If you’re visiting Ireland, a trip to the Cliffs of Moher is a must! Considered to be among the most beautiful cliffs in Europe, they offer an exceptional view of Irish nature in all its splendor. But beware: there are a few pitfalls to avoid, so you don’t miss a thing and have an unforgettable time!
Are you ready? Here we go with our top 6 must-dos for your visit to the Cliffs of Moher.
Atlantic Edge on the Cliffs of Moher –
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As the Cliffs of Moher became more and more popular with tourists, they were gradually developed to accommodate them. And we’d rather tell you right now: the construction of Atlantic Edge, the Visitor Centre dedicated to the attraction, has somewhat altered the access area to the Cliffs.
This does not detract from the beauty of the Cliffs, we assure you… But the site has clearly moved in the direction of mass tourism, offering a mini-museum, complete with exhibitions, merchandising…etc.
Although Atlantic Edge is a pleasant place to visit, we don’t recommend spending too much time there: the best thing is to be outside, experiencing the beauty of the Cliffs themselves. There’s nothing like experiencing cliffs up close and personal, is there?
Let’s face it: the Cliffs of Moher promise to be a visual slap in the face (on a clear day, of course). But it would be extremely simplistic to admire them from just a stone’s throw from the entrance to the site.
The Cliffs of Moher are nearly 8km long! And they have the advantage of offering some of Ireland’s most beautiful coastal paths.
So don’t be afraid of the cold: slip on a good pair of shoes, a windbreaker and a thick sweater, and set off on a hike that’s as exotic as it gets! This is your chance to get away from the tourist infrastructure of the area, and discover Ireland’s great green spaces!
The route takes you through fields on marked paths. Take your time, and above all, enjoy the exceptional panorama! It’s simply breathtaking!
Admittedly, Ireland is not a tropical country… but the mosquitoes can still be fearsome! Among the worst are midges, insects that can literally turn an excursion into a nightmare!
Although they generally prefer damp areas like Connemara, they have been spotted on the plateau of the Cliffs of Moher. It’s not a common occurrence, but it can happen anecdotally.
And believe us: without anti-midges, these creatures from hell can make you not want to go any further on your hike!
Our advice: take an insecticide with you to combat both standard mosquitoes and midges. Please note that many Irish pharmacies stock them: don’t hesitate to ask for advice!
If you follow the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk, you’ll quickly realize that the terrain changes as you progress, becoming increasingly rugged. Some areas plunge steeply into the ocean, and we advise you to stay away from the edge!
No barriers here. No railings. Nothing.
Just emptiness, and the ocean 200 meters below.
Also, be sure to stay between 5 and 10 metres from land. Sudden gusts of wind have already caused hikers to fall, leading to a dramatic outcome. Worse still, some travelers have even fallen to their death after taking a selfie a little too close!
So keep your children and yourself at a safe distance.
Rest assured: it’s not a dangerous place if you follow these common-sense guidelines.
Whatever time of year you go out on the cliffs, whether it’s winter or summer, it’s crucial to dress appropriately. For the cliff plateau is exposed to sea spray, sea breezes and the repeated assaults of ocean waves.
I might as well tell you: even in midsummer, it can get cold! So don’t go out in just shorts and a T-shirt: you may well regret the experience!
In our opinion, these are the minimum requirements:
If the weather ever gets too hot, simply adopt the onion technique, and remove successive layers as needed!
The site is teeming with breathtaking panoramas. You’ll come across plenty of them on your hike. But it would be a mistake to ignore the most emblematic of them all: the O’Brien Tower, offering a masterly view of the ocean and the wind-beaten cliffs.
Long-wear glasses (for a fee) are available nearby: an opportunity to admire the Cliffs of Moher from its most famous vantage point! Don’t miss the Branaunmore site below: a limestone sea stack over 67 metres high. Outcropping in the open sea, it is the highlight of this spectacular panorama!
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