Cliffs of Moher - County Clare

Why have the scary yet majestic Cliffs of Moher a remnant of the last ice age, become Irelands premier visitor attraction with almost a million visitors annually? Perhaps it is their very ‘edginess’ on the western most tip of Europe, the next landfall or as they say here in Ireland, the next parish, being all the way across the Atlantic ocean in Boston or New York.
A new state of the art visitor centre The Atlantic Edge Experience not only explains the geological background, flora and fauna using interactive media, but also local history, music and folklore and is an excellent addition, in that it keeps children of all ages informed, amused and entertained, in what could otherwise be a disappointing experience as often the cliffs are shrouded in mists, fog and rain or as a visitor described it recently 'flying weather'. The animated birds eye view of the cliffs is very funny.....

Poised to achieve international recognition and acclaim on the back of a new Irish film called Waveriders and that incredible AIB advert featuring Irish surfing champions Fergus Smith and John McCarthy, who runs his own surf school in nearby Lahinch. Ireland is now being promoted as a premier surf destination, something these cool dudes have known forever. The film features these fearless, crazy surfers chasing the famous 80' high Ailies wave beneath the Cliffs of Moher.
Rather them then me.....

Breaking news..... The Cliffs of Moher have been shortlisted as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World which will be decided in 2011 by the public registering their votes online. If you would like to add your vote please visit www.new7wonders.com

10 Other things to do and see near the Cliffs of Moher.....

Heading South....

1 Atlantis take a bracing walk along the cliff tops, try and spot or hear the fabled bells of Irelands very own lost city of Atlantis.

2 St Brigid’s well about 2 miles south of the cliffs on the right beside the O'Brien monument is a very famous holy well, and a revered place of pilgrimage every spring on Feb 1st.

3 Vaughans Restaurant stop for something to eat in the little seaside village of Liscannor, superb food served all day in a traditional pub atmosphere, excellent pints & deserts!

4 Lahinch Seaworld great rainy day alternative, Irelands biggest aquariam, indoor pool and leisure centre.

5 Atlantic Hotel a truly elegant throw back to the glamourous days of seaside holidays, fine dining, white linen tablecloths, silver candlesticks, need I say more?

6 Lahinch Surf School run by the guys who made the video, learn how to surf like a pro! all ages, all stages, be bold, be brave....be careful!

Heading North....

7 Cliffs of Moher Cruise take a scenic boat tour along the base of the cliffs, out of Doolin to see the puffin colonies, this is really great and fun to do with plenty of excellent photo opportunities for the snap happy.

8 O'Connors Pub in Doolin, on the go since 1832, famous throughout Ireland and even the world for traditional Irish music sessions or seisuins as they are known as gaelige. Their beef in Guinness stew is not half bad either?

9 Doolin Ferries take a trip over to the Aran Islands of Inisheer, Inishmaan or Inishmor. You can then tell your grandchildren you have been for a ride on the Happy Hooker.

10 Ballinalackin Castle Hotel have a posh dinner, or stay in this superb country house hotel with the best breakfast sausages in Ireland.

Plus 10 more suggestions on where to eat, sleep or play....

1 Cullinans Seafood Restaurant fast making a name for themselves as one of the best fish restaurants in the West!

2 Aille River Hostel Awarded 2nd Best Hostel in Ireland 2009, why I dont know? it should be No 1.

3 Irish Music Shop a treasure trove for music lovers with rare sheet music as well as instruments.

4 Doolin Jam Company drop in and treat yourself to the best homemade jams in Ireland which come in tempting flavours like champagne&raspberry, port&blackcurrant, whiskey marmalade...

5 Doolin Hotel contemporary cool in a rural landscape.

6 Lehinch Golf Links reputedly another one of Tiger Woods favourites?

7 Orbital Winds Kite surfing school for the ultimate adrenalin rush.

8 The Lahinch Bookshop enjoy the rare & delicious treat of browsing through real books not an online catalogue in this well stocked bookshop.

9 Burren Smokehouse help yourself to free samples of premium oak smoked salmon & other artisan food goodies in Lisdoonvarna.

10 Doolin Cave or Poll an Iolain, saving the best till last! This is the ‘real deal’ a supervised geological experience (limited to 15 at a time, and you get to wear hard hats with torches, yea....

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