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Stand at the Edge of the World on Ireland's Cliffs of Moher
Published by Megan Eaves, Writer
Country: Ireland 
The Experience
Standing at a majestic 700 ft. tall, Ireland's Cliffs of Moher edge County Clare up to the Atlantic Ocean, creating the country's westernmost outpost. I first went there in 2003 when very little infrastructure surrounded the Cliffs of Moher and it was possible to creep belly-down across the limestone slats and peer over the edge. As one of Ireland's most well-known and heavily visited tourist attractions today, the Cliffs of Moher have been given a new lease on life with the building of a state-of-the-art visitor center that is cut into the side of one of the bluffs, and is totally environmentally friendly.
The experience of standing on the bluffs overlooking the Cliffs of Moher is utterly astounding. The harsh Irish wind bats at your back and the surf sprays up hundreds of feet to wash you in a spindrift of freezing Atlantic water. It doesn't matter what time of year you go to the Cliffs of Moher, it's always cold. The chilliness, though, is captivating and the Cliffs of Moher are daunting as they fall in dark masses into the icy water below. The white surf froths around the lower corners of the Cliffs and darts unrelentingly in and out of miniature caves created by thousands of years of the same.
The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of shale and sandstone rock, and most of the oldest rocks are found at the base of the Cliffs, near and below the surface of the ocean. The tops of the Cliffs of Moher are mainly muddy green bluffs covered in the type of emerald-colored grass that gives Ireland its nickname. They are also home to many species of wildlife, including many colonies of Atlantic Puffins (an unusual type of sea bird with a brightly-colored beak).
The Cliffs of Moher are maintained by Clare County Council, which has done a lot to maintain the natural appeal of the area rather than overwhelming it with man-made structures. In addition to the eco-friendly visitor center, basic infrastructure such as railing, steps and walkways, have been installed to promote safety and enhance the views of the Cliffs themselves.
Most notably, visitors can climb to the top of the northernmost bluff, where sits O'Briens Tower: A round stone watchtower dating to 1835 that marks the highest point at the Cliffs of Moher. From this vantage point, you can get excellent views to the southern cliffs, as well as another series of cliffs jutting out to the north toward the town of Doolin. Though it is very often obscured by fog, on a clear day you'll catch a glimpse of the far-off Aran Islands and Galway Bay; and if you're truly lucky, maybe a whimsical Irish rainbow.
The experience of standing on the bluffs overlooking the Cliffs of Moher is utterly astounding. The harsh Irish wind bats at your back and the surf sprays up hundreds of feet to wash you in a spindrift of freezing Atlantic water. It doesn't matter what time of year you go to the Cliffs of Moher, it's always cold. The chilliness, though, is captivating and the Cliffs of Moher are daunting as they fall in dark masses into the icy water below. The white surf froths around the lower corners of the Cliffs and darts unrelentingly in and out of miniature caves created by thousands of years of the same.
The Cliffs of Moher consist mainly of shale and sandstone rock, and most of the oldest rocks are found at the base of the Cliffs, near and below the surface of the ocean. The tops of the Cliffs of Moher are mainly muddy green bluffs covered in the type of emerald-colored grass that gives Ireland its nickname. They are also home to many species of wildlife, including many colonies of Atlantic Puffins (an unusual type of sea bird with a brightly-colored beak).
The Cliffs of Moher are maintained by Clare County Council, which has done a lot to maintain the natural appeal of the area rather than overwhelming it with man-made structures. In addition to the eco-friendly visitor center, basic infrastructure such as railing, steps and walkways, have been installed to promote safety and enhance the views of the Cliffs themselves.
Most notably, visitors can climb to the top of the northernmost bluff, where sits O'Briens Tower: A round stone watchtower dating to 1835 that marks the highest point at the Cliffs of Moher. From this vantage point, you can get excellent views to the southern cliffs, as well as another series of cliffs jutting out to the north toward the town of Doolin. Though it is very often obscured by fog, on a clear day you'll catch a glimpse of the far-off Aran Islands and Galway Bay; and if you're truly lucky, maybe a whimsical Irish rainbow.
When to Go to Cliffs Of Moher
The best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher is during the summer, although visiting during peak periods can mean battling larger crowds. However, summer offers the best chance to glimpse the Cliffs in better weather and without a shroud of fog, although Irish weather being what it is—a shroud of fog is always a possibility!
Though many people go to the Cliffs of Moher at mid-morning or early afternoon, it is really most beautiful to see them as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean and casts long rays of glinting sun off the bluffs. This time of day also presents the best chance that fog and rain might lift, affording you a few views and great chances for Cliffs of Moher sunset photos.
Many tour operators service the Cliffs of Moher from Galway City, and it is possible to book into a half or full day bus tour from your hotel or hostel, or from Shannon Airport. The better option, though, is to simply rent a car and drive yourself there so that you can spend an unlimited amount of time gazing at the majestic Cliffs.
Though many people go to the Cliffs of Moher at mid-morning or early afternoon, it is really most beautiful to see them as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean and casts long rays of glinting sun off the bluffs. This time of day also presents the best chance that fog and rain might lift, affording you a few views and great chances for Cliffs of Moher sunset photos.
Many tour operators service the Cliffs of Moher from Galway City, and it is possible to book into a half or full day bus tour from your hotel or hostel, or from Shannon Airport. The better option, though, is to simply rent a car and drive yourself there so that you can spend an unlimited amount of time gazing at the majestic Cliffs.
Odds n' Ends
The Cliffs of Moher are open from 9:00 a.m. all year round, but closing times vary between 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from winter to summer. Entrance fees are €8 per private car, plus €4.50 for a ticket into the Atlantic Edge exhibition—an interactive tour that lets you explore the Cliffs of Moher through simulated flight. It's free to check out the unique visitor centre, and there are also several shops and a cafe in case you get hungry.
Despite the new infrastructure at the Cliffs of Moher, they are still a semi-treacherous place to explore, and you will definitely want to wear sturdy waterproof shoes and several layers of warm clothes that you can peel off in case of the odd heat wave. A hat and gloves are not such a bad idea either. Beware that the wind at the Cliffs can be very intense and the ocean water often sprays up onto the bluffs, so be careful as you walk through the area.
Despite the new infrastructure at the Cliffs of Moher, they are still a semi-treacherous place to explore, and you will definitely want to wear sturdy waterproof shoes and several layers of warm clothes that you can peel off in case of the odd heat wave. A hat and gloves are not such a bad idea either. Beware that the wind at the Cliffs can be very intense and the ocean water often sprays up onto the bluffs, so be careful as you walk through the area.
Places to Eat
- The Long Dock at the Cliffs of Moher Centre
- The Long Dock restaurant boasts stunning views from the panoramic windows on the first floor. The views take in the south aspect of the Cliffs towards Hags Head and the broad expanse of Liscannor Bay.
- Orchid Restaurant, Lisdoonvarna
- The Orchid Restaurant is part of Sheedy’s Country House Hotel. The restaurant has an extensive menu that offers quality dishes daily.
- McDonagh's Seafood House
- McDonaghs have been tantalising the taste buds of both visitor and local for four generations. The family knowledge of fish and dedication to their customers has earned them the reputation of being one of Ireland’s best seafood’s houses.
- Vina Mara Restaurant, Galway
- At Viña Mara, we are dedicated to excellent food, friendly service, a warm atmosphere and value for money. Our menus are designed to meet all tastes and include meats, fish, pasta and vegetarian dishes and we strive to source the freshest local produce to bring you the best quality food available.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Cliffs of Moher Hotel
- This Liscannor Hotel is situated in the picturesque fishing village of Liscannor, Co, Clare. The Cliffs of Moher Hotel is an ideal base from which to discover Co. Clare and the numerous attractions and amenities to which it lays claim.
- Trildoon House Bed & Breakfast
- Trildoon House B&B Doolin is an established B&B approved by the Irish Tourist Board and highly recommended by several guide books! It stands alone on a spectacular panoramic site with views overlooking Doolin, the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the magnificent Burren region.
- Sleepzone Hostel - The Burren
- Sleepzone - The Burren which opened in March 2007 is situated in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna where it boasts close proximity to some of Ireland’s most famous areas of natural beauty. The world-famous Cliffs of Moher, towering 200m above the ocean, and The Burren region – 400sq miles of limestone terrain, are both only minutes away.
- Claddagh Hostel Galway
- Claddagh Hostel is a small hostel in the heart of Galway. It is located just off Eyre Square and 1 minute from the Train and Bus station. Unlike the larger hostels, this has a warm intimate friendly feel to it where everybody knows everybody.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Boasting a picture-postcard fishing village location overlooking the bay, the Logues Liscannor Hotel, Liscannor treats guests to a magical experience on the rugged West Clare ... 3 miles away
$50 EUR+
With its central location, Cliffs Of Moher Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Liscannor.The Cliffs Of Moher Hotel ... 3 miles away
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Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Adventure Guide: Ireland's Wild West Coast - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- Ireland Uncorked - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- Why Ireland's your best bet for a romantic vacation - IrishCentral.com (blog)
- Does the ‘Real’ Ireland Still Exist? - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- The real castles of Ireland - CNN.com (television)
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