Ireland: our top 3 most dangerous tourist destinations

Places you must visit... but be careful!

Gwen Rouviere
by Gwen Le Cointre
26 January 2023, 12:34
Ireland: our top 3 most dangerous tourist destinations
La Chaussée des Géants - © Yggdrasill

Ireland is a wild and beautifully preserved country. No wonder it attracts thousands of sensation-seeking travellers every year! And we can assure you right now: Ireland has it in spades! Wild, fun, magnificent: the country boasts some of the most beautiful jewels on the planet!

Nevertheless, some of these tourist sites can be dangerous, due to their wild aspects. So to keep you up to date, here’s a look at Ireland’s 3 most dangerous destinations:

1. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher - © akz

The Cliffs of Moher – © akz

It’s impossible not to be captivated by the enigmatic beauty of the famous Cliffs of Moher in Ireland’s County Clare. Every year they attract thousands of visitors (tourists and Irish alike) who come to admire their charm and majesty, stretching over a distance of more than 14 kilometers of rocky cliffs!

But here’s the thing: the site is reputed to be one of the most dangerous in Europe and the world.

More than 60 deaths were recorded at the site. Accidents can be caused by carelessness, falls, slips, sudden gusts of wind, or foggy weather. Some tourists have even died tragically by taking a selfie too close to the edge…

But let us reassure you: these accidents are, of course, easily preventable. All you have to do is be reasonable, keeping a safe distance from the void, taking your photos without taking any ill-considered risks, and choosing to visit the Cliffs of Moher when the weather is clear, without excessive wind. If these conditions are met, you’ll have the time of your life!

2. The Giant’s Causeway

Giant's Causeway - S-F / Shutterstock.com

Giant’s Causeway – S-F / Shutterstock.com

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is famous for being one of the most beautiful tourist sites in the world! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts an incredible number of travellers every year to admire this strange geological formation made up of 40,000 columns of basalt rock!

The site is enchanting and mysterious, but can also pose safety problems for the unwary. The Giant’s Causeway is in permanent contact with the sea. Also, unexpected waves have already caused falls, or even taken on board travelers who stood too close to the water.

Once again, this can easily be avoided, as long as you avoid risky behavior.

3. Skellig Michael

Michael Skellig's staircase - © ClickAlps

Michael Skellig’s staircase – © ClickAlps

The island of Skellig Michael is another of Ireland’s treasures. Nevertheless, it is also one of the most dangerous places in the country. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its wilderness and monastic remains.

The island is also famous for its carved stone staircase with 618 steps, all hand-carved into the rock by monks during the 7th century. It’s precisely this staircase that can prove dangerous: the site remains in the same condition as it was originally. There are no fittings, railings or safety systems in place, and a fall can happen very quickly… All the more so as the staircase has fallen steps, and some sections are showing signs of weakness.

The site is magical and exceptional, but requires a good level of athleticism and a keen sense of safety. Accidents have happened here in the past, so we advise you to exercise extreme caution: nevertheless, the site is truly exceptional!


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