The Great Pollet Arch is the largest sea arch in Ireland. A new 500m path has been completed to allow tourists to enjoy stunning views of the arch. A car park has been constructed with funding from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The path will take you to a stile, which is marked as 'Reference Point' in the waypoints.
The Great Pollet Sea Arch.
Sea Arch formation.
Headlands and bays are formed on a coastline comprised of hard rock, such as limestone, and softer rock, such as clays and sandstone. A sea arch develops when a headland, protruding into the ocean, causes waves to deflect around it. This concentrates the energy of the waves in specific places along the headland, causing rapid erosion if weaknesses, such as faults and fractures, are present in the rocks. The erosion leads to the development of small caves that eventually meet below a promontory leaving an arch above. The erosion continues so sea arches do not last forever! When arches collapse, the remnants of the arch are called sea stacks. Stacks are further eroded into stumps by hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition and corrosion.
Logging Requirements.
Visit the posted coordinates and observe the scene in front of you. Please send your answers to the following questions via email or the 'Message the Owner' option.
1. At the posted coordinates you will have a great view of the arch. Estimate the height and span of the aperture of the sea arch.
2. What is the approximate height of the wall of rock that you are looking over?
3. Look to the right of the sea arch where there is evidence of coastal erosion. What is that feature called and how was it formed.?
4. Optional. Post in your log a photo of yourself, or a personal item, with the Pollet Great Arch in the background. No spoilers please!