TRIP REPORT INDEX

SUMMARY

Majestic Cliffs of Moher – Fantastic!

The Cliffs of Moher were the main reason we visited Doolin, Ireland, but I didn't realize there was much more to do (including those things covered in my previous post). We visited the Cliffs both in the evening and the morning looking for the best views. Had I known earlier, I would have stayed at least 1 more night to have time to hike The Wild Atlantic Way. Be sure to check it out BEFORE completing your itinerary!

CLIFFS OF MOHER

We originally planned to visit the Cliffs of Moher (pictured above) in the evening to try to catch sunset as people say the views are better (and there are less people and parking and entrance is free). There was no sun to be found in the evening or the following morning but the cloudy skies made for a bit o a dramatic back drop. I WISH I HAD READ ABOUT THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY BEFORE I PLANNED MY ITINERARY! “The Wild Atlantic Way is the world's longest defined coastal touring route.” Had I planned an extra night in Doolin, I would have opted to hike the coastal trail from Doolin to The Cliffs of Moher. The photos on their website are amazing.

The view opposite the Cliffs of Moher:

There are many viewing points at the Cliffs of Moher. You can walk in the entrance, snap a few pictures and leave but that would be a waste. I can't imagine being here when it's crowded — there were only a few people enjoying the evening views.

DOOLIN CAVE

The Doolin Cave was not originally on my list of things to do but I'd glad we discovered it. Book online to save 20% or grab a flyer from a B&B or restaurant can also get you 20%. This privately owned cave has the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere – it is 7.3 metres (23feet) long. Sometimes these types of places are Disneyfied — but fortunately, this one is not. Here is the entrance:

The group climbed down many stairs. This is the walls of the hole that was dug with only hand tools so as not to disturb the massive stalactite. Adding the fact that this was privately funded is amazing!

First everyone gets helmets. It's very dark down there…and easy to bump your head. I saw it happen a few times.

Finally, we entered the room with the giant stalactite! How much does it weight? About 10 tons.

The stalactite was found in 1952 by two students, Varley and Dickenson. Here is the original tiny hole where the students entered and later discovered the stalactite!

On the way back to Dublin, we this area looked interesting so I pulled over, jumped out, and climbed down for a few photos:

Our last view of The Burren on the way back to Dublin:

My Cameras: These photos were taken using my Canon S110 Digital Camera (which has been replaced by the S120) as well as my larger Nikon D50.  I love the S110 – it’s tiny, fits in my pocket, and takes amazing pictures/videos.