St Patrick's Bridge
Nemestown, Kilmore Quay
St. Patrick’s Bridge is a long, submerged ridge primarily composed of glacial moraine—boulders, shingle, and sediment deposited by an ice sheet over 13,000 years ago. The area is recognised as an important County Geological Site, with detailed reports produced by geological organizations (like the Geological Survey Ireland) recommending it for designation as a Geological Natural Heritage Area (NHA). It is a site for Active scientific research and academic fieldwork and University students and professors (e.g., from Trinity College Dublin) regularly visit the Kilmore Quay area, including St. Patrick’s Bridge, as a site for Quaternary field studies to examine the glacial till and other features.
Although often hidden beneath the waves, the presence of the ridge alters the flow of water, creating strong currents and tidal features. This action sweeps up nutrients, leading to a rich feeding ground for marine life such as baitfish, sandeels, crab, and gobies, which in turn support larger predators. The rocky, turbulent seabed also provides a diverse habitat for various marine communities. The exposed shingle and rocky foreshore of the Bridge are perfect hunting grounds for waders like the vivid Eurasian Oystercatcher. During the colder months, the nearby wetlands and mudflats attract nationally important numbers of migratory species, including the Black-tailed Godwit and flocks of Light-bellied Brent Geese.
Legendary Fun Facts
- St. Patrick vs. The Devil: The most popular legend says the “bridge” was formed when St. Patrick was chasing the Devil out of Ireland. As the Devil fled out to sea, St. Patrick furiously hurled massive stones after him, creating the rocky ridge known as St. Patrick’s Bridge!
- The Saint’s Fingerprints: A large, distinctive glacial erratic boulder near the bridge is called St. Patrick’s Rock. Local lore claims that you can still see the outline of St. Patrick’s fingers on its top, left when he threw it.
Local & Historical Fun Facts
- Shipping Hazard: The shallow, rocky causeway has historically been a significant danger to passing ships, contributing to this stretch of coastline being known as the “Graveyard of a Thousand Ships.”
- Building the Harbour: In the 18th century, local fishermen used the rocks from St. Patrick’s Bridge, transporting them to the village to build a safe haven, forming the predecessor of the modern Kilmore Quay harbour! (read our blog article [here])
- Accessible at Low Tide: The nearshore part of the moraine is easily visible at low tide in calm weather, allowing you to get up close to this incredible natural feature
Visitor Tips for Nature Lovers
- Best Time to Visit: For breeding seabirds (especially Puffins), visit between April and August. For migratory geese and winter waders, October to March is ideal.
- Essential Gear: Bring binoculars
- Look, Don’t Touch: While rock-pooling, observe the marine life (crabs, anemones, limpets) but return them gently to where you found them.
- Keep Your Distance: If you spot seals hauled out on the rocks, do not approach them. Stay at a distance and never get between a seal and the sea.
- Leave No Trace: Take all your litter home with you to keep the beach safe for both wildlife and other visitors.
Want to know more about the area around St Patrick’s Bridge?
Thérèse Maddock at Seashore Explore is a dedicated advocate and educator for marine conservation and biodiversity. She is a local guide who uses her deep understanding of the Kilmore Quay coastline to share its wonders with the public. Tours with Seashore Explore are typically run during periods of low tide to allow access to the best rock-pooling areas. Find out more on Thérèse’s Facebook page at this link: Seashore Explore Facebook Page
References
Geo data.gov.ie
Link: https://gsi.geodata.gov.ie/downloads/Geoheritage/Reports/WX025_Kilmore_Quay.pdf
SWC (Jim Hurley)/ Forlorn Point
Link: https://www.southwexfordcoast.com/swcprom/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/504-Forlorn-Point-geology.pdf
SWC (pages 25, 28 and 29 of the Journal produced on the occasion of the holding of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) annual congress in Whites of Wexford, 25-27 March 2008.)
Link: https://www.southwexfordcoast.com/swcprom/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/502-St-Patricks-Bridge.pdf
John Power “ A maritme History of County Wexford 1859-1910, 2011, p.34
Richard Roche & Oscar Merne, Saltees Islands of Birds and Legends, 1977.
