Day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

During our Irish holiday, we ventured on a day trip out of Dublin city and westwards across the Emerald Isle to see the majestic Cliffs of Moher.

The Burren

The 3 hour drive took us through the Midlands of Ireland, and through the interesting Burren area which is characterized by limestone strewn terrain that dates back to the ice ages. Along the way we crossed the river Shannon, the ‘Spine of Ireland’, which is the longest river in the British isles and splits the eastern and western parts of Ireland.

Other wordly terrain of the Burren

Quick stop in Galway for some hot chocolate

Rugged coastline en route to the Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

The highlight of the day was our afternoon stop at the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs are stunning steep vertical walls of limestone that flank the Irish coastline and Atlantic Ocean. They reach up to 200m high and stretch for almost 10km. We spent the better part of 2 hours walking along the cliffs edge – awestruck by the jagged natural beauty of the cliffs, and clamoring for the best vantage points for pictures.

Panoramic view of the Cliffs and O’Brien’s Tower

Savoring some sunshine along the windswept cliffs

Majestic Cliffs of Moher

Posing as if we’re not nervous about the steep precipice behind us

Steep walkway along the cliff’s edge – not for the faint of heart

O’Brien’s Tower heads the northern tip of the visitors walkway along the cliffs

Miles and miles of the sheer cliffs along the coast

Bunratty Castle

On the way back to Dublin we made a quick stop at Bunratty Castle, which is one of the oldest castles in Ireland and at one time served as a jail during British rule.Today the Catle is known for its medieval themed banquets and entertainment.