The hustle and bustle of Galway City is left behind quickly. Replaced with ever-changing landscapes, as we journey toward the Cliffs of Moher. As our bus dips and meanders through calm rolling green fields filled with livestock, in County Galway, we cross over to County Clare, into the alien-like landscape of The Burren.
Grey rocky fields of limestone and boulders left behind from the last ice age, litter the horizon. It may look barren but this landscape is teeming with flora and fauna. Plants from the Arctic and the Mediterranean can be found scattered amongst the rocky surface. Bygones of Ireland’s tectonic movement north and south for many millions of years.
It’s Not Just About The Destination
Naturally, Gerry, our driver, starts singing another Irish song as he steers us on the winding coastal road known as The Wild Atlantic Way. We are inching closer and closer toward the gnarly jagged coastline, as we listen intently to our safety briefing, between songs. Sheer drops from 200-meter high cliff tops to the thrashing wild Atlantic Ocean below will greet us soon enough. Rockslides are prevalent, winds will be strong, barriers are there to keep us safe and alive.
As I exit the bus, I have two choices, right or left!
As I make my way right, I can see and hear the local birdlife, taking advantage of the thermal up-drafts and soaring high in the sky, in the winds above my head.
I’m bounding up the stairs toward O’Brien’s Tower, excited to finally see them with my own eyes. I want to wait until I’m at the Tower to turn and look but I can’t. I turn to my left and there they are in all their spectacular glory, The Cliffs Of Moher.
Finally, the weather has cleared, we’ve been blessed with views out to the nearby Aran Islands. But it’s a windy day, the seas are angry and unforgiving. We will not be visiting them today.
Why The Cliffs of Moher?
When I sat down late last year and wrote down my travel goals for 2019, Ireland was most certainly on my list. On the top of my Ireland list were The Cliffs of Moher. They were the only destination in Ireland I actually planned. Everything else on my trip I left to spontaneity and how I felt on the day.
However, I wanted to do the Cliffs “right’. Therefore, that meant going on a day trip from Galway.
I love nature! I’m in my absolute element out hiking, hunting for waterfalls, at the beach, you name it. If it’s nature-related I’m always gonna be happy as the proverbial pig in …….
There are many different ways to experience the Cliffs. Hire a car and do it entirely self-guided. Catching a local bus out there, to which there are plenty. Or by joining a tour company.
Why A Tour?
I chose the latter. I wanted to sit back and relax, I wanted to listen to all the history and information about Ireland, Counties Galway and Clare and learn about the Cliffs.
What I hadn’t counted on, but thoroughly enjoyed, were all the songs our lovely driver Gerry sang us there and back and all the jokes he told in true Irish form. They really do have a way with words and love telling a grand story.
With so many companies to choose from, how do you, in fact, choose? It was easy for me. I went with Wild Atlantic Ways Day Tours because when I read the history of the company I knew it was for me. They’re a family run business, from day dot until now, by the Joyce family.
Because they offered a unique tour also, I was immediately interested. A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, with the absolute selling point for me being that the boat would take us underneath the Cliffs of Moher for a unique perspective. Looking up at them!
However, being in October, and being in Ireland, you never know what weather you are going to be greeted with. Overnight we had a huge storm and woke up to nasty winds and rough seas.
Unfortunately, this meant the boats from Doolin to Inisheer had been cancelled. Therefore, no trip to the Aran’s or under the Cliffs.
Fortunately, WAW Day Tours had a plan B. The morning would be spent in The Burren at Aillwee Cave, followed by an extended period of time at the Cliffs.
Itinerary for the Cliffs of Moher Tour
With a 9:30 am departure from outside Kinlay hostel Galway, we headed straight for Aillwee Cave.
The Cave was discovered by a farmer and his dog in 1941. He told no one about the cave until 1974 when he overheard two researchers talking at his local pub. He invited them to have a look and it was a very significant discovery.
The cave is walkable up to approx 1km, and thereafter only navigable by experienced cavers. It was also discovered to be a hibernation den for the now extinct Brown Bears. Bones have been found of bears that had died naturally and by the hand of man, some 10 thousand years ago
A few songs from Gerry and a stop at a leprechaun house later (it was just a wee spring well), we were at the Mini Cliffs of Moher. A small set of cliffs, that just give you a little taste of the Atlantic wind and the waves before you venture on to the main event.
This is what we’d all come for. One of the most visited attractions in Ireland (second only to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin)
Having hosted over 1.5 million visitors in 2018, there is a reason people enjoy them.
They are nature at her best!
The cliffs formed over 300 million years ago and are protected by Irish and EU Law. Not only the cliffs but the 20+ bird species, including Puffins, that call the Cliffs home.
What to Expect
Wind! Lots and lots of wind. It’s the edge of some big Cliffs, therefore, you’re going to get knocked about.
Although we had a big storm the night before, it didn’t rain whilst we were there. I’d prepare for rain though and ensure you have a weather/rainproof jacket. (don’t even bother with an umbrella, pointless in that wind)
There were a lot of puddles and mud on the paths to avoid, so having the right hiking boots is important.
The sun blessed us with a visit and the most amazing full rainbow.
Added to which the grass on the cliffs was a fluorescent green against a beautifully contrasted backdrop of a moody grey sky.
There are barriers along all trails, put in place for the safety of all visitors. The cliffs are prone to sudden rockfalls and huge gusts of wind that cause people to lose their footing. Many people have sadly died from falling each year.
Due to it being the second most visited place in Ireland expect lots and lots of people. Be respectful, don’t rush on the paths. Most are only wide enough for a single file. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and the majesty of what you’re experiencing.
Furthermore, there is a state of the art visitor centre, cafe and toilets all available by the car park also.
Gerry, our tour guide and bus driver, had a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of Ireland’s history, geology and culture. He knew all the Irish songs and happily sang them to us, which was pure magic as we were driving along. Oh, and the bus had wifi!
Was it worth it and would I recommend it?
Absolutely! Even with the cancellation of the Aran Island, the addition of the Aillwee Cave was a great alternative. Gerry was a fabulous guide, knowledgeable, funny, friendly and safety conscious.
The cost of the tour was €50 which meant it was less than a fiver per hour spent on the tour. That’s pretty good value for money in my opinion. Especially considering the information we received as well as all the jokes and songs from Gerry!
If you’re interested in taking this day tour, or any other, please head straight to WAW Day Tours website to book yourself in.
**Thanks Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours for hosting me for the day. I only provide genuine recommendations to my readers. All opinions are my own**
What an awesome summary. Now I need to get back there
Me too! I need to see those Aran Islands
Love love love the Cliffs and you ended up with epic views!
They are truly amazing. I was really lucky because the morning was horrible and wet but thankfully it was clear and sunny the whole time we were there