The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher, as noted by EMGN.com, are as one of the 12 most deadly tourist hot spots on the planet (#7) .  Their claim of no protection to prevent people from going over the edge isn’t completely accurate.  There is fencing now, however there had not been in the past.  The only way you’ll fall over the edge these days is if you are trying to or not being safe and adhering to posted warnings. One does not have to search far to read stories about such tragedy.

Tragedy happens at the Grand Canyon in the USA as well.  There is a book written by Thomas M. Meyers Over The Edge: Death in Grand Canyon, that documents every death in the Grand Canyon breaking down the casualties into categories.  I believe this is the book a friend told me about where it explains some sort of phenomena about becoming so overcome with awe at what you are seeing that you essentially pass out and fall over.  Not something you should do at the Grand Canyon or the Cliffs of Moher.

The Cliffs of Moher are truly a sight to behold.  My wife and I experienced plenty of awe that April evening.  With the visitor center closed there were not many people around.  All the tour buses had gone.  There were plenty of cars in the parking lot though and I didn’t even give that a second thought.

I wished I had researched the place better and known the exact spots where photographs are typically taken from.  This isn’t a place where you want to sprint to a place to catch the great light.  We did manage a lengthy hike; first to O’Brian’s Tower (orange), and then back South along Burren Way (red).

O’Brian’s Tower

The Cliffs

We were fortunate to have favorable weather and only a slight breeze.  Burren Way is a paved path around the visitor center and to O’Brian’s Tower, but not out along the cliff.  There is a pretty clear transition point where the path turns to hard packed dirt and/or crushed rock.  this is where you warning become even more prevalent. You are given notice that you are leaving the Cliffs of Moher grounds.  You notified of the extreme danger ahead.

To offer a sense of scale, you can see a full-grown adult standing on top of the cliffs on the upper right in the image below.  Inconceivable! (*Cliffs of Insanity below)

*The Princess Bride (1987) (as the filming location for “The Cliffs of Insanity”)

 More photos of the cliffs

The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair) are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. They rise 120 metres (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head, and, eight kilometres to the north, reach their maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft) just north of O’Brien’s Tower, which is a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs that was built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien.  – wikipedia

If sea cliffs are your thing, I would also recommend a trip to Slieve League.

Extra

Documentary (28 minutes)

Drone Footage

Cliffs of Moher Walk

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