The Slob Bank

Stones were dragged from Quarry Road which you will pass later to create this massive bank along the river. Appropriately enough the Relief Commissioners told the Duke of Devonshire to pay for this Scheme of Work as he claimed to own the river bed as far as Capel Island. The Duke paid! Today the Slob Bank offers stunning views of the estuary, provides a wonderful habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including otters, kingfishers, and many types of wading bird. The slob (or mud) was used to create a dense solid brick which was hugely popular for building. First the mud was gathered in moulds and heated to a high temperature to remove bits of twigs and other impurities. Youghal Brick from the slob here was known all over the world. Remains of the many brickworks can be seen along the river bank.