Between The Fens And The Sea

This scene at Birdwatch Ireland's East Coast Nature Reserve at Blackditch near Newcastle is brought about by controlled shallow flooding of coastal grassland fields during the winter months and is a magnet to wading birds.  Low intensity cattle grazing in the summer months keep the grassland in suitable condition for wintering geese and swans.

Fen Life

Today we're again at misty Five Mile Point, near Newcastle, Co Wicklow, the southern end of Birdwatch Ireland's East Coast Nature Reserve as we observe this Mute Swan in the distance.

The East Coast Nature Reserve at Blackditch Wood, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow is an important refuge for wetland plants and birds. There are three main habitats on the reserve: calcareous fen (a rare type of bog), grassland and woodland. The fen, located at Five Mile Point, is the most important habitat for rare flora, whilst the grasslands and pools provide crucial nesting and feeding areas for birds.

Mist On The Fens

This is an area of fen at Five Mile Point, near Newcastle, Co Wicklow, part of the Murrough Wetlands and today a mist descends adding to the magic of the scene.

Train Approaching

The Arklow train approaches from Kilcoole and passes Newcastle Aerodrome en route to the next stop in Wicklow Town.

Train On The Horizon

The 12:05 Arklow train on the horizon, hurtling down the line from Kilcoole, next stop Wicklow Town.

The Aerodrome

Saturday morning last and this is Newcastle Aerodrome located in the idyllic, scenic area of Six Mile Point with it's runway lying parallel to the railway track, and not a plane or a train in sight.

A Wetlands Ruin

A ruin lying between the railway line and the Murrough Wetlands at Six Mile Point near Newcastle, Co Wicklow.  This part of The Wetlands, between Six Mile Point and Five Mile Point, a little further south, is the site of BirdWatch Ireland's East Course Nature Reserve at Blackditch Wood.

Next Stop Wales

Spotted this commemorative stone on the boulder lined beach at Six Mile Point, near Newcastle, Co Wicklow reminding us of the laying of telegraph cables from here to Nevin, North Wales more than a century ago.

The Wetlands

Today, we're at Six Mile Point, Newcastle, Co Wicklow, part of the seasonally flooded area known as the Murrough Wetlands Complex which attracts a wide range of birdlife and is visited by thousands of seasonal migrants.

A Packet Of Wood

After turning in Wicklow Harbour, the freighter Crown Mary, with a cargo of timber, reverses into her berth on the Packet Pier.

Lakeside Living

This is lakeside living in the area of Blessington Lake known as Valleymount.

Lakeside Boats

This is the deserted scene last weekend at the lakeside amenity at Russelstown directly opposite the stately Russborough House.

Lakeview East

From the Blessington/Tullow road looking east across the lake to Tulfarris Golf Club.

Lakeview North

A nice bright Saturday last but deceptively cold as we take in the view north on Blessington Lake with Blessington Bridge in the distance.

A Little Rowing

Saturday morning and a little rowing on Blessington Lake at the rowing course below Blessington Bridge is just the ticket.  At 5,000 acres and with 50 miles of shore, the lake is the largest reservoir in Ireland and is controlled and managed by the Electricity Supply Board.

A Hard Day's Ride

Always a lot of cyclists in the Wicklow Mountains at weekends.  This is an easy downhill section of the spin across the mountains through the Sally Gap but, mostly, it's a hard day's ride.

Bass Fishing

Bass fishing is big on all of Wicklow's beaches but it's nice to find a quiet spot to while away a few serious hours such as the out of the way Clogga Beach south of Arklow, Co Wicklow.

The View South

 

The late afternoon view south from the East Pier, Wicklow Harbour showing the ruins of the Black Castle on a rocky promotory overlooking the sea.

Seaweed

Colourful seaweed covered rocks on this section of Clogga Beach near Arklow, Co Wicklow prompted a pseudo HDR approach when processing this photo.

Upriver

Wicklow Harbour and the view upriver from South Quay to the Stone Bridge with the Church of Ireland on the hill in the background.

Looking Back

A cloudy day and looking back from Black Castle over the East Pier in Wicklow Harbour.

The Congregation

Ducks and swans congregate at their favourite spot beneath the Parnell Bridge on the River Leitrim in Wicklow Town.

That Elusive Wave

Surfers searching for that elusive wave at Magheramore Beach on a stormy Friday last.  Well, it didn't happen during the 30 minutes or so while I was there - maybe not the ideal location?

Air Dryer

Pictured yesterday, this double crested cormorant drying it's wings in the gale force winds gusting downriver into Wicklow Harbour.  Despite spending much time in the water, cormorants don't possess the waterproofing oil of other seabirds and so must spend much time drying their wings.

Blight On The Horizon?

This is the southeast view from the beautiful Magheramore Beach showing four offshore wind turbines on the horizon.  Blight or not, the Arklow Bank Wind Park is located on a shallow sandbank some 10 kilometres off the coast of Arklow, Co Wicklow and consists of 7 GE Energy 3.6 megawatt turbines.  Obviously visible on all but the dreariest of days, this is the only offshore windfarm of it's kind, so far, along the east coast.  I wonder what the tourists think?

Hill Walking Country

Today, we're south of Glendalough in the remote area of Aughavannagh, Co Wicklow, the most southerly point of the Old Military Road from Dublin built in the wake of the 1798 Rebellion to open up the Wicklow Mountains to the British Army.  With the many peaks in these parts, this is magnificent long distance hill walking country.

The Colours Of Magheramore

Magheramore Beach, near Blainroe, Co Wicklow has much to recommend especially when, as high tide recedes, the colours at the edge of the dunes reveal themselves.

The Country Fountain

 

Spotted the other day, on a bend in the very quiet Clogga Road between Arklow and Clogga Beach in Co Wicklow, this old drinking fountain or is it just a water pump?  Maybe a little rusty round the edges, but it still functions.

Anyway, today is Theme Day in the City Daily Photo community and todays's theme is Fountains. To see lots more interpretations from around the world, click here to view thumbnails for all participants.