Bloody Foreland Boulders

Bloody Foreland or “Cnoc Fola” (The Hill of Blood) derives its name from the evening sun which illuminates the rocks along this section of the coast to a rich red hue. In the autumn months, too, a thick covering of fern enflames the hillside with a russet-red-brown colouring. Bloody Foreland has no background in factual history to warrant the title “bloody”, although folklore records that one particularly unlikable warlord “Balor of the Evil Eye” was eventually slain by his grandson Lugh Lámh Fhada on the slopes of Cnoc Fola. Indeed, some say that the tide of blood which flowed from Balor’s evil eye stained the hillside and gave it its name.

But whatever its origin Bloody Foreland is seriously impressive, and the vistas from it to Árainn Mór, Gabhla, Tory Island, and Horn Head, are quite remarkable. Indeed these great panoramas are, in themselves, ample reward for visiting. The Bloody Foreland coastal path, too,  reveals stunning views with every fold in the cliff face, surprising us with sea stacks, inhospitable coves, shear faces, and always with the incessant booming of waves crashing on the rocks far below. Look out too for seabird populations of all kinds, from kittiwakes, to gannets, and puffins. Look out for evidence of seals, and dolphins, and further offshore, for brief appearances by whales.

John Taggart Landscapes are shot on Medium Format Camera's & Lenses for superior image quality, high resolution, amazing colours, superb black & white tones that give a distinctive look and quality.