Cliffs of Moher
After two cloudy and drizzly days, we left to see Moher (pronounced more) and the Burren (separate post). We spent 1.5 days here, and today we were rewarded with glorious sunlight!!
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
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Cliffs of Moher Hike
But you can’t appreciate the beauty without taking a hike. The trail goes right along the edge of the cliffs. Do not be a Village Idiot (VI) and walk near or sit on the edge!
The full Liscannor to Doolin Hike is 18 km and takes 4.5 hrs. What I did and highly recommend is the hike from Guerin’s Path to O’Brien’s Tower, just past the Visitor Centre. It is a one-hour return hike, but you will probably spend two hours, especially if you like photography.
The cliffs are more spectacular for their length than their vertical ruggedness or rocky headlands. The strata are horizontal, so they are ideal nesting grounds for birds.
The views are great, and you notice different things walking in the reverse direction. On the way back, I could capture the steepness of Guerin’s Hill.
Guerin’s is a working farm with beautiful green pasture in stark contrast to the grey cliffs. Now add in white cattle. So the views inland are equally nice. I thought they’d better never allow any development of the land anywhere in eye’s view from the cliff walk. It is the pastoral scenery of Ireland that makes it so special.
Where to Park for Moher?
Personally, I’m against nickel-and-diming tourists for every site via the use of parking fees, sometimes charged in addition to the site fee. All government sites should be part of the OPW Heritage Card.
There are three access points and five parking options for the Cliffs of Moher:
- Liscannor trail Head costs ca. €2 per person, but is not recommended.
- OPW Visitor Centre at an outrageous €9 per person: note that all National Parks in Ireland are free – this is an exception.
- Guerin’s Path (private) at €5 per person — starting with an exceptional view and a 30-minute walk to O’Brien’s Tower near the Visitor Centre.
- Let all passengers walk in (hikers are free) and pay only for the driver;
- Find parking off the road, but the driver has to walk to the hiking trail.
Final Comments on this Itinerary
This is an exciting trip to one of the most beautiful sights in Ireland. But it is also the most over-touristed. It was very busy even in May.
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Itinerary Maps & Guides
This site is one of the most over-touristed in Ireland, but it was a beautiful place at least in May. This must-see route is part of our Ireland West and our Best Places for 2 Weeks in Southwest Ireland itineraries.
If you have more than a week, then combine this tour with places in the Ireland East, Ireland South and the Best Places for 2 Weeks in Southwest (SW) Ireland itineraries below. Or just visit some of the nearby places listed below.
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Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.
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