Introduction
We all know that Ireland is a country of Culture and History. However, Ireland is no less famous for its beautiful landscapes, mountains and valleys. If you don’t stay only in the urban area of the country, you will get the taste of magnificent views, landscapes and natural beauty of cliffs and fjords. In this article we will focus on one of the must-see destinations in Ireland – Cliffs of Moher.
Ireland’s history is filled with many tales and events, from Viking invasions to British colonization. Today, Ireland continues to be one of the most visited countries in Europe due to its distinctive culture, scenery and heritage.
What are The Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are a range of cliffs along the Atlantic coast in County Clare, Ireland. They are known for their sheer drop and their beauty. They are composed of limestone and date back to the early Jurassic period – approximately 200 million years ago.
The cliffs are famous for their dramatic views of the Doolin Coast to the west and Inishturk to the east. The cliffs stretch about 2.5 kilometers from Doolin to Inishturk, with the highest pick of 214 meters.
As you walk along these cliffs, you’ll see beautiful rock formations that have been eroded by waves over time. The most prominent formation is “the tower” which can be seen from miles away because it stands out against the sky when viewed from any direction. The Cliffs of Moher holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1996.
Best Places to See Cliffs of Moher
You have a choice of several viewing spots from the visitor center. You can choose from 3 main platforms that offer spectacular 360deg panoramas.
The main viewing area offers a view of the Hag’s Head rock formation and the south cliffs. Knockardakin is the highest point on the cliffs on the North platform of the cliffs. The South platform offers the best view of the Goat Island puffin colony.
O’Brien Tower is a must-see. Cornelius O’Brien built it in 1835 to promote tourism and the local economy. Yes, visitors came to see the Cliffs of Moher back in those days too. Isn’t it interesting? The tower is perched on a hilltop and affords spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs.
How to Get to Cliffs of Moher from Dublin?
A guided group tour of Ireland is a great way to see the Cliffs of Moher. You could also take the wheel on an Irish road trip.
Driving time from Dublin is approximately 3-3.5 hours. From the east coast to the west coast, you’ll need to drive across the country. You can do it in one day. But take your time and enjoy the highlights and other parts of Ireland.
Galway is a great place to stay. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive to the Cliffs. Stay in Doolin, a nearby village, to make it a longer trip. You can enjoy many of the attractions nearby, such as those listed above.
One thing to remember is that even though Ireland is part of the EU, it is not part of the Schengen agreement, which means that you need to apply for Irish Visa, since your EU ETIAS Visa won’t work here.
Conclusion
Cliffs of Moher is one of the must-see destinations in Ireland, as well as, in the world. The Cliffs and the natural park around it offer a great variety of different activities that you can take up. You can go hiking around the park, explore some of the neighboring cities and settlements or stay until the evening and cherish the sunset while having a picnic on top of the hill. The choice is yours.
