Cliffs of Moher
Arguably one of the most iconic views of Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. These sea cliffs drop straight into the Atlantic from over 200 meters up. Walkways and stairs make it accessible to just about everyone who can climb a hill.
The Cliffs are handicap accessible to the first lookout but there are somewhat steep stairs and ramps up to O’Brien’s Tower
There is a large parking lot and visitors center, which can get crowded during the tourist season. This is the destination for many of those large tour buses you see. If you know you are coming, consider buying your tickets ahead of time on-line and save 10% on parking and admittance.
- Adults 5.40 Euros
- Seniors, disabled and students 3.60 Euros
- Children under 16 – Free
Visitors Center is built right into the hill
The Cliffs Exhibition is built into the hill and has museum style exhibits as well as films explaining all about the geology of the area. Allow an hour inside to see everything before or after viewing the real thing outside. Souvenir shops are available as well.
Watching the sun go down at O’Brien’s Tower with a bottle of wine
As you climb to the highest point of the cliffs, you’ll be face to face with O’Brien’s Tower – a favorite place to take selfies. From here, on a clear day you’ll see for miles and can catch a glimpse of the Aran Islands.
Coastal Walk is a 20 km long trail.
The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk connects the towns of Liscannor and Doolin. It’s a 20 km hike – taking 4-5 hours in good weather and is rated for those highly fit. Steep ascents and descents on some unstable ground make it less than ideal for those unaccustomed to hiking. If you’re up for it, the views are great.
For more information on walking the trails along the Cliffs of Moher, try these resources:
Bunk Camper parked outside the Clliffs of Moher parking lot
This was the start of my camping adventure in my Bunk Camper, and I didn’t arrive here until late in the day, after the parking lot closed. Luckily, there is room for additional cars to park in the driveway just outside the gates (and you save the parking fee.) I had wanted to make sure I got here in time to see the sun go down as this area faces directly west.
As luck would have it, there were clouds covering the horizon, so it really never developed into a truly colorful sunset. The setting sun did however peak through enough to illuminate the cliffs and make for some nice photographs. Bring a jacket, as the temperatures can drop after sunset, making a warm day into a very breezy cool night. I was very happy I took along my new Scottevest Pack Jacket.
Cliffs of Moher looking south
After a couple hours or so of exploring the cliffs, I was really happy to have my Bunk Camper with its bathroom, parked at the entrance. You see, when they close the gates and the visitor’s center, they also close the bathrooms. Oops.
Cliffs of Moher contact information:
Address: Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland
Phone:+353 65 708 6141
Lahinch
From the cliffs, I drove into Lahinch, a cute little seaside town where I had a great late-night dinner at The Cornerstone Pub. With some great beer on tap, free Wi-Fi for the Internet and a handy electrical outlet to recharge my laptop, it was everything you could ask for to finish off the day.
The Cornerstone Pub in Lahinch
The following morning, I pulled down to the main parking lot overlooking the ocean and enjoyed breakfast in my Bunk Camper. Opening the sliding doors and windows, I had the sounds and smells of the ocean just a few meters away, but all the comforts of my RV.
Had I been a golfer, I would have undoubtedly tried to play a round at Lahinch Golf Club – one of the top 50 golf clubs in the world, and popular with pros and amateurs since 1892. Just looking at the pictures of the course, it’s enough to make you want to take up the sport.
Instead, after downloading some photos, I was off for Doolin.
Click here for the index of all Wild Atlantic Way articles in this series
Previous article in the Wild Atlantic Way series: Seeing Ireland in a Bunk Camper
Next article in the Wild Atlantic Way series: Doolin – caves, coastal walks and castles
Articles about my Ireland Bunk Camper Adventure:
Bunk Campers enable you to travel independently in Ireland
Killarney — a gem of a National Park
The Ring of Kerry tour done the right way
Loop Head Peninsula – great sites sans crowds
Doolin, Ireland for caves, castles and coastal walks
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