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[pricing_column_name comment=””]The Cliffs of Moher[/pricing_column_name]
[line]Official Site[/line]
[line]Price: €6.00, €4.00 Student[/line]
[price comment=”Our Rating”] (5 / 5)[/price]
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On the fourth day of our trip, Leslie and I crossed the border into a magical land called Florin. I had a sneaking suspicion that someone was following us, but Leslie said that was inconceivable. And besides, it was too late—see? The Cliffs of Insanity!

It’s true. Well, sort of. The Cliffs of Insanity are actually the Cliffs of Moher^[1], an impressive 8 km (5 mi) stretch of exposed sandstone and limestone along the western edge of County Clare, Ireland. The cliffs reach 214m/702 feet^[2] at their highest point, and they’re home to a plethora of wildlife: birds, goats, fish, dolphins, seals, and shrieking eels.

Don’t worry, we don’t get eaten by the eels at this time. I’m explaining because you look nervous.

I was not feeling well, so I was a bit off my photography game that day. But don’t let that fool you into thinking I didn’t think it was pretty spectacular—terrifying, but spectacular.

Leslie says, “This was another favorite, by far. There was magnificent scenery on the drive there, and the cliffs and the paths along them were lovely.”

We hiked out to the north end of the cliffs on a trail that was mere feet from the edge. It was super windy and I’m a klutz at the best of times, so it’s a real miracle that I didn’t fall to my death.

Leslie and I often joke about being the same person. We have lots in common, like most of the same books/music/movies/food, and frequently express sentiments identical to what the other feels. But on this day, we discovered something we don’t share: an appreciation for heights. I am a wuss. Leslie has no fear.

I was really feeling out of sorts by that point, so I retreated to the car to nap for a bit and work on my dissertation while Leslie continued to explore. She says, “I loved the atmosphere here. It was nice to just relax and enjoy the lovely cool weather, fresh ocean air, and everything I love about being outdoors and feeling calm and peaceful and closer to Heavenly Father when admiring his creations. I was glad we had a lot of time here. I truly enjoyed walking both directions and seeing the different viewpoints of the cliffs from either end.”

The Cliffs of Moher bring in a million visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s well worth the visit—even just for the opportunity to quote the Princess Bride and act insane for a little while.

And just remember, “True love is the greatest thing in the world—except for a nice MLT—mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomatoes are ripe. They’re so perky. I love that.”

Read more about my trip with Leslie here.

Helpful Sites

If you're planning a trip, here are some sites that I've found especially useful:

Booking.com is a great resource for cheap accommodations. They have a good variety of both hotels and hostels, so no matter your budget, you're bound to find something to suit.

Hostelworld is also good for cheap accommodations if you're digging the hostel scene.

TripAdvisor has a lot of very useful information, from reviews of attractions and travel-related businesses to forums where you can ask your questions and have them answered by locals or travel experts.

Planning a trip to Ireland? Be sure to include the the Cliffs of Moher in your itinerary!

[1] I always thought it was pronounced like “Mohair,” but it’s not. To say it correctly, do your best impression of a Southern accent and say “More.”

[2] Source: Brochure from the park.