SMART MAPS

Another cool exploring feature launched very recently on the net is the Ordnance Survey Ireland Smart Maps. Unlike Google Earth the aerial definition is pretty good all over Ireland.

Here is what you get on Google Earth for Glendalough:


And here is what you get on Smart Maps:


And moreover the maps have a few extras. There 4 types of viewing:

• "environmental" shows you the basic features you would find on an OS map,
• "ortho" is a bare aerial photo,
• "Land reg" shows you the latest update of the land registry office (more info to come on that matter)
• "Wind report" (my own favorite) is a map of the average wind speed: for those who wonder about conditions, how fast a place can dry, which place is most likely to get midge infested, how exposed is Glenmac, etc. Here is the map of Ben's Font:

• 

By the way for those who still wonder, Cloghole seems to be the name given to the valley on the other side of Luggala hill (also Fancy mountain). But if one insists, Ben's Font could be called Cloghole river.

To browse the smart maps, you need to register first. It is free of charge and you do not need to provide many details. Once you are logged in, click on "browse maps". Again, please note all this information is protected by copyright.

Enjoy your exploration!

CLOGERHEAD

Dublin south side boulderers are clearly the luckiest given the proximity of Wicklow, especially when it comes to quick bouldering sessions. However those leaving on the north side can find the traffic very frustrating, and the only way around is getting up early. The recent discovery of Portrane improved this situation a little bit but let's face it, Meath and Louth aren't exactly blessed with good quality rock. Nevertheless since the introduction of the helicopter viewer, you can now explore the eastern coast of Ireland and it seems that there is a little bit more than one would expect. I spent a couple of hours exploring Clogerhead last weekend, and although the place seems more suitable for routes, there might be a little bit of bouldering too. Here are two nice problems worth mentioning:

1- K3, sit start 5+
2- Alice in Crimperland, 6b/6c

I will continue my exploration and hopefully more information should be available soon.

ACCESS:
From Drogheda, take the R166 toward Termonfeckin (sic.) In Clogerhead, leave the beach on your right and turn at the pub on the harbour road. There is a big car park passed Oriel harbour. After 2mn of walking, you should see the first rocks.

"Summer" bouldering at Portrane Beach

"Met Éireann confirmed the worst suspicions of umbrella sellers yesterday when it declared last month to be one of the warmest, sunniest and driest Aprils on record."
The Irish Times, Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Summer? What summer? The three following months probably broke some rainfall record. (By the way, I cannot bear that "me-and-my-umbrella" song anymore, can you?) True, summer this year started in mid April and finished in mid May. As a result our usual evening summer sessions in Portrane seriously started only a couple of weeks ago, and will be over in another couple of weeks as the days are getting shorter. It is hard to get motivated in these conditions. My Shot down in Flames project is laughing at me....

I do not know if it is the climate or the economical context but most of the locals are leaving: do you really think that Squamish or Font could beat Portrane? Seriously lads!
So for those about to rock, here's a little video of Portrane: