The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland's Most Spectacular Natural Site

The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland's Most Spectacular Natural Site
January 22, 2020 Off By Samuel Wyner

It was the big day of my Irish trip! I was about to visit one of the island’s most popular natural sites: the Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic cliffs are located about an hour and a half outside of Galway, where I was staying. My hostel linked me up with a local tour company, Wild Atlantic Tours, which offers excursions to many places across the island from various towns and cities. After a quick walk through Galway, I arrived at the city’s coach terminal to meet up with my local guide and tour bus.

Back in the Irish Countryside

After a quick introduction, we left the city and I was once again surrounded by the lush Irish countryside. The sun was out in full swing, a rarity on an island that experiences so much rain. I enjoyed the view for a half hour before we arrived at our first stop of the day in Kinvarra.

Kinvarra

Dunguaire Castle
The Surrounding Blue Waters of Galway Bay

This small village, which is located at the edge of County Galway, is home to the most photographed castle in all of Ireland: Dunguaire Castle. The 16th-century tower house was built for both defensive purposes and as a residence for one of Ireland’s many clans. Like many castles in Ireland, the exterior is built in a gray-colored stone and features fortification walls around the main building. The residence itself is reminiscent of a medieval castle tower, albeit with a gabled roof above the battlement. What sets this castle apart from others I’ve visited is its picturesque setting. The building is surrounded by the waters of Galway Bay and rolling hills in the distance. Although I did not have enough time to go inside, I still got some lovely pictures before getting back on the bus to continue exploring.

The Burren

Shortly after leaving Kinvarra, we entered a region known as “The Burren.” The landscape of this area is made of sedimentary rock, primarily limestone. The rock gets its cracked appearance from acid rainwater, which breaks it down and creates crevices where soil can form. The result is a rugged terrain that easily looks like it is from the moon, albeit less dramatic than that of Iceland. Due to the high concentration of rock, the land in this region is less desirable for farming. However, from a tourist’s point of view, it is another unique piece of landscape that adds to the allure of the Irish countryside.

A Ferry Ride

Seeing the Cliffs of Moher for the First Time!

We spent about an hour and a half driving along the scenic R477 road, sandwiched between the coast and the rocky Burren landscape. Eventually, we arrived in the village of Doolin: the gateway to the Aran Islands and other ferries. I also got my first view of the iconic Cliffs of Moher in the distance! Although the water immediately around Doolin washes up against rolling hills, I could see a break in the hills where the shoreline changed into dramatic cliffs. Our guide explained that one of the best ways to view the cliffs is from the sea and that our tour offers this option on clear days. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and before you know it I had my ferry ticket. Most of our group headed down to the docks and boarded the boat that would take us for a cruise.

Viewing the Cliffs from the Sea

The view from the water was jaw-dropping. I really got a sense of how high these cliffs are. At their highest, the cliffs soar 702 feet above sea level, dwarfing O’Brien’s Tower at the top. I have seen many cliffs throughout my travels. However, none have the perfect complexion of gray stone and green grass as the Cliffs of Moher. The dramatic cliffs were formed hundreds of millions of years ago as sediments from a nearby river were compacted to create layers of stone. Years of erosion from the sea have caused parts of the cliffs to collapse, creating a variety of unique landforms including sea caves and stacks. One of these caves is notable for its appearance in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as the hiding place for one of the seven Horcruxes.

Doolin

A Typical Street in the Village
Fish and Chips

The boat turned around and I enjoyed one final look at the cliffs before arriving back in Doolin. We stopped here for a quick lunch break, where I had delicious fish and chips at the local Fitzpatrick’s Bar. The village is quaint and charming, with low-lying gabled houses painted in light earthy colors, complimenting the green countryside setting.

The Cliffs of Moher Viewpoint

After our lunch break, we got back on the road and circled up to our final stop of the day at the iconic lookout spot over the cliffs! The bus parked at the large parking lot near the main visitor center while our driver distributed our tickets. I began walking up the path towards the edge of the island.

The Iconic View Atop the Cliffs

Once I arrived, I was blown away by the breathtaking view in front of me. I truly felt like I was on the edge of Europe, and at one point, what people considered to be the edge of the world! I looked down and listened to the rough waves from the Atlantic crash against the jagged cliffs. The cliffs have several inlets that appear to stretch on for miles. The gray and green complexion of the cliff edges perfectly complements the deep green grass that gives the Emerald Isle its nickname.

O’Brien’s Tower at the Highest Point of the Cliffs
The Rear Façade of the Tower

I walked along the edge to O’Brien’s Tower: a small castle-like building that marks the highest point of the cliffs. Although I did not climb to the top, many visitors ascend the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area. At the top, visitors can view the Aran Islands and on clear days, the Ring of Kerry. Although the building was originally constructed in stone, the exterior was plastered as part of a 2019 restoration. Today, the exterior is white in color with a hint of stone ornamentation from its original design. The archway next to the tower is the only part of the structure with its original stone appearance.

The Cliff Edge Barrier
Sitting at the Edge of Europe

From the tower, I followed the path along the edge of the cliffs, taking in new perspectives as I looked out over the ocean. For safety reasons, the main path along the cliffs is set behind barriers, preventing people from getting too close to the edge. However, an unofficial path exists next to the main path above the barrier. This allows visitors to get closer to the cliff edge, albeit at their own risk. I briefly followed the unofficial path, which is an adrenaline-pumping experience. I sat and admired the beautiful Irish coast, while still keeping a safe distance from the cliff edge.

The Drive Back

Waiting for Cows to Cross the Road

After our hour-long stop, it was sadly time to part ways with this breathtaking natural wonder. Our group got back on the bus and began our return journey to Galway. On our way over, we passed through more Burren farmland, with plenty of livestock. We even had to make a brief stop along the way to let a herd of cows cross the road. It was a fun reminder that we were driving along country roads and had to share them with more than just cars.

A View of Galway Bay

We had nearly reached the main road back near Kinvarra: the first stop of the day. Our guide let us get out for one final photo stop. From here, I could see all the way to Galway Bay! The tour finished in the early evening, with plenty of time for dinner and a pub night. I could not have been happier to have finally visited Ireland’s star attraction! The Cliffs of Moher are the epitome of the Emerald Isle’s alluring green landscape and are some of the most stunning sea cliffs I have seen in the world.

CategoryEurope Ireland

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