Cliffs of Moher

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The view at the Cliffs of Moher is an iconic portrait of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, one that graces tourism sites and brochures. That being said, I wasn’t too optimistic about our actual chances of seeing the cliffs. The weather is often foggy, and while nearly one million people visit each year, many don’t even catch a glimpse of the famous sight. My friend Wanda had warned me that we probably wouldn’t be able to see anything–her own picture at the Cliffs of Moher had been taken in front of a panoramic photo in the ladies’ washroom.

The Cliffs of Moher

Our morning, however, dawned sunny and cool. I was happy to have brought layers including a sweater, jacket, and gloves because the wind was absolutely brutal. Walking into it took my breath away.

After leaving the bus park, we headed up past the craft areas (most shops were closed), stopping briefly at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor’s Centre before going on. The visitor’s center is built into the hillside and blends in perfectly with the burren.

The scene shows a blue sky with a few wispy white clouds. A road and a pedestrian walkway travel toward the cliffs. The grass in the foreground is dry and flattened by the wind.
Walking from the visitors center to the cliffs.
Blue sky, wispy white clouds, cliffs, ocean, and grass on top of the cliffs.
Perfect view of the cliffs to the south. I could look at the Cliffs of Moher forever if it weren’t so windy.
Birds soar over the Cliffs of Moher.
The cliffs are known for magnificent bird-watching. Visitors can see puffins, guillemots and razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, choughs, and even peregrine falcons. If you are interesting in bird-watching, be sure to bring a pair of binoculars.
A small stone tower sits on top of the cliff, surrounded by ocean on three sides.
Walking towards the north, you’ll come across O’Brien’s Tower. It was closed when we were there, but visitors can climb to the top when it’s open to look out towards the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.
O'Brien's Tower is a small stone tower set on the edge of the cliffs. There are steps leading up to it from the paved viewing area around the cliffs.
O’Brien’s Tower was built in 1835.
A man in a black pullover and sunglasses stands in front of the wall by O'Brien's Tower with the southern view of the Cliffs of Moher in the background. He is wearing a red ball cap backwards.
Amazingly, Dennis did not lose his Ohio State cap in the wind. He took the necessary precaution of turning it around backwards.
The stone O'Brien's Tower with steps leading up to it.
I’m not sure how much more you can see from the top. Inside is a small ranger station with weather displays.

A closer view of O'Brien's Tower. It has a central tower and a smaller side tower. On this side, you can see one window on the smaller part and two (first story and second story) windows on the main section of the tower.

Snack Time

Because we’d be on the bus during lunchtime, we stopped in the tiny Puffins Nest Café to grab a snack. I was excited to find rhubarb yogurt. It was great! I brought home the cute little container–to do what with, I don’t have a clue. Maybe I’ll use it for paperclips or thumbtacks. It has little handles on it.

Photo shows a small glass jar of rhubarb yogurt.

I also picked up a sandwich. It had rocket in it. If you wonder what that is, it’s arugula. I looked it up on Google. You’re welcome.  The sandwich was awesome, by the way.

Photo shows a packaged lunch wrap with goat cheese, cranberry, sweet potato, and mango.

Gift Shop

A gift shop display with plaques of names and their meanings. The first letter of each name is very ornate.

After our snack, Dennis went out for a smoke, and I perused the offerings in the gift shop. I almost bought the sign for Rory since he can never find his name on anything. Instead, I took a picture and sent it to him. It’s funny that Ronan (Rory’s cousin Michael’s son) and Ryan (another cousin) are surrounding his name.

The Road To and From the Cliffs of Moher

Two large motorcoaches pass within inches of each other. Passengers from one bus can see the people on the other one.
The road going to the cliffs was a little narrow, especially for two large motorcoaches.
The buses are right next to each other with very little room in between. You can see the passengers' faces on the second bus.
Have no fear! The Marvelous Mick saved the day. It was hilarious to see the expressions on the faces of the other coach’s passengers.
A well and statue in the middle of a small walled garden dedicated to St. Bridget.
Along the way, we passed many interesting sights, old cemeteries, shrines, and ruins. This was St. Bridget’s Well near Liscannor. We also passed the Lahinch Golf Course. Dennis thought it looked incredibly hard–no trees, lots of water, and tons of sand.

Next up: The ferry across the Shannon and Killarney, our home for the next two nights.

Ireland, Day 2        Tuesday, March 27, 2018

To read more about our Ireland adventures, click here.

To plan your visit to the Cliffs of Moher, click the official site here.

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40 Replies to “Cliffs of Moher”

  1. It is my hope that our next overseas adventure includes Ireland! My only concern would be how cold it is as I find it hard to enjoy myself when I’m chilled to the bone. What month did you go?

    1. We went the end of March. The weather was mild—lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s.

  2. Cliffs always gave me that butterfly on my stomachs, a little scare + excitements. Glad you guys enjoyed the road trip!

  3. There is something dramatic about cliffs. I can think of story plots building to a climax around cliffs. Somewhere around, there is a Rory waiting to assume their role in the story – the “Red King” in Irish Gaelic.

  4. My boyfriend is an O’Connor so we’d love to take a trip to Ireland and experience his cultural roots! Thanks for sharing your journey, that sandwich made me drool and the cliffs are so scenic

  5. What a great trip. My husband’s ancestry is believed to be in Ireland. The country has always held a special interest for me even before I met him. I’m really enjoying your series of posts.

  6. I’m so excited you got to go to Ireland! What a wonderful trip! I would love to see the Tower and the old cemeteries. Can’t wait to read the next post.

  7. The cliffs have always been on my list of places to see. I hope to get there in the next year or two.

  8. Such a beautiful view of the cliffs of Moher. I wish to see this place and take photos by the tower some day! Btw lovely photos! 🙂

  9. The Cliffs of Moher are indeed quite iconic and it’s so good you got to visit and see them. This is definitely on my ‘must see’ list and despite the other trips I have made to the UK, I have never yet made it across to here even though I always meant to. Love the photos you have taken and shared and the description of the weather and temperature. Layering would definitely be the way to go!

  10. I went to County Clare years ago and loved the Burren area – especially the corckscrew road we drove to ?? caves. So long I can’t remember the name. I remember beeing over-awed by these cliffs and it’s so lovely to get a reminder of them in your post.

  11. What a treat that you had a clear day for a spectacular view of the Cliffs of Moher! Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

  12. Ireland has always been a place I’ve wanted to visit and the Cliffs of Moher are actually on my list. I had seen pictures from a friend and heard how spectacular they are. You were definitely lucky not having rain but I imagine that wind on those cliffs must be a bit harsh! What a classic looking tower as well. I cant wait to read more about your journey in Ireland.

  13. What breathtaking views! I’d never heard of the place before, but I’m thinking it needs to on the bucket list!

  14. I so enjoy reading all your travel articles. The combo of your writing style and the photos makes me feel as if I took the trip with you. This looks like a wonderful place to visit.

  15. I really like Ireland and i’m glad you went there. Someday I’m going to Ireland with my dad because i have some Irish in me and I have always wanted to go to Ireland.

  16. Looks like you and your fam bam are enjoying the trip abroad. Thanks for keeping us posted.

  17. Oh this trip makes my bucket list for sure!!! I love your pictures and all the fun products you found in the region. The shopping is always fun in a new place, and try new types of foods, great post!

  18. These are such amazing photos. I have never heard of this place and this is the first time seeing pictures of it. It looks amazing!

  19. Wow these are truly beautiful photos – Ireland has been on my bucket-list for years… I grew up in England my whole life with it practically next door and now I live in Canada (typical!) So glad you had a great time – Thank you for sharing 🙂

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