Cliffs of Moher

We are slow learners. Google maps presented three options to drive the nearly three hours from Sligo to the Cliffs of Moher. We chose our route based on what appeared to be major roads for much of the way and strong secondary roads to finish. Indeed a good chunk of time was spent zipping along the M18 motorway at 120kph/70mph. Then……the blue line did us again. I think I actually heard the irritating voice assist snicker. We traversed everything from single lane tracks with outside mirrors nearly slapping the hedges on both sides to the “luxury” of laneways one & 1/2 cars wide. I can’t imagine what Irish drivers must think when they travel in North America. Perhaps; “Who knew you could build roads that can accommodate two cars and have space for a shoulder on each side?” Obviously we got our route choice wrong but did finally end up safely, with heart pounding, at the Cliffs despite the cross country trek.

We were fortunate to have another warm day which actually meant a degree of uncertainty as to what to wear given the upcoming hike and ocean winds. Given a slight overcast we started in long sleeves but one layer/short sleeves turned out to be more than enough.

The cliffs run for about 14 km/9 miles. At their southern end they rise 120 metres (390 ft) above the ocean and just near O’Brien’s Tower they reach their maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft).

We climbed to O’Brien’s Tower where we had a picnic lunch on the steps and took pictures looking south towards Hag’s Head, the southern end of the Cliffs.

We descended from the tower and started hiking south. The gravel path reflected the Irish road system. Some stretches were four people wide, some you had to squeeze past returning hikers while being careful not to catch on the barb wire or touch the electric wire fence along the adjacent farmer’s field.

The Cliffs are typically the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland with more than 1.3 million visitors last year. We think many of them were there with us given the huge number of touring buses (wonder what road they took!) and jammed car park.

The Cliffs are an incredible sight worthy of its UNESCO status. Four thumbs up.

Tomorrow it’s a short hop from our farm house Airbnb to Lahinch to golf on the #41 course in the world. Already thinking about the roads.