A Donegal adventurer has become the first man to scale one of Ireland’s most iconic sea stacks in over twenty-five years.
Iain Miller, a regular contributor to Donegal Daily scaled the stunning Dún Briste sea stack in Mayo.
He achieved the remarkable feat at the third attempt – after failing on the previous two occasions.
Miller owns the hugely successful outdoor adventure and climbing business Unique Ascent and revealed his delight at finally completing the unenviable task.
Miller told The Irish Independent, “I know of around 30 climbers who have toyed with the idea of an ascent, but the logistics have overwhelmed them.
“The stack has been climbed only once, he says – when UK climbers Mick Fowler, Nikki Duggan and Steve Sustad successfully summited in 1990.”
Mountaineering Ireland (climbing.ie) confirms this and Miller’s as the only ascents, but says it is “open to correction” if a record of another can be produced.
One of Dún Briste’s main challenges is the Atlantic, Miller says.
“The sea around Downpatrick Head plays by its own rules and is notoriously difficult to predict. This involved a huge amount of research prior to and during each visit and our unsuccessful attempts.
“The next challenge was landing on the stack.
“The climbing was hard, scary and for a section approximately 40 metres above sea level, falling wasn’t an option.
“It’s only when you are both safely back at sea level with a calm sea passage between you and the car that the first wave of euphoria hits you.
“It’s like a bomb going off in your head.”
