No trip to Ireland is complete without a trip to the legendary Cliffs of Moher. Touristy as it might be, the Cliffs are a stunning land form along the west coast of Ireland, in Co. Clare, that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Most bus tour companies offer a day trip to the Cliffs, often covering an adjacent location like Galway as well.
The Cliffs are the classic post-card photograph setting that grace the covers of most Ireland-based travel magazines or websites. There are a few interesting things you can do while you are there. I will also talk about an interesting legend that is associated with the Cliffs.
The Cliffs span 8 kilometres, a considerable length of the west coast, allowing visitors to take a long, scenic coastal walk. If you begin at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, you can go northwards towards Doolin or southwards towards the Hag's Head. I've added a PDF of the coastal walking route; you will also see a map outside the Visitor Centre: https://www.irishtrails.ie/maps/Cliffs%20of%20Moher%20Coastal%20Walk%20-%20Map.pdf
The Cliffs are the classic post-card photograph setting that grace the covers of most Ireland-based travel magazines or websites. There are a few interesting things you can do while you are there. I will also talk about an interesting legend that is associated with the Cliffs.
The Cliffs span 8 kilometres, a considerable length of the west coast, allowing visitors to take a long, scenic coastal walk. If you begin at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, you can go northwards towards Doolin or southwards towards the Hag's Head. I've added a PDF of the coastal walking route; you will also see a map outside the Visitor Centre: https://www.irishtrails.ie/maps/Cliffs%20of%20Moher%20Coastal%20Walk%20-%20Map.pdf
I had only two hours to spare, so I mainly stayed around the Cliffs near the Visitor Centre. On a sunny day, you're bound to get fantabulous views. The Cliffs are 702 feet at their highest point. The salty sea spray from the ocean crashing below sometimes makes its way up till the top of some of the shorter cliffs. There are viewing decks well safe-guarded with stone railings, allowing you to enjoy the view comfortably. As you embark on the coastal routes, you'll see that there are two pathways built side-by-side, separated by a stone railing that comes waist-high. This way, you can either walk along the sheer cliff face or stand by the other side of the railings and still enjoy your walk. Both allow you to see the same views, but if you want to be on the safer side and not risk falling over, take the latter path.
Earlier this year, a Master's student called Anand Goel from Trinity College Dublin fell to his death while taking a selfie while standing too close to the cliff edge. I was naturally more wary because of that. While I was there, I couldn't help but wonder about his thoughts as he realised he was loosing his footing. He would have never expected what fate held for him in the moments prior to walking up to that point on the cliff. What I'm trying to get at is this - travelling is definitely exciting and fab, but nothing comes before safety. Being cautious is not going to ruin your experience in any way.
As always, Ireland is very windy. Especially near the sea. Winds can get strong, so tread carefully.
Moving on to the legend. The last cliff south of the Visitor Centre is called Hag's Head. Upon close scrutiny, you'll see that the cliff assumes the shape of a woman's face. The story behind its unique name is that there was a sea-witch once named Mal of Malbay who was madly in love with the Irish hero Cú Chulainn. She chased him everywhere. Finally, the hero arrived at the Cliffs of Moher and dashed over the sea rocks at the base of the cliffs. Mal was not too precise with her footing and slipped and crashed into the cliffs.
Earlier this year, a Master's student called Anand Goel from Trinity College Dublin fell to his death while taking a selfie while standing too close to the cliff edge. I was naturally more wary because of that. While I was there, I couldn't help but wonder about his thoughts as he realised he was loosing his footing. He would have never expected what fate held for him in the moments prior to walking up to that point on the cliff. What I'm trying to get at is this - travelling is definitely exciting and fab, but nothing comes before safety. Being cautious is not going to ruin your experience in any way.
As always, Ireland is very windy. Especially near the sea. Winds can get strong, so tread carefully.
Moving on to the legend. The last cliff south of the Visitor Centre is called Hag's Head. Upon close scrutiny, you'll see that the cliff assumes the shape of a woman's face. The story behind its unique name is that there was a sea-witch once named Mal of Malbay who was madly in love with the Irish hero Cú Chulainn. She chased him everywhere. Finally, the hero arrived at the Cliffs of Moher and dashed over the sea rocks at the base of the cliffs. Mal was not too precise with her footing and slipped and crashed into the cliffs.
Photo credits: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hag%27s_Head
When you visit, remember that you what you are gazing upon is an ancient relic. The Cliffs have stood for centuries, maybe millennia. When you consider the relative permanence of the Cliffs against the fleeting moments of human life, you'll appreciate them a lot more.
February 2019