Today’s adventure is actually Ireland’s top visitor attraction over County Clare’s west coast and it is outdoors.
This destination offers the famous cliffs in Ireland that you have seen and so many movies and probably have heard endless stories about as well!
1 Outdoor Adventure to Discover The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher is something that should be on every Irish travel itinerary.
Places like this tell the historical story of Ireland and visiting here supports the historical part of any trip.
These sea cliffs in Ireland have faced off against the wrath of the Atlantic Ocean winds and waves for over 350 million years and they are no worse for wear after over 350 million years.
Also, this is a UNESCO global geopark in Ireland, and when I travel I seek out UNESCO sites so this stop check that box as well!
Sea Cliffs in Ireland Will Fascinate and Steal Your Full Attention
The reality is that from the moment you approach the steps until the moment you see the waves crashing against the sea cliffs in Ireland, your eyes will just be LOCKED.
The relentless recapturing of water against the sea cliffs is amazing!
The Terrain & Weather At The Sea Cliffs in Ireland
To say that the weather and the terrain were complicated is putting it lightly.
We experienced weather that changed in the blink of an eye and wind that ripped on you and through you and could carry your camera away from you.
Odd terrain, a high point of over 700 feet, and a span of over 5 miles are not to be missed.
It’s like an all-inclusive package of fun when you visit this geo-location UNESCO attraction in Clare County, Ireland.
These famous cliffs in Ireland pack a wallop of odd weather as well.
We had sun for a few minutes, and then a storm rolled right on in, and boom, rain.
The next thing we experienced was strong winds and we fought that going all the way up to the top of the steps.
A wet and grassy area which I will share with you on the other side was also not what I had expected.
Limited time so we moved through fast and furious
In the few hours we visited here, we experienced, rain, mist, wind, sun, and more rain.
While we only had a few hours here, we moved to both faces of the sea cliffs and we did battle back at the elements because nothing was going to stop us.
We visited Ireland in February in case you are curious, but you will bear witness to this in all of my photos.
Crazy weather and a very camera-worthy journey to the top!
Cliffs of Moher In Ireland Will Astound
We spent a few hours here and we felt the wrath of the cliffs and water sinisterly meeting, yet were left with mouths gaping their beauty.
Every time you see a wave ripping in and then smacking against the lower portion of the sea cliffs in Ireland it is like the first time over and over!
Both entrancing as well as captivating and it can cause you to stop way too much instead of progress to see other vantage points.
Tips For Visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Since we have been here, I do have a few useful tips.
In fact the first tip I share is one that I heard a few other people there complaining about because they didn’t have this advantage.
Go with a Tour Operator (1)
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher as hosted guests of CIE TOURS, truly gave us an advantage over others just traveling around Ireland.
Our driver (Brian) provided both history and what I shall declare as ‘fun danger alerts’ everywhere we stopped.
History and valuable information.
CIE Tour operator alerted us to what to really look for (hints) and of course what to watch out for.
When The Weather Shifts (2)
The weather was honestly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and I’ve already covered that a bit, but I can’t say it enough.
It was not too cold until we got up the steps and then, the wind came and the chill that accompanied that wind was certainly not nice.
Then, when we got to the top and were standing in front of the ‘under construction’ O’Brien’s Tower, it began to pour!
Plan Your Time (3)
My suggestion is at least 3 hours, so you can take your time, and get into the Visitors Center and eat, and refresh, while still enjoying the views of the Cliffs of Moher.
That is the center of the mountain, so cool right?
Rightly so, as we were all new to Ireland and there’s stuff you must realize before you venture to any tourist attraction, historical site, and even hotel.
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher Requires an Iconic Shot (4)
Photographers, be careful when visiting the Cliffs of Moher.
There is no shot worth your life and we were reminded of that by our driver and tour operator over and over.
There’s a difference between capturing a shot and capturing your last shot.
Stay on the path and not on areas off the path!
Use the path, follow the steps, don’t overstep your boundaries, as it can lead to death.
Simply put and forwardly honest.
Our driver said it like this, “if you are going to take unnecessary risks, please keep your hand on the SHOOT button on your way down, so we can sell those most infamous shots!”
Watch Your Steps ~ Cliffs of Moher (5)
Height, slippery and windy conditions are NOT your best friends here.
The steps are not slippery but I will say going uphill on just the paved area as I shared before is a bit more intense with the rain coming down.
While the scenery beckons risk-takers, understand this is a natural setting, a preserved environment, and you need to be mindful of this.
Stay behind the wall, or on the path. End of story.
Again More Weather Issues: Dress for it at Cliffs of Mohr (6)
Wow is all I can say, what fun.
You see the smile ear to ear, right?
Now one girl was getting her photo in the same spot before me, she was much taller and the wall did not shield her, she was a hot mess before it was all done.
I wish I would have photo’d that!
Behind me, a storm is on us, but we just had to stop.
Once in a lifetime greenery and scenery.
Starting Point For Traversing the Cliffs of Moher (7)
We started out on the Main Platform.
From the main platform, we could see the South Cliffs and Hags Head.
It’s a great starting point before setting off either to the left or to the right.
During our day, the wind was relentless.
Our guide explained to us that the wind can pass you by on the front and then get you from the back.
Want more Ireland fun make sure to Check out my article on Sheepdog herding experience in Ireland
Oh The Wind At The Wild Atlantic Passage (8)
If you are here in February as we were, I suggest a parka that is waterproof and warm.
Expect, wind, rain, sun, heat, fog, and then more rain, and it’s all good and fun!
You can see how misty it got from the time we went up and down.
South Cliffside and the very end is Hags Head (9)
We stopped walking at one point due to a lack of time and weather conditions. (It was so windy and wet).
And this one is from the Main platform.
Ireland captured my husband’s heart and the Cliffs of Moher just stunned him.
I actually think he spent more time behind his camera than I did behind mine.
But we needed to keep moving.
Keep Snapping Those Photos at Cliffs of Moher
Take plenty of photos and live in the moment.
Be Prepared to Walk When Visiting the Cliffs of Moher (10)
Walking is an understatement here.
Remember, you can walk over 5 miles depending on the weather and how much you want to walk.
Wear appropriate footwear.
We wore rubber-soled boots that could take on the rain and the muddied grass areas.
There are no Dublin limousines here!
O’Brien’s Tower – Cliffs Of Moher (11)
Since we were with CIE Tours, our time here was approximately 3 hours.
We started at the main platform and then headed up to O’Brien’s Tower which was currently under refurbishment.
From the O’Brien Tower platform area (not the tower), we could see the South Cliffs and Hags Head from a different vantage point.
Off to the right is Galway Bay.
Due to the weather, as you can see I struggled to capture better photos.
Hold On To Your Phones While While You Are Visiting Cliffs of Moher (12)
I highly suggest a Popsocket on your smartphone.
You will be able to firmly hold onto your phone when taking images even through the wind.
Yes, the wind is that strong, depending on the day and the weather.
Additionally, the Popsocket lets you steady the grip, so you do not blur that ‘once in a lifetime photo!’
Fitness Workout At The Cliffs of Moher (13)
One thing I can say is that with all the walking we did at the Cliffs of Moher we earned our vacation calories.
Look at our options when it came to which path to walk on.
We paced ourselves and covered as much as we could.
From the top, you can see so much.
I preferred the footpaths on the way to the tower, Michael the more adventurous of us, like the other side, heading over to Hags Head.
Be Sure to See the South Platform at The Cliffs of Moher (14)
Since we were under a time constraint, we needed to eat and see as much as we could, we did not get too far on the South Platform.
Michael and I were enamored by this one particular piece of cliff formation that had been separated (or so it seemed) by the continual pounding of water.
To me, this simple formation speaks to the mightiness of the force of nature and it also creates a fantastic vantage point photo.
Dining at the Cliffs of Moher (14)
The food is basic but good when visiting the Cliffs of Moher. It is not over-priced and the sandwiches are fresh.
Overall, it was a good Tuna Salad for being in a ‘tourism-driven destination.
The food is simple and more tourist-driven – definitely not like the dining options in Donegal, overall, it’s still tasty, though.
Then we grabbed some quick sandwiches at the Puffin’s Nest Coffee Shop.
Truly they were good.
Monitor Your Time if You Are With A Tour Operator (15)
They had that Irish pub food vibe that the country is known for.
It had started to rain and we knew we did not have much time left.
Therefore, we scoffed our sandwiches and freshened before heading back to the tour bus.
We did not want to be left behind!
So the tip here is eating last, and tour first!
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher Should be on Your List
While it was green when we visited, I can hardly imagine the beauty of the area in the Spring and Summer.
A wonderful adventure in Ireland is at the Cliffs of Moher and I feel fortunate to have experienced this.
If you’re traveling a trip to Ireland, visiting the Cliffs of Moher should definitely be on your list. ~ Always Traveling Deeper, Dana XO.
