Dun Briste is a captivating sea stack located on the wild Atlantic coast of County Mayo, Ireland. This towering stack of rock stands at 45 meters (150 feet) tall.
The rock formations that make up Dun Briste date back around 850 million years to the Carboniferous period. Over the millennia, the relentless pounding of the Atlantic Ocean eroded the softer rock, leaving behind a harder, more resistant layer that forms the sea stack.
According to local legend, a massive storm in 1393 caused the land bridge connecting the sea stack to the mainland to collapse, leaving it isolated.
Geologist Dr. Fiona Keane notes, “Dun Briste serves as a natural time capsule, its layers telling a unique geological story of Ireland’s ancient landscapes and the enduring power of natural forces.”
Geological Significance
The striking layers visible on Dun Briste represent different geological periods, offering a glimpse into Earth’s history.
A Popular Tourist Destination
Dun Briste is a popular tourist destination on the Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors can admire the sea stack from the nearby cliffs or take a boat tour for a closer look.
