CLIFFS OF MOHER
Ireland’s Spectacular Sea Coast Attraction
Sheer
faces of jagged escarped rock topped by a frosting of Irish green that
plunge into
the roiling Atlantic. The Cliffs of Moher are some of
the most magnificent sheer sea cliffs in Europe and the natural treasure
of Ireland’s west coast in County Clare. Over seven hundred feet
high at their highest point from the ramparts to sea level of Liscannor
Bay, the cliffs which in some sections overhang past vertical stretch
for about four miles at the edge of a hilly jutting region of west Ireland
called The Burren, between Shannon and Galway.
The
Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most sought tourist attractions,
home to flocks of tourists and sea birds, Atlantic Puffins and the Peregrine
Falcons that soar among the cliffs jags. The Cliffs were formed over
millions of years as ocean undercutting and slides. There are several
viewing areas on stone stair paths, not steep but prepare for a little
climb. Walk the windy cliffs from the parking lot across the road, past
the visitor center and climb the sloping walk to O'Brien’s Tower,
a popular spot to grab a snap-shot, built at the highest point by Sir
Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boru, (see Dromoland
Castle). O’Brien’s tower was erected as an observation
tower in 1835 for a view (on a clear day) to the Aran Islands and Galway
Bay, as well as the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara past Galway and
Loop Head to the South (see O'Brien's
Tower Bet).
At the lower Hag’s Head the remains
of an earlier stone Moher Tower was a military post. The Cliffs of
Moher are marked by many signs with suicide hotline numbers, so come
in a good mood, and prepare to dress for a chill stiff breeze.
A
visitor’s center with a restaurant, and gift shop opened at
the Cliffs of Moher in 2007, dug deep into the hillside with its modern
glass entrance peering out like a bunker. The restaurant on the first
floor, The Long Dock, has panoramic cliff views and a respite in case
the weather outside is unpleasant. A café, the Puffins Nest, allows
for a quick snack. The visitor center also houses the Cliffs of Moher
Atlantic Edge Exhibit, with themed interactive displays in an ultra modern
James Bondian sort of cave, exploring the formation of the cliffs, nature
and man’s
interaction. A panoramic screen film the “Clare Journey” takes
an aerial tour of Clare County and “The Ledge” takes you
with a bird’s
perspective flies on a virtual reality flying tour of the cliffs and
their marine
and seabird wildlife.
The
cost to visit the Cliffs of Moher is an 8€ charge per car in
the parking lot, referred to as a Facilities Charge for upkeep of the
site. It is per car and not per person. There is an automated Paypoint
at the
parking lot or pay in the visitor center. There is an entrance kiosk,
but it’s only open at peak times. The Atlantic Edge Exhibit is
a separate admission of 4.95€ for adults 2.95€ for children.
A Family Special is offered including the car charge, Atlantic Edge,
and lunch for five for 49€. The exhibits are open from 9 to 7pm – 7:30
on weekends and bank holidays. A car is needed to get to the Cliffs of
Moher, about an hour-plus drive from Galway (see Dunguaire
Castle) through
the picturesque Burren (see Burren Eco Tourism), or from Shannon, or bus tours including the cliffs
can be found
in Shannon,
Galway or Dublin.
Ocean boat
tours below the Cliffs can be taken from the pier at Doolin, just to
the north of the cliffs. The Doolin
Ferry offers 1 hour cliff
cruises or four hour cruises which include the Aran Islands. The
small towns near the Cliffs of Moher all have hotels and Bed & Breakfasts
for overnight stays and they can fill up in the summer. The town of
Lahinch is the closest and the largest, but to north can be found more
quaint
smaller varieties in the countryside
or Liscannor on the water. The Gregans
Castle Hotel in Ballyvaughn, a more luxury style four star country
B&B
hotel in a heart of the Burren is about 15 minutes away. © Bargain
Travel Europe
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Cliffs
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SEE ALSO:
DUBLIN
- THE BOOK OF KELLS
GIANT’S CAUSEWAY - NORTH IRELAND
25 FREE THINGS TO DO IN IRELAND
BUNRATTY CASTLE & FOLF PARK - COUNTY CLARE
PADDYWAGON
TOURS - ST PATRICK’S DAY
