Cliffs of Moher

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Departing Kilkenny at 9.30, I hit off for the Atlantic coast (some 120 miles away), passing by the Rock of Cashel en route. The Rock of Cashel (Co. Tipperary), with its well preserved ecclesiastical remains, is one of Ireland's most spectacular landmarks, rising above the surrounding plain and dominating the route soutwards.The large Cathedral, ancient round tower and the very early Romanesque Cormac's Chapel , perched on a dramatic outcrop of rock, were silent witnesses to many of the stirring events of Irish History; St.Patrick converted the local King Aenghus, here in the 5th century and Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th Century. Unfortunately I didn't stop for a photo as I was adamant to make the coast by lunchtime! (Another time!)

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Having crawled through the traffic in Limerick, I headed northwards towards Ennis, passing yet another Irish heritage site - Bunratty Castle. The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland.  Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls, much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past. Again, no time to stop (Sorry!)

Don't fall off - it's a long way down!

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120miles and 3 hours later I finally made it to my destination - The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare - the Atlantic Edge! While a visit to the cliffs is free, I did find it a bit 'Irish' to be charged €8 to use the car park. You've no choice but to park there and I only hope that my €8 will be put back into the upkeep & protection of the area and not into the pockets of some random man/woman!!

However, the €8 is soon forgotten once you walk to the cliff's edge - WOW! The cliffs stretch for 5miles(8km) and rise up to 214m above the Atlantic waves. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of these majestic Cliffs and from them you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South, that is if the weather is kind and the day clear! Today, it was a bit misty, so I didn't get a view of them all.

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After your stroll along the cliff top, you can return to the visitor centre for a bite to eat, some shopping (the usual traditional Irish gift shop) and if you're up for it, some learning in the interpretive centre (Atlantic Edge), all of which are housed underground in a domed cave!!!

So, the Cliffs of Moher... DONE!

My only advise, having driven a round trip of 250miles in 8hrs is make a few days out of your trip to the West Coast. There's lots more on offer besides the Cliffs. I'm sorry I couldn't take longer  and get out to visit Bunratty, the Rock of Cashel and perhaps even take a hike on the Burren. All for another time!