The Cliffs of Moher
Perhaps Ireland’s most famous natural attraction, the Cliffs of Moher are as divine a sight as everyone says—we promise!
What amenities are there at the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs are a protected natural site, so while there aren’t guard rails, there are rocky barriers in place and ample imagery around denoting the safe areas.
There are two primary paths for pedestrians to take which feature pretty different experiences. One features a partially paved hike, and the other boasts steps made of carboniferous limestone filled with fossils leading to a lookout tower.
There is a gift shop, a café, a museum, and a service for those who may need mobility assistance called the Lifts of Moher.
The carts are operated by trained staff and along the ride you’ll receive a guided tour.
What is the weather like at the Cliffs?
The Cliffs’ drama does not end with its stunning views; the weather is wildly unpredictable.
Due to their elevation, fog and wind are not uncommon. However, Ireland does have a penchant for sunny breaks in the clouds and sun-showers.
We recommend layers and raincoats for groups traveling to the Cliffs with sturdy, grippy footwear.
What animals live at the Cliffs of Moher?
Standing at an immense 702 feet at its highest point, the Cliffs are a massive home to several species of birds and flora, with the occasional cow herd or two, too. Though it might seem like, since your only neighbors would be birds, the cliff-face real estate could have the square-footage you’re looking for, we don’t recommend infringing upon the well-established hierarchy!
Puffins burrow into the Cliffs to make dropping down to the water a quick and easy hunting trip. The Guillimots also live closer to the sea and are often the most common birds you’ll see there. Whereas the Kittiwakes make their racket more toward the tops of the cliff-faces. But each of these bird species have to be adept swimmers to compete with the sea life below!
In the oceans surrounding the Cliffs, you’ll find dolphins, sharks, and seals. While some of the dolphin pods have come to recognize the Doolin Ferry boats, the gray seals and basking sharks tend to stay to themselves.
Are the Cliffs of Moher worth a visit?
Absolutely! These cliffs are a shocking 320 million years old and visiting them is the opportunity to touch history pre-established and still ever-changing.
There are so many incredible rock-based facts you can take away with you after touring these magnificent behemoths But perhaps the most shocking one of all is that after visiting, you can say you’ve touched, taken pictures of, and maybe even eaten lunch on cliffs that predate the dinosaurs by at least 100 million years.
Their raw beauty tells a tale of an unfathomable amount of time, and you really can’t beat that.