We visited the Cliffs of Moher on a dramatic, dark December day. The wind was blowing, and the majestic cliffs marched off into the swirling ocean far below. Tiny people got blown along the cliffside paths, and occasional shafts of sunshine pushed through the clouds to make the countryside sparkle. This was a wonderful (and very windy) experience.
Approaching the cliffs from the visitor car park, we branched right and headed up the "official" path towards the small stone tower at the top of the rise. The wind was really blowing, and we were glad for every coat and wind-cheater we could get our hands on. To our left, spectacular views of the cliffs opened up as we headed along the path. Small white seagulls clung to the black cliffs as the sea surged below. We could see inlets and coves at the base of the cliffs and wondered if any smugglers-or pirates, or cross-Atlantic swimmers-had ever been desperate enough to use them.
Carrying on up the hill, we went through a localised shower–where the wind was blowing water up the cliff and it was falling as rain–which this just added to the maritime feel of battling the elements. At the top of the hill, next to O’Brien’s Tower (open May to September), we looked out and watched the changing colours of the sea and the clouds. It was a wonderful sight, with the amazing cliffs providing a spectacular frame to the sea and the clouds.
Back down the hill, Tina and Andrea had had enough of the wind and headed for the gift shop near the car park. I branched left, ignored the dire warnings forbidding access, and joined the other strollers gently strolling along the soggy grass of the "unofficial" path. This path offered views back to where we had just been, with the tower at the top of the cliffs. It was totally safe, if a bit soggy and slippery, and also offered vistas back inland-a good reason to stay outside a bit longer.
Heading back towards the refuge of the gift shop, I passed other signs of tourist-industry life. A guitar and tin lay in a sheltered alcove–maybe the busker was also in the gift shop? I also passed a sign advertising a "talking telescope" that made me curious, but unfortunately it too was not there. Maybe it was also resting in the gift shop and waiting for summer. The gift shop itself was full of a very impressive array of souvenirs. Fortunately, none of them were memorable enough to tempt Tina. There is also a pleasant tea room on the site.
The cliffs are on the R478m and it took us about 1 hour to get there from Shannon airport. Entrance to the area is free, but it costs 4€ to park in the car park. There were two tour buses in the car park when we arrived.