Cliffs of Moher Reviews (County Clare, Ireland)

Wishing for Better Weather

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

May 14, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo Some things you just cannot control or schedule for and weather is one of them! We had our day trip with Galway Tour Company (GTC) scheduled for the only day while in Galway that would work given the other activities and long driving days we ...Read more Some things you just cannot control or schedule for and weather is one of them! We had our day trip with Galway Tour Company (GTC) scheduled for the only day while in Galway that would work given the other activities and long driving days we expected. Unfortunately for us, it was mostly cloudy throughout our eight hour tour. Worse yet, the rain and strong winds would most affect our time spent at the Cliffs of Moher.

Mention going to Ireland to someone who has been, and you'll almost always get a list of "must see" places. Ireland is full of them and now that we've returned, I too have my list to share with anyone wanting another opinion. The Cliffs of Moher are almost always on the list, often with the caveat *IF* the weather is good. Even with the lousy weather, Cliffs of Moher would be on my list.

At the western side of the island, the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean with land is quite dramatic. At their highest point, the cliffs are a sheer drop to the ocean more than 700 feet below. Spanning a shoreline distance of nearly five miles, you can imagine just how impressive they are. I've seen photos of the cliffs on a bright sunny day, and now I've seen them (in person) on a cloudy rainy day. I'm still in awe!

When you arrive at the Cliffs you will first notice that the visitor center and exhibit area has been built into the hillside, preserving the profile of the landscape. While nice in concept, we were told that the real reason why this was done was because the farmer who owned this land would not sell for the development. A deal was reached whereby he could keep his grazing farmland for his cattle, while the tourist industry could still have access to develop the visitor center. Whatever the initial reason, the 2007 opening of this unique design was a blessing for many.

People local and native to Ireland do not like that this development has occurred, largely because of how the entire concrete complex of parking lots and walk paths detracts from the natural beauty of the area. From a safely and people traffic perspective, I can appreciate what has been done in the name of progress.

With the poor weather conditions and high winds, we didn't do as much walking as otherwise we would have liked to. At times the wind was so forceful, it even blew me sideways stumbling as I walked. I was thankful for a walkway and railings.

Also located on the grounds at the Cliffs of Moher is O'Brien's Tower. Ironically enough, this area was even a tourist attraction back in 1835 when a local man Cornelius O'Brien built the tower as a viewing area overlooking the cliffs expressly for the benefit of visitors coming to look at them.

Admission to the climb the tower is not included in the Cliffs of Moher fee. Expect to pay €6 for the Cliffs of Moher and €2 for O'Brien's Tower. Additionally for those who do not want to walk up or out to the cliffs, there is another level of entrance fee (€3.95) that allows access to the interesting "Atlantic Edge" exhibition inside the visitor center. Note: All of these admissions do have discounts for seniors and students. As part of our GTC tour, our admission to the Cliffs and the Atlantic Edge exhibition was included.

Also inside the visitor center is a decent sized gift shop and a walk-through snack bar. Upstairs, there is also a restaurant with what I'm sure on a clear day would be a lovely view. Outside the visitor center there are a couple of other gift shops including one featuring Irish music. Our driver Declan bought a CD there as his in the tour van was dysfunctional.

When planning a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, I would think on a good weather day you'll want at least three hours. For our tour, we had almost two hours and with the rain and wind, we spent a little over an hour outdoors and the remaining time inside viewing the exhibits. If you are wanting to walk over to O'Brien's Tower (an additional 15 minutes to get there) and climb to the top, you'll probably need another 45 minutes to an hour.

For people with an interest in a more up close and personal view of the cliffs, boat tours are also available. From those, it is possible to get a great look at the many bird species that call the Cliffs of Moher home, including the quirky and beautiful puffin. Passengers on the Aran Island ferry from Doolin may also get a nice view of the cliffs on a clear day.

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From journal Day Trip To County Clare

one of the top ten travel bucket list places

by soflawill

Hialeah, Florida

November 9, 2010

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"If you ever go across the sea to Ireland....". The Cliffs of Moher must be on your list of places to visit. Standing starkly, they staunchly defend Ireland's West Coast from the sea. Rising hundreds of feet from the sea, this line of cliffs ...Read more

Highlight of the Trip

by Act80

columbus, Ohio

April 3, 2010

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This is a beautiful place. Even the drive to it was great. There is no picture that could do it justice.

From journal 30th B-day Trip

Cliffs of Moher

by LenR

Townsville, Queensland, Australia

September 30, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo This is one of Ireland’s prime natural attractions where the land plunges into the Atlantic Ocean in huge vertical cliffs. Today the area is rigidly controlled with a facilities charge being applied to all visitors. In return you receive entry into ...Read more This is one of Ireland’s prime natural attractions where the land plunges into the Atlantic Ocean in huge vertical cliffs. Today the area is rigidly controlled with a facilities charge being applied to all visitors. In return you receive entry into the impressive visitor centre building, access to the cliff edge paths and viewing platforms, unlimited parking and support from Cliffs of Moher Rangers. I’m told a contribution goes towards the conservation and visitor management of the cliffs.

Do I think a visit here is worthwhile? Well yes, except if it is raining or blowing a gale. The cliffs are very high and are naturally exposed to the elements. When we visited there was sunshine and a sharp breeze. We probably looked at about half the area before we retreated to the visitor centre to get warm again.

Inside the visitor centre there is the Long Dock restaurant, Puffin’s Nest cafe, a large shopping area, information booths, toilets and the Atlantic Edge Exhibition. The exhibition is not included in your admission ticket but the 4 Euro admission is probably worth it if you are interested in the story of the cliffs. The themed zones of ocean, rock, nature and man present the setting, geology, wildlife and human stories associated with the cliffs.

Probably the most interesting part of the exhibition is The Ledge, a computer generated movie that allows you to stand on the very edge of the cliffs and follow the flight of a gannet souring by the cliffs and diving to the seabed. It is well done. You should allow about 20-30 minutes for a visit to the exhibition.

The cliffs are home to Ireland’s largest mainland seabird nesting colonies and from the cliff top you can see a host of seabirds. Puffins can be seen in the mornings before they go out to sea fishing. Guillemots and razorbills are often seen as are fulmars which nest on ledges near the top of the cliffs. The viewing platform towards Hags Head is an excellent spot to view these birds.

Peregrine falcons, the fastest creatures on the planet, can often be seen from all the main viewing area protecting their territory from crows and gulls. Dolphins and seals are commonly seen out to sea and you may even see a whale at some times of the year. The rangers on the cliff edge seem happy to point out wildlife and tell you more.

The facilities charge is 8 Euros per car and 2 Euros for a motorbike. Opening times vary throughout the year. When we were there in late April, the hours were from 9am to 6.30pm. Outside the visitor centre there are various privately-run shops and craft outlets.
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From journal Travelling the West Coast of Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

by Kevinmcc

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 5, 2008

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Absolutely must see from the West Country. Walk right up to teh edge and look down onto the amazing rocky coastline on th Atlantic. There could be a thousand people there but the serenity of the Cliffs will haveyou feeling like you are the only ...Read more

From journal First Trip to Europe - Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

by sizemoretravel

Jacksonville, Florida

February 13, 2008

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The Cliffs of Moher are a breathtaking sight. They rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare. The highest point is near O'Brien's Tower, which was built by Cornelius O'Brien in 1835 to attract female visitors. If you decide to ...Read more

From journal Tour of Ireland

Cliffs of Mohr

by bledpub

Waco, Kentucky

December 24, 2007

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Everyone has to see the cliffs. They are breathtaking. Hike to them from Doolin. It's about 8 miles, but sometimes you can con a ride from a tour back to Doolin once you get there. Almost every tour company stops for lunch in Doolin after visiting ...Read more

From journal Doolin-Small but Packs a Punch

Cliffs of Moher

by MalervyC

Norristown, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2006

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We took a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. It costs €100 and it's totally worth it. 650 feet straight up out of the Atlantic... just breathtaking. We went in November, which is off-season for Ireland. So there was some construction going on - they ...Read more

From journal My Second Trip to Ireland

The Infamous Cliffs of Moher!

by ladyanne47

Stamford, New York

April 21, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo It seems that two very popular points of interest for tourists visiting Ireland are Killarney's Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare. These are most likely always included in an organized tour of Ireland. However, each time I do ...Read more

From journal County Clare, the Heart of Ireland!

Cliffs of Moher

by mooncross

Northern, Netherlands

January 1, 2006

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The Cliffs of Moher must be among the most famous shorelines of the world. And rightfully so! They are a sight to behold, especially in the light of the setting sun.In the past few years, the area around the Cliffs has been modified to handle the ...Read more

From journal Green Hills and Rocky Shores

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Wishing for Better Weather

one of the top ten travel bucket list places

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