Ashleam beach in Ireland, which was swept away by a storm 12 years ago, has been restored in just one night to the delight of the people.
The beautiful white sand beach at Ashleam Bay, Achill Island off the coast of Mayo County, was washed away by a freak storm in 2005. But even more strange when people here realized that the recent strange weather had swept away. The sand is back so people can walk on the wonderful beach again.
Ashley Beach.
Seán Molloy, manager of the travel site AchillTourism.com, said the recent stormy weather had washed away the large rocks and that Hurricane Brian had brought back tons of sand.
“This beach reappeared after Hurricane Brian. It brought in the first wave of sand and cleared the boulders,” Sean said. “Folk legend has it that this beach appears once every seven years and then disappears. In 2005, this beach existed for a few months before being washed away.”
Sean said he used to go to the beach and it was also the first time he walked on this beach even though he has lived here since he was a child. The stunning view of the beach was so appealing and now it has become his favorite spot.
“I don’t know how long the beach will appear this time, but I advise everyone nearby to visit this place once before it disappears,” he said.
Many residents are flocking to this beach to enjoy the view before it disappears. Former Achill Islander Malcolm Cooney also returned to the island to walk on the beach again.
“Every time I come here, this beach changes, it’s always different,” he said.
Everyone is happy when the beach is back.
Ashleam Bay is also just 9.6km from another famous Achill beach, Doonagh Beach. This year Doonagh also reappeared after being swept away by a storm 33 years ago.
The 1984 storm washed away the sand and left only boulders and small puddles of water. Doonagh Beach doesn’t have a “history” of disappearing as often as Ashleam.
Sean said: “According to many people’s memory, the beach still existed here until about 1984-1985. Then a big storm broke the beach and it was completely washed away. In April of this year, we received another Easter storm with strong tides. The wind started blowing from the north, transporting eroded material from other places.”
Tons of sand were deposited in just one week, making many people happy.
“It’s great to have the beach back with the people. This is an incredible example of the power of nature and how beaches can change in just a few days.”