Cliffs of Moher
Though not the tallest cliffs in Ireland, these giant bastions of Irish tourism feature high on the bucket list of visitors to Ireland because of one undeniable fact; they're magnificent. Reaching a colossal height of over 700 feet and looming over 8 km (5 miles) of County Clare's jagged coastline, they offer panoramic views across the seaboard from County Kerry to County Galway. Numerous colonies of seabirds, including puffins and guillemots, make their homes in the shelves of rock on the cliffs.
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience—a grass-roof, subterranean visitor center built into the cliff face—is a good refuge from passing rain squalls. The interior imitates the limestone caves of County Clare and contains a gift shop, public toilets, and a tearoom. The Atlantic Edge exhibition features information panels and interactive consoles for children; the highlight is the Ledge, a vertiginous virtual reality tour of the cliffs from a bird's-eye view. Outside the center, extensive hiking paths (some with elevated viewing platforms) give access to the real thing, including O'Brien's Tower, a 19th-century folly built on the cliffs' highest point (€2 extra for access to upper levels and O'Brien exhibit) at the northern extremity. Parking is on the opposite side of the R478; access is by a pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians may be asked to pay admission for the use of the visitor facilities.
Take the Cliffs of Moher cruise from Doolin or Liscannor for a different perspective of the cliffs below the giant stacks.
