Cliffs of Moher (from below)
August 31, 2013 by Helen
Filed under Travel destinations
Landlubbers challenge: Be adventurous! Join us for a unique view of The Cliffs of Moher (Ireland’s second most visited tourist attraction) as we take a boat tour right to the base of the cliffs. For a landlubber taking a boat cruise is adventurous, right? Right.
First we need to purchase tickets. I would suggest the best place to sail from is the pier at Doolin in County Clare…but I think one could also get a boat in Galway if that is where you are based. Finding the pier (located at the end of Pier Road) in Doolin is a bit of a challenge as, like many Irish towns along the Atlantic, Doolin is spread out along the coast for some distance.
Ticket booths on Pier Road, Doolin, Ireland
We paid 15 euro per person, but I suspect one could get discounts if you booked early or looked around a bit more than we did.
Here comes our boat. Ready to board?
Vessel travels to base of the cliffs (and the Aran Islands)
Off we go…on the Atlantic Ocean, we are.
On the Atlantic heading to the Cliffs of Moher
It is early evening and it is a bit overcast so the light is different than it would be under different conditions, but…this view takes ones breath away.
Evening view, Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland
Look up, way up, to see the green pastures on the top of the cliffs. Those dots are cattle grazing (and some might be hikers.) Our tour guide says farmers do not fence the cliff side as cattle are too smart to fall off the edge. Suggestion: Visit Cliffs of Moher (from above) for the view from the top of the cliffs.
Down here at sea level…see that pillar of rock. It is known as the Great Sea Stack (Branaunmore).
Cattle are on the top of the cliffs, but what is that on the Great Sea Stack?
Great Sea Stack,(Branaunmore) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Ah….birds, millions of birds. (Hint: click on the picture to enlarge it.)
And what do you suppose all that white stuff is on the ledges? Hmm….could it be?
Sea birds nest on the Great Sea Stack
Our cruise boat spends about 20 minutes near the base of the cliffs, sometimes getting very close to the base of the cliffs! All the time an eloquent Irishman tells us the history of the area (geologically and historically) adding a few gems of Irish humor to spice things up.
There is a lot to take in, but you must come and experience yourself to get the full picture. Right now it is time to head back to the Doolin Pier.
On the Atlantic, heading back to port
How to get to The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The cliffs are on the western coast of Ireland in County Clare. They are south of Galway, north-west of Limerick. Shannon Airport is a few hours away. That generally gets one oriented.
More specifically, I like the maps on this web link http://www.cliffs-moher.com/directions.php
If you are not a driver, several small tour buses come to this area every day. Do some research and pick one that fits your schedule.
Where to stay
A wide variety of accommodation types is available. There is a holiday park for trailers and campers at the end of Pier Road, Doolin (adjacent to the pier where the boats depart for Aran Islands and Cliff tours). Several B&B houses dot the area. There is at least one hostel and a few hotels. Lots of choice! We were cautioned to pre-book way in advance, but there seemed to be many rooms available around this area for those arriving without reservations. (summer,2013)
More photos and information about touring Ireland
Waterford Crystal factory tour
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Happy travels!
