Storm toll at Bertra Strand near Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland

We finally managed to get out for a walk in between storms today. It was blustery and cold yet we decided to visit Bertra Strand one of our favourite beaches to walk in Ireland.  It has spectacular views of Croagh Patrick and the most amazing sand dunes I've ever had the pleasure to walk. The views across Clew Bay are magnificent too, and the beach is littered with lucky weather stones and fossils. We'd heard that the Strand had been hit hard by the recent procession of storms and wanted to see for ourselves.



Nature has taken its toll and shown us her fury. But she works in mysterious ways. Sand will again be brought from distant shores to be deposited here if she so chooses. Man has this tendency to try to improve on nature. Sailors know that the only salvation is for man to respect nature's wishes. So let's just sit back and see what she comes up with next.

The end of the strand before the storms.

The end of the strand after the storms. 

The missing parking lot. 

The tarmac completely torn up and rocks lifted onto the land. 

The toilet facilities are not really accessible. 

The height restriction barrier is gone. 

Rocks everywhere, including those that used
to be barriers in chicken wire. 

The access ramp is still there. 

Before the storms. 

After the storms. 

The seas ate into the sands. 

The Wild Atlantic Way!

At least some of the dunes are still there. 

The breach in the dunes makes it difficult to get to the end.