Thursday, March 6, 2008

Cliffs Of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

One of the most impressive sights to see in Ireland are the rustic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. They are one of the most popular attractions for visitors to see, and almost a million people visit the area each year. When my husband and I were there, a brand new interpretive center called "The Atlantic Edge" was being constructed that would house extensive images, exhibits, displays, and experiences about the magnificent cliffs and the surrounding area.

The cliffs stand approximately 710 feet high at their deepest above the Atlantic Ocean and extend five miles along the coast. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, and the valleys and hills of Connemara, as well as the lighthouse on Loop Head and the mountains of Kerry to the south.

The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland -- an estimated 30,000 birds of 29 species. The most interesting is the famous Atlantic Puffins, which live in large colonies at isolated parts of the cliffs and on the small Goat Island. Also present are hawks, gulls, guillemots, shags, ravens, and choughs.

A view looking down from a portion of the cliffs -- many seabirds were flying around this area.
There are few barriers in the area, and it is possible to stand right on the edge and look down, but extreme caution must be practiced as it is quite slippery from all the ocean spray, and there can be strong winds in that area.

O'Brien's Tower is a round stone tower at the approximate midpoint of the cliffs. It was built by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boru, in 1835, as an observation tower for the hundreds of tourists that frequented the cliffs even at that date.


Pictures can not do justice to the spectacular beauty of these cliffs. To be there to hear the sound of the crashing waves and the birds, to feel the mist, and see the great expanse of the ocean, was just a magnificent experience. I think I'd never tire of visiting this place, and just thinking about it makes me yearn to go back.

Tomorrow I'll show you The Rock of Cashel located in County Tipperary


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13 comments:

Brit. (lille meg) said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
I like to "meet" new bloggers, and I like your blog as well.
This blogworld is exiting!

Now it is becoming night in Norway.
May be it is afternoon were you live?
I suppose I will be back on your blog another time.
Have a good night!

CatHerder said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. OMG your pics of Ireland are gorgeous. My son wants to go for graduation, and Im tempted to go with him. I have relatives in County Kerry, and relatives in Stornoway Outer Hebrides, Scotland, but I have never been out of the USA (well except Canada, does that count?)

Amongst The Oaks said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your trip to Ireland; such a beautiful country. I'll be back.
Hugs, Laura

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I can only dream of going on such an incredible journey! Thanks for taking all of us with you to Ireland!! I love your blog and appreciate your visits to mine so much. My husband loves the photos of his grandparents homeland on your site. Thanks for brightening our winter days!! Edie Marie

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Those photos are so beautiful! I just want to hop a plane and head there right now! Thank you so much for sharing.
Penny

MJ Ornaments said...

Hi Pat. What amazing photos of Ireland. I have always wanted to go there. It looks so green and gorgeous. Thanks for stopping by my blog. ~Martha

Kelli said...

Gorgeous pictures, wow! I would love to go to Ireland someday!
~Kelli

Anonymous said...

Oh the places you have been and the sights you have seen. I envy you and your wonderful experience in Ireland... just breath taking
Thanks for stopping by my blog..
Linda

PAT said...

I've really enjoyed your trip to Ireland. The photos are gorgeous!

Pat

kari and kijsa said...

What a beautiful, impressive site...the photography is wonderful!

Have a blessed day!

smiles, kai & kijsa

Brit. (lille meg) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lenka said...

Oh, how much I want to travel – your posts make me drooling! You are lucky girl!

Hilsen Bodil F.T. said...

Hello Pat! You show some really pritty photoes on your blog today!
It is nice to see different places.
Yes, I have been to the States once, In my son's wedding. He is married to a very dear girl from Florida!