Murlough Bay: there’s magic here. The water is an aquamarine crystal blue set against a backdrop (the Game of Thrones backdrop) of luscious rainforest-like greenery, jagged (climbable!) boulders and cliffs and white sands you thought only existed in the Caribbean.

If you’re coming to climb at Fairhead, Murlough Bay is a must – be it to stay the night, or spend a rest day… or two, or three. It’s a place to totally recharge, do some bouldering / yoga / make a camp fire on the beach. If staying overnight, stay weekdays – you’re almost guaranteed to be alone. Expect two local farmers to arrive daily – one to check his lobster pots and the other to collect seaweed. The second farmer will likely join you on the beach and offer you a taste of his freshly harvested seaweed. A salty ocean explosion will follow… if you’re not keen on fish, decline his offer!

Watch out for the two seals that come to play in the bay around 8a.m. Expect breathtaking sunsets. I can’t recommend Murlough Bay, and the people we met there, enough. It is the definition of tranquillity – go explore it for yourself!