Cliffs of Moher
With nearly a million and a half visitors every year, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.
They are 320 million years old, stand at 702 feet tall (214m), run for 8 miles (12.8km), are the home to more than 40,000 birds across 29 different species and has appeared in more films than you could shake a stick at, including Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince, The Princess Bride and Far and Away with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands to the West, the mountains of Connemara to the North and the Dingle Peninsula to the South.
The Exhibition Centre (called the Cliffs of Moher Experience) is in a class of its own too and was set up to cater for the increasing number of visitors and to provide an interactive and educational exposition to the thousands that flock there every year.
But the only way to really fathom the Cliffs’ jaw-dropping awesomeness is to get up close and personal with them and while the Visitors Centre corrals thousands of denizens to the edge in relative safety, it is possible to enjoy the Cliffs from a different perspective and away from the sanctuary of walls, barriers and throngs of people, by following the path northwards until you reach a boundary fence and muddy footpath.
If you follow the footpath a short distance, you’ll be rewarded with exhilarating (and intimidating) views of the Cliffs and its sheer drops below. Take care however as it can be tricky underfoot and isn’t advisable in high winds or with small children.
Whilst it’s probably not something to do on the spur-of-the-moment, if you’re feeling really adventurous and are properly equipped, attired and provisioned, this footpath marks the start of a recently designated 6.5km cliff-top walk all the way to Doolin, and is without doubt the best way to get the real Cliffs of Moher Experience.
Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher
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