The Cliff’s of Moher are among Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions. The Cliff’s of Moher run for about fourteen kilometres along the coastline of Ireland. Our travels from Athlone to Killarney had us taking in most of the afternoon at The Cliff’s of Moher. After a slight weather delay, we were able to appreciate the Cliff’s of Moher along with a walk to nearby Hag’s Head.

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This post is one chapter on our trip to Portugal, the United Kingdom (England and Norther Ireland) and Ireland. This trip was redeemed through American Airlines Advantage and enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.

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Activity: Hiking Along the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Ireland

Today’s schedule had us driving from Athlone to Galway to see the Cliff’s of Moher, followed by onward travel to Killarney.

Overland Travel: Athlone to Galway:

We checked ourselves out of the Sheraton Athlone Hotel and headed on our way. Before we left the hotel, WT73 Jr had a little road planning to complete as my navigator for the day. We used the toll roads this time and headed for the Cliffs of Moher; about a 2 hour drive.

We navigated ourselves there on google maps, which took us on highways most of the way, then on some terrible back roads for the last 30 kilometres. This wouldn’t be so bad if you were in your personal car, but driving a 50,000 € Volvo SUV that you were personally responsible for, was a bit white knuckled for my likes on the narrow one lane roads. We did come across some ancient church ruins in the rainy mist of our drive, which made the whole thing more mysterious.

Walking the Cliffs of Moher:

The Cliff’s of Moher was among my son’s top tourist attraction list of things that he wanted to see while in Ireland. He was pretty excited to see the Cliff’s when we got there.

We arrived to the Cliffs of Moher in the misty cloudy rain. The parking lot attendant cautioned us that we wouldn’t be able to see anything but we purchased a ticket anyway to enter, having come all this way.

From the parking lot, we walked the short walk into the Cliffs of Moher site. It was rainy and we all got drenched. The parking attendant was pretty much right; visibility was totally obscured.

To pass by the time, we headed for the expensive and over crowded cafeteria for some seafood chowder for 8.50 €.

Fortunately, with a bit of Irish luck, and being patient, the weather broke for the afternoon and we were able to take in some views. While I queued in the long food line, the weather broke enough and started to clear. WT73Jr was so excited at this prospect, that he darted outside to snap some photographs, leaving my Nikon DSLR camera sitting unattended on the cafeteria table. Fortunately, it was still there when we got back. There’s nothing like a teenager to keep you on your toes when you travel. Crikey.

After lunch, I went out to take these pictures of this picturesque place.

Walking the Cliffs of Moher towards Hag’s Head:

We wandered along the south along some quite unprotected walkways. There were a number of people that were risking it all to take photographs. By risking it all, I meant passing by the safety fence and walking on the muddy, slippery and windy side of the cliff where there was no safety barrier. I happened to google the latest fatality and it was only a few months ago in January 2019. It happens so often that there is even a plaque dedicated to all the persons that have lost their life here.

We wandered south towards Haig’s Head and stopped for the views. The trails were quite muddy and I got my Geox shoes soaked with mud and water.

Returning to the Visitor Centre:

We then returned to the lighthouse the way we came, and took in the views from the opposite side. Thankfully the weather was on a clearing trend, so we got in the Cliffs of Moher views that we came all this way to see.

On our way back, we had a quick landmark portrait from another traveller.

We were happy to get in an opportunity to view the Cliff’s of Moher. I was thankful that the weather co-operated with the travel plans and that we got the sights that we came all this way to see.

Overland Travel: Galway to Killarney

Back to the car, we headed southwards towards Killarney. Google had it mapped as a 2 hour and 40 minute drive, but with traffic going 60 km/h in a 100 km/h zone during their evening rush hour, on single track roads, it was very slow going.

We had a bit of old school navigation in order to get there as we set out from the parking lot at the Cliff’s of Moher.

The views on the peninsula of the Irish Coastline were very scenic over gentle rolling mountains.

We would eventually get to our destination of the Crystal Springs Bed and Breakfast Killarney, Ireland after a full day of attractions and being on the road.

My Thoughts on Visiting the Cliff’s of Moher:

The Cliff’s of Moher were among the highest interest for WT73Jr’s Ireland travel experience. I was happy to have been able to help him achieve this travel goal. The Cliffs of Moher were a spectacular part of Ireland’s Coast line. If your travels through Ireland take you to the west coast of Ireland, make sure that you have the opportunity to see the Cliff’s of Moher in your travels.

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If you have visited the Cliff’s of Moher, did the weather co-operate with you on your visit ?

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