The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

I can vividly recall the moment I first saw the cliffs of Moher.

We were visiting Ireland for three weeks, and having been in Cork, Kerry and Limerick we arrived in the Burren where we stayed at a great B & B. We were kid-less back then, and were planning walks and off course a visit to the famous Cliffs of Moher. Much to my surprise we met so many families with kids both at the Cliffs aswell as during the walks (going much faster than we were by the way).

Standing at the edge (my husband-to-be a few steps behind me because of vertigo), I felt a deep feeling of humility seeing those huge steep walls rising from the Atlantic ocean, that not one man touched to make. It is such an amazing feeling to realize that we men, are not as important as we want to be. Quite liberating!

The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south-western edge of The Burren area near Doolin, which is located in County Clare, Republic of Ireland. In 2006 Ireland applied succesfully for a Unesco Geopark protection status. This is what the Unesco site has to say about the cliffs and the Burren area:

"The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark is a unique glacio-karst landscape located on Ireland's west coast between the cities of Limerick and Galway, with magnificent Atlantic coastal landforms, unique floral diversity, fascinating archaeology; all set in a landscape managed by traditional farming practices, and amid a thriving culture of Irish music, dance, food and sport."

Honestly, there is not much to say about the cliffs: they are nearly 700 ft (214 m) high for a distance of about four miles (8 km.). But this knowledge does not prepare you enough for the sight. Both the view of the cliffs of Moher, as the view from the cliffs are amazing and breathtaking.

Yes, if you have vertigo issues the Cliffs are a bit of a liability, and you might want to step back from the edge a bit, but if you can get yourself past that O-my-god-I-am-going-to-fall-and-break-my-neck point I promise you it is worth the trouble.

Why take your kids there?

For one simple reason.

Because it is the easiest way to explain to them that there is more to life than television and video games. That there are things on this earth that are (literally) bigger than us, and that the beach is not the only natural feature that we can enjoy fully as humans.

They will feel the connection (and you too)!


for more information:
Cliffs of Moher site
The Burren national Park
discover Ireland
Unesco on the Cliffs of Moher