Dunes at Fanore

Fanore is a small (but long!) village on the Atlantic coast of Clare, the Western edge of the Burren. The beach has incredible black and gold sand that is exquisitely patterned after each tide. There is an extensive dune system with diverse coastal flora. This photograph was taken in late October 2003. Fanore beach is well worth a visit, winter or summer, but be careful when swimming as there is a strong current a little offshore. Sometimes at night after a big storm the beach is speckled with blue phosphoresence.

Ralph Doyle