(by Gerry Moss, May 2010)
A day on the sandstone sea-cliffs of Ardmore.

---

Having sampled the delights of the Mournes the previous Saturday, this time we elected for a trip down south to the seacliffs of Ardmore.

For Barry and Padraic it was a first taste of the delights of these sandstone cliffs, so we concentrated on some of our favourite areas. The violent seastorms of last November had swept away a couple of climbs but, thankfully, the delectable corner of "By Memory Inspired" was still intact and as enjoyable as ever.

Then, it was on to Basecamp Buttress, where Padraic tackled the delicate traverse on "The Mason’s Apron" with poise and aplomb.

We watched with bated breath as he made the airy moves, and the tension can be judged by the way Joe is clutching nervously at his nuts.

Every cripple has his own way of walking, and every climber his or her own way of proceeding. But it has to be admitted that being on the short side can sometimes make life more difficult.

Finally, we visited The Capstone Buttress, an area that can be approached either by abseil or back-climbing, two skills essential for would-be alpinists.

With the Lake District Meet drawing ever nearer, everyone was keen to get in a few leads, and why not?

Finally, I’m happy to report that, unlike last week, the boring job of checking participants for clean underwear before allowing them back into the car went without incident.

(by Gerry Moss, May 2009)
Climbing on the sea-cliffs at Ardmore, Co. Waterford.

---

A wet and windy May fills the barns full of hay, so it’s not all bad news then. With the weathermen promising iffy weather almost everywhere, we heeded their advice and headed for the sunny south-east – the sea-cliffs of Ardmore in Co. Waterford to be exact.

Having to abseil down overhanging rock to reach the foot of the climbs always adds a little frisson of excitement to the proceedings, and a brisk wind, making for a lively sea, further enhanced the situation.

The rich hues, rough texture, and jumbled architecture of the sandstone sea-cliffs all combine to produce some very atmospheric routes.

While the rock is generally sound, storms can wreak changes to all cliffs exposed to the onslaught of the waves, so caution and careful attention is always needed. An incoming, boistrous tide added a sense of urgency to matters as the day wore on, particularly for the second.

The sea-pink and kidney vetch were in full bloom; the upper rocks covered in vivid patches of lichens; we were surveyed by seals, serenaded by choughs and entertained by the aerobatics of the gannets. We had no rain and even espied some patches of blue sky.

All-in-all, a very pleasant day.