Walk of the Week: Coolmain Beach, West Cork

Birdwatching amid the sands and a silver sea

SETTING off, we have the channel from Kilbrittain Creek on our right between us and the huge expanse of Garafeen Strand (also called Harbour View Beach). Depending on the turns of the tide, more or less sand and mud will be exposed. Behind us, we see the arches of the stone bridge under which the Creek flows, tidal upstream for a half kilometre, and broadening as it nears the sea.

Because the bird life is so much a feature of this walk, it is worthwhile mentioning the most common species and the features that make them easily identifiable. Space limits my mentioning them all.