Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
atop these cliffs extended for miles, as far as the Aran Islands and even the distant hills of
Connemara. But they arguably look their best when
heavy fog
rolls in from the Atlantic
Ocean and the cliffs seem to recede into an eternity of swirling grey. On days like that, it
can seem like the lines between land, sea, and sky have begun to dissolve.
In addition to their incredible shape, the cliffs provide shelter for thousands of
seabirds
,
including a huge colony of colorful Atlantic Puffins. The best way to see these birds is to
get into the water itself - many private companies offer special bird cruises. These trips are
not only great for bird-watchers, though. They also afford stunning views of the cliffs from
the bottom, which are arguably even more dramatic than the views from above!
Note that the Cliffs of Moher are a natural area and many of the precipices are not roped or
fenced off. Only a handful of people have ever fallen off out of thousands of annual tourists
- but you don't want to become one of them! Stay on the designated trails and watch your
step, especially on windy or rainy days.
The best views are found at the picturesque
O'Brien's Tower
, which was built in 1835 as
an observation deck. Even in those days, the Cliffs of Moher were an extremely popular
destination for tourists, and Sir Cornelius O'Brien decided to give them an even more spec-
tacular view by building a tower on one of the tallest cliffs. It's only €2 for an adult ticket,
and well worth the climb when visibility is good. And even if you don't feel like going up
to the top, the tower itself makes for great photography.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
(photo credit: Raúl Corral via Wikimedia Commons)
