(Ireland) –10 things to do and see near the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair, lit. cliffs of the ruin, also known as the Cliffs of Mohair) are located in the parish of Liscannor at the south-western edge of the Burren area near Doolin, which is located in County Clare, Ireland.

(Ireland) –Cliffs of Moher

 

The cliffs rise 120 meters (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head (Irish: Ceann na Cailleach), and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometres away. The views from the cliffs attract close to one million visitors per year. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as are the valleys and hills of Connemara.

(Ireland) –Cliffs of Moher

 O'Brien's Tower is a round stone tower at the approximate midpoint of the cliffs. It was built by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boru, in order to impress female visitors. From atop that watchtower, visitors can view the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Maum Turk Mountains and the Twelve Pins to the north in Connemara, and Loop Head to the south.

The Cliffs of Moher rank as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland and topped the list of attractions in 2006 by drawing almost one million visitors. 10 things to do and see near the Cliffs of Moher:

(Ireland) –Cliffs of Moher

 

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.

(Ireland) - Cliffs of Moher Cruise

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!

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 Cave see the largest stalactite in the northern hemisphere, great Indiana Jones style adventure. 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.

Food, Hotel and more

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

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

(Ireland) - Doolin Cave

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 enjoys the rare & delicious treat of browsing through real books not an online catalogue in this well stocked bookshop.

9. Burren Smokehouse helps 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

(Wiki, Irelands Hidden Gems)