Dunquin Pier

The pier at Dun Chaoin is a strip of concrete cut into the cliff face, dropping in a series of switchbacks to a small landing at the water. It was built to give the Blasket islanders a way to get their currachs and their livestock up and down - sheep were driven along it, which is where the description of it as a sheep highway comes from - and for decades it was the only connection between the islands and the mainland. The islands were evacuated in 1953. The ramp is now the boarding point for the summer ferry to Great Blasket, and it has become one of the most photographed spots in Ireland: the zigzag against the cliff with the island behind it. It is narrow, has no railing for much of its length, is wet and slippery in most conditions, and it drops all the way to the water. Landslides have closed it for repair at times.

What you actually see

• The zigzag ramp - concrete switchbacks cut into the cliff face.
• The Blasket view - Great Blasket across the sound at the bottom.
• The ferry landing - the summer boarding point for the island boats.
• The island history - the only link to the Blaskets until 1953.

When to go

April to October, when the ferries run. Early morning or evening gives the best light and the fewest people. It is exposed and unpleasant in wind.

Honest expectations

Steep, narrow, wet and mostly unrailed, dropping to the sea - it demands care and is not suitable for poor mobility. It has closed for landslip repairs at times. Parking at the top is limited.

Nearby

The Blasket Centre is up the road; Coumeenoole and Slea Head are south.