(Cliffs of Moher)
The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, situated on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is Ireland’s best known and most visited tourist attraction. Each year over 1.5 million visitors come to this attraction and there is scarcely a travel guide or exhibition of photographs relating to Ireland which does not include a range of photos highlighting the stunning views which this Atlantic coastal attraction provides.
County Clare, the location for the Cliffs, is a quintessential rural Irish County rich in heritage, culture and scenery. Famous for its adoration of Irish ‘ceile’ Music, the county is adorned with awesome coastal scenery all along its western perimeter. The Cliffs of Moher is the highlight of that scenery.
The Cliffs themselves rise at Haggs Head, 390 ft above sea level and then reach their peak of 702 ft just north of the Visitor Centre. Clare County Council, who manage the facility, have invested heavily in visitor facilities including extensive car parking, a Visitor Centre built into the hillside (at a cost of over €30 million ) and safe pathways over the entire Cliffs giving the visitor an opportunity to experience all that this location offers.
The area adjacent to the Cliffs attract an extensive range of wildlife and sea life, including over 30,000 birds (20 species) and Basking Sharks are also a common sight. For those interested in the geology and wildlife in the area, the Visitor Experience offers a good exhibition on this.
The Visitor Centre also offers the normal facilities of rest rooms, a shop and two cafes for light snacks, teas and coffees, either to take away or sit down.
For visitors to Killarney, the Cliffs of Moher is a very doable day tour incorporating excellent scenery en route. The tour lasts approx eight hours and the route includes traveling through North Kerry and traveling by car ferry across the Shannon Estuary from Tarbert to Killimer in County Clare. The tour then travels through Kilrush, Quilty, Spanish Point and Lahinch before arriving at the Cliffs. Lunch is usually availed of on the return route either at Lahinch or Spanish Point.
For those interested in photography this is a must see location. On a fine day the weather is absolutely awesome and it will be a day to remember. Occasionally, sea mist or rain can restrict the view, when holidaying in Ireland, the weather can sometimes be a restriction.
Overall, no trip to the west or south of Ireland would be complete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. Notwithstanding the large number of visitors that go to this location, it’s size allows plenty of room and an opportunity to walk along the top of the Cliffs, a distance in excess of four miles.
Classic Ireland Guided Tours operate day tours for private groups from Killarney to the Cliffs of Moher. All group sizes catered for. For more details or to book email: classicirelandguidedtours@gmail.com
