Down through the years I’ve witnessed 2 separate land slides along the cliffs of The Copper Coast. Both of them during wet weather when the earth is heavy and the vegetation looses it’s grip. On both occasions I felt an overwhelming sense of connection to the planet. It’s hard to describe but it’s a very humbling experience to be present when mother earth demonstrates her strength like this.

On the first occasion I was just walking along the shore of a remote section of coastline when without warning a truck load of earth and rock came hurtling down the cliff. In relative terms, the volume of material that dislodged itself was small, probably just 5 or 6 tonnes in comparison to the immense scale of the cliff. Despite this it felt like the ground around me shook and a deep rumble went through my body.

On the second occasion, a friend of mine Gráinne and I were fortunate enough to have front row seats to the spectacle. It was at Kilmurrin Cove. We were sheltering from the wind and rain under an umbrella, next to a little fire in my washing machine drum, having refreshments. I heard a noise from the cliff and pointed it out to Gráinne who thankfully also got to witness the landslide that happened moments later.

There is a real sense of this force of nature being unstoppable. Time stands still, there’s nothing you can do. It wasn't scary, we were never in danger. I certainly wouldn’t be under a cliff in wet weather. It all settles down within seconds but the feeling stays much longer.

Recently a two tonne boulder (about the size of a small car) came loose in the exact same spot. I didn’t get to witness it but I spend so much time on the shore that I’m quite familiar with all the rocks and I know when something new arrives!

Due to the recent heavy rain a small waterfall has emerged along this same section of cliff. The waterfall is created from run-off water that is drained from the surrounding fields. It only becomes visible a few times a year. These landslides and waterfalls remind me of the ever changing nature of our coastline. The more familiar I become with it’s features the more aware I become of it’s changes.

So I’ve called this episode LAND SLIDE WATER FALL and here is a 23 minute recording of the Kilmurrin waterfall…..Enjoy!