured, and the whole coast here is a geological set piece of folded and faulted beds. The other reason the place is known has nothing to do with the arch. In autumn, when north-westerly gales push migrating seabirds close to shore, the headland becomes one of the premier seawatching sites in Europe: shearwaters in thousands, skuas, storm and Leach's petrels, and rarities including Fea's petrel have been logged from the small watchpoint. Birders sit here in weather most people would drive away from. Cliff edges are unfenced, the rock is slippery and undercut, and standing on the arch itself is a bad idea.

The landscape

• The surviving arch - the last of three, with the sea still working on it.
• The flagstone geology - folded, layered Carboniferous rock along the coast.
• The seawatching - shearwaters, skuas and petrels in autumn gales.
• The collapsed bridges - what is left of the other two.

When to go

August to October in north-westerly winds for the seabird passage, which is what the site is known for. May to September for the arch and the coast in better weather.

Before you go

Unfenced, undercut cliff edges on fractured rock - do not walk out onto the arch. No facilities and a small car park. The best birding conditions are the worst weather; dress for a gale.

Nearby

Loop Head lighthouse is west; Kilkee is north-east along the coast.