This past July I was lucky enough to visit Ireland with my family and it was unforgettable! The weather was beautiful and the tourists really weren’t that bad. One of my favorite experiences on the trip was seeing the Cliffs of Moher. This travel guide features information and tips from my experience there. Enjoy!
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, each year over a million people flock to the cliffs to see their natural beauty. Located on the West Coast of Ireland, the cliffs are located along the “Wild Atlantic Way”. The cliffs stretch out for over 5 miles and at their highest point they are 702 ft. from the water!
Cliffs of Moher Experience
Initial Info:
While getting to the cliffs has several options including tour buses, public transportation and rental cars, there is really only one main way to see the cliffs in person and that is to walk them. There is an alternative option to take a boat tour and see the view from below, though I recommend staying up above unless you have difficulties with walking. Even if you don’t walk further down, you can still get some really good views walking straight in from the parking lot. Below was my first shot as I walked up.
This was my first picture as I walked up from the parking lot
The cost to visit the Cliffs of Moher is $8/per person, which I thought was super reasonable. Parking was ample and they even sold cold drinks out as we were walking, which was a lifesaver! There is an additional $4 fee if you want to climb O’Brien’s Tower seen below. We ended up skipping this, but I’m sure it’s a cool viewpoint being above the cliffs!
O’Brien’s Tower of Moher
As you arrive you’ll notice throngs of people everywhere, though try not to get too discouraged, as the cliffs are long enough to find your perfect picture! We walked for about 10 minutes and then had no problem with people around.
Our perfect photo spot!
Which direction to go?
As you walk up from the parking lot you’ll notice people going in two directions, either left (South) or right (North). There are viewing platforms on either side, however, we recommend going South first. The views along the Southside were tremendous and really couldn’t compare when we did the Northside after. Check both out and let us know what you think!
View from the North Side
View of the South
Make sure to be careful!
This was one of those times I was pulled away by my fiance!
Not to scare you, but you definitely have to be careful at certain spots while visiting. The official site recommends only staying within the 800m of pathways and platforms it covers, though you’re allowed to continue on past their area at your own expense. If you want more views of the cliffs then we recommend walking on. The path is safe, as long as you stay away from the edges.
While the rest of the cliffs are not fenced in, there is a rock wall that separates walking on the open-cliffside with walking next to a field. My brother is terrified of heights so he stayed on the other side of the rock wall. If that rock wall hadn’t been there, then the edge would have been too close for comfort for him.
If you decide to walk on the open cliff-side, then pay attention to your footing! I truly can’t emphasize this enough. Landslides and natural deterioration happen. Majority of the time you can see the spots where it’s a bit dangerous to walk, but as you reach the edge you never truly know how much the dirt will shift under you. There were a few moments personally that my fiance had to pull me back, as the area I was standing on was too dangerous.
All that being said, the reality of the situation is that people die here visiting every year. Two weeks prior to us visiting, a young college student was on a tour group and walked backwards off the cliffs to his death. Trying to get the best selfie the student was unaware just how close he was and fell backwards off.
Getting emergency services out at the cliffs is almost impossible. The natural landscape prevents cars from reaching the tourist spots, so medical attention will be delayed. If you value your children, keep them within an arms distance, otherwise, don’t bring them. What 4 year old actual remembers visiting the Cliffs anyways?
Final Thoughts
As for timing, prepare to spend anywhere from 2 hours to a half-day here. There is an amazing walking trail from Dingle through the cliffs that you should really consider. On clear days you can see Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara. Take the time to see this when visiting Ireland, as it’s truly a one of a kind experience.
Enjoyed this article? Have you visited here? Leave your thoughts below!
