The Cliffs of Moher are one of the main tourist attractions in Ireland. It is an area of cliffs on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean approximately eight kilometers long with heights that reach 214 meters and that - apart from being an impressive natural landscape, nominated to be part of the 7 New Wonders of the Nature- serves as a habitat for many species of birds.
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| Cliffs of Moher |
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the coast of County Clare, about 75 kilometers south of Galway City - which is about an hour and a half by bus from it on twisty coastal roads, but with beautiful views - and it is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Ireland. It is even common to organize day trips from Dublin, so that those who do not have the time or possibility to stay on the west coast of Ireland can enjoy the place.
The landscape of the Cliffs of Moher is not straight, but presents small inlets and outlets of the sea in the rocky wall of the coastline and even some small fragments of rock of great height that have been isolated by the sea, opposite to the cliffs and that they are one of the favorite places of the birds to nest. In them, the black of the rock of the cliffs merges with the blue of the sea and the green of the grass that crowns them to create a unique landscape.
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| Cliffs of Moher |
The closest town to the Cliffs is Doolin, a tiny inhabited redoubt on the coast that serves as a transit point to go to the Cliffs or embark to the nearby Aran Islands. Despite its small size, it offers the possibility of staying in a hostel or enjoying a meal or a pint in Gus O'Connor's pub, usually crowded with tourists, known for displaying a wall full of patches with emblems of the Police and Fire Brigades from all over the world.
Precautions and practical information
The Cliffs of Moher are an extraordinarily beautiful place, but it is not surprising that the weather is in turmoil. I personally like cloudy and rainy days more to enjoy this landscape than sunny days, but bad weather is still uncomfortable. It is advisable to bring some type of protection against the rain (umbrellas are useless, since the wind bends them) and - if we have decided to get wet - perhaps taking some dry clothes to change could come in handy.
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| Cliffs of Moher |
This bad weather also leads us to have to take extreme precautions on days when the strong wind blows. It is essential not to cross the fences that limit the roads, or go through unbounded places. If you travel with children, you have to keep them under control. If the indications and signs are respected, there is no type of risk; but if not done, an unpredictable gust of strong wind can have dire consequences.
The best way to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway or other cities in the area is with a private vehicle or organized excursions. However, Doolin and the Visitor Center itself can be reached from Galway or Limerick on the Bus Eireann public buses on lines 050, 423 and 337.
The Cliffs of Moher are also a doable day trip from Dublin, and many visitors actually do. It takes a little more than three hours by bus to go and the same way back, but it is feasible. It can be done by rental car or with one of the many organized tours in the area.