Ireland's Coral beach
The coral beach in Sneem is something of a maritime marvel. It is one of only two in Ireland - the other coral beach is near the village of Carraroe, in County Galway.
The beach consists of dried and sun-bleached maёrl. Unlike coral, maërl is a plant rather than an animal. Living maёrl is a purple-pink hard seaweed that forms spiky underwater ‘carpets’ on the seabed, known as 'maёrl beds’. A type of coralline algae, maёrl deposits lime in its cell walls as it grows, creating a hard, brittle skeleton.
"Childrens bones" my daughter screeched with delight when we first visited, although biogenic gravel is the preferred scientific description.
Note the beach is small, as is the road to the pier all the way from the turn off - a good example of the traditional Irish bohreen. Park at the pier and make your way to GZ from there.
Please answer the questions below (message centre or email):
Q1. Estimate an average size for the coral pieces.
Q2. Approximate width of the beach (between the rock faces).
Q3. Optional photo of coral, beach, pier, abandoned houses or the impressive view.
Go ahead and log your find, no need to wait for a reply.