March 2008 marked my third trip to the Cliffs of Moher. Many things have changed since I first visited in 2002 and even since our visit in 2005.
A new visitor’s center has been built in to the hillside, almost seamlessly blending in to the surroundings.
A short market street of six craftworker units leads you to the entrance.
The new visitor center includes the Atlantic Edge exhibition, an interactive interpretive center, with incredible information about the cliffs as well as a great “yellow submarine” play area, a gift shop and two restaurants. The girls had a great time exploring while we adults marveled that people would lower themselves over the cliffs to catch birds. There is great history and information about the cliffs. It is well worth the cost of admission (€4 per adult when we visited). And be sure to pick up a Map Pack when you buy your tickets. It’s a great little packet of information about the cliffs and a wonderful souvenir.
Inside the Atlantic Edge is The Ledge– a virtual reality cliff face adventure. The first time I visited the Cliffs of Moher you could actually walk out on the sheer ledge. That area is now a protected area for cliff nesting sea birds. I have a bit of video from The Ledge. You may experience vertigo…
Our visit this year was very cold, very windy (Caelan’s hat was actually pulled from her head) and we had to dodge both rains coming in from the sea and sea water that was blowing up and over the cliffs. You can barely hear my voice in the video as the wind is so strong…
The Cliffs of Moher are quite safe for children as the edges are protected from us (and we from them) by stone walls that are waist high on an average adult. Much higher for a small child.
Paths are all paved and accessible to wheelchairs- if you have someone willing to puch you up the hill. It is steep. But you can get a great view without climbing all the way up to O’Brien’s Tower. The viewing platforms are quite nice and have spyglasses for up close viewing of the rocks, flora and birds. On a nice day you can even spy the Aran Islands.
The Cliffs of Moher never disappoint and every visit is different than the one before. Definately a “must” if you are in County Clare.
[…] took this photo on our second day in Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher. It was my daughter’s first trip to the Emerald Isle- she had just turned 1- as well as my […]