Ireland: County Clare, Cliffs of Moher – A Great View from the Edge. 
Any trip to Ireland must include time in the countryside with family or new friends and a visit to the Cliffs of Moher - Ireland's awesome geopark.
Here’s the scoop. While I was studying in Ireland I had the chance to walk along the Ireland’s western edge and to be amazed at the natural beauty surrounding the Cliffs of Moher. I am rarely speechless but for me it was a Wow! And I could find no words to describe the awesome natural beauty created where the land, sea and sky collide. Maybe collide is a strong word but the wind, and the sounds of the sea crashing against the rocks creates an energy that can be felt if one stands still for just a bit.
Take in the view. Cresting more than 700 feet above the North Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher is a testimony to Mother Nature’s penchant for beauty. It is a good idea to take binoculars because if the day is clear from the Cliffs it is possible to see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and The Twelve Pins, as well as the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara. For families with youngsters the actual view may not be as compelling as the interactive explanations provided within the earth-friendly interpretive centre.
The Visitor Centre Experience. Located in an underground domed-cave space on the heath The Visitor Centre was created without destroying the horizon line and view. It is a rewarding place that tells several stories with images, interactive exhibits, displays, and energizing films. My favorite part of the Centre is the LEDGE – an amazing virtual reality cliff-face adventure that allows viewers to see the cliffs from the point of view of a seabird. Discovery: The Cliffs of Moher was named for Fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars.
Walk to the edge. Almost everyone follows the pathway along the cliff top to enjoy the views so it can be crowed as well as windy, cool, wet and depending on the time of year cold. But it is so beautiful, who cares, right?
Bonus points: O'Brien's Tower defines the skyline of the majestic Cliffs and it is worth the effort to get a ticket to the rooftop area for photos.
Reserve a guided walk. The Cliffs area is home to a colony of cliff-nesting seabirds and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for the feathered residents. To learn more about area guided nature walks are available. The mini field trip sessions are conducted by the Cliffs of Moher Rangers & Guides and must be pre booked during the busiest months.
One of the Global Network of National Geoparks. While I have described the location’s worthiness it is important to know that The Burren and Cliffs of Moher is now part of a unique group of world geopark locations. Presently there are 78 geoparks in 26 countries worldwide. Each member offers not just remarkable geological interest but also environmentally-conscious tourism initiatives and a calendar of relevant events and activities.
Films to share. Our family has long had a tradition of sharing stories and reading books and watching films about our next family vacation destination. So it was terrific for me to learn that the Cliffs of Moher have been featured on film several times, The Princess Bride (1987) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), and Leap Year (2010) but they were referred to as "The Cliffs of Insanity" in the film.
Ireland Family Vacation Planning Details. The Visitor Centre Experience Cliffs of Moher. Adult price €6.00, children younger than 16 years of age enter for free. There are also discounts for students and seniors. It is best to call the visitor centre for exact opening hours. Cliffs of Moher County Clare + 353 65 7086141 or
www.cliffsofmoher.ieLocation on the planet. Cliffs of Moher and Visitor Centre are located in the Burren area near Doolin in County Clare. From Galway it takes about 1 hour and a half and from Dublin plan on almost four hours. Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience Cliffs of Moher Co. Clare, Ireland.
Make it happen. Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. Here's a deal. Book tickets online for the Cliffs online and receive a 10% discount at
www.cliffsofmoher.ie or call+353 (0)65 7086141.
Ireland Family Vacation Planning Resource. Discover Ireland provides free vacation planning kits. Simply contact them online at
www.discoverireland.com or call from USA or Canada toll-free 1-800 SHAMROCK (1-800-742-6762).
Content & images provided by Jule Nelson-Duac, actor and teacher who spent five months studying theatre arts in Dublin. Sheep road sign provided by DiscoverIreland.ie Copyright 2012.
