Outline Site Description
Coastal cliffs and fields, with a blowhole included.
Geological System/Age and Primary Rock Type The rocks are of Ordovician age, but the blowhole is a Holocene feature eroded by the sea.
Main Geological or Geomorphological Interest
A classic blowhole is displayed on the clifftop on the eastern side of Kilmurrin Cove. The sea has eroded a sea cave inland until there has been a collapse to surface at the inner, landward end. This has been progressively enlarged by tides and now a steep sided depression is seen with the sea entering and leaving by a short cave, or natural tunnel.
Site Importance
Alone, this is of County Geological Site importance but is part of a complex of sites along the Copper Coast, which collectively are of national importance, and which are already part of a proposed NHA (Ballyvoyle Head to Tramore No 1693).
Management/promotion issues
As the feature is on private farmland it should not be promoted except by arrangement with the landowner. It is easily viewed from the western side of the cove at the bend in the road there, where there is a small lay-by. Consideration could be given to a signboard being placed there explaining its origin and including pictures of the feature.
