meece

I certainly don't want to insult anyone by asking this question, but I wanted to know if I missed something while I was visiting the Cliffs of Moher in July 2006? When we were there there was quite a bit of construction going on for their new visitors center, so maybe some of it was due to this.

I just found that the view was a bit limiting. The wall was rather high and quite a distance away from the edges, allowing for less than ideal photographs. Also, there was only a short distance to walk along.

Now there was a section along the walk, off to the left that had a trail that led on around the cliffs. I saw several people walking to this area but there was a posted sign that said not to trespass beyond that point. We felt it was necessary to obey the rules, however, now I wonder if it is beyond that point where everyone says how breath-taking the view is?

P_M

I regret to say we disobeyed the sign and crossed the wall. I'm not sure I would do that again. I don't think you missed much by obeying the rules.

tekwriter

I visited them in '04 and I have to say, I found them to be a tad disappointing, given all I had heard about them. I've seen the Big Sur coast in California, which I found to be much more dramatic and scenic than the Cliffs of Moher. We stopped for less than 30 minutes, took the requisite photos, and were on our way. I know others rave about the scene, but I wasn't overly impressed!

BudgetQueen

I was there 10 days ago, it was spectacular, I believe a great deal has to do with the conditions, the lighting was dramatic and it was extremely scenic. I too have traveled up the entire coast of Ca. and Big Sur. The construction caused a big detour to get there, I did not go past the "sign". I spoke to a couple construction workers who said the wall changes were necessary due to "more" people falling over the ledges and not staying on the former paths. Don't know if they were serious???

bigtyke

they are just some big cliffs. Interesting and I'm glad i went to see them, but frankly, i didn't see any scenery in ireland that i would in any way classify as spectacular.

Songdoc

I too was underwhelmed by the Cliffs of Moher. I was there on a rainy day, took a few pix and left, feeling a bit disappointed.

But in terms of the previous poster's comment . . . I found the Antrim Coast, Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim, Torr Head Road, and many other places in N. Ireland to be remarkably beautiful. It's been many years since I toured the Republic, but I know I thought it was beautiful -- and I can hardly wait to go back in February.

It reminds of when I was utterly blown away by the old city in Dubrovnik, and overheard people talking about how disappointing it was! I guess that's why they make 32 different flavors;-)

Luna1

Does anyone know when the construction at the Cliffs is due to be completed? Thanks!

LarryJ

I was at the Cliffs this past June and the view is not nearly as good as it was in 2005 when I was there due to the new barriers. In all honesty there are much more beautiful places to see in Ireland (especially in the west) than the Cliffs. If you are into cliffs try those at Etretat, France.

Another disappointment to me that is nearby the Cliffs is the Burren. I am sure many people are fascinated by this barren region but I think you would have to be a botanist or geologist to find the area interesting. To me it looks like Appalachian stripmines after the coal company moved out. Aside from these two areas I think western Ireland is breathtakingly beautiful. Just one guy's humble opinion your mileage may vary.

Larry J

yesiree100

Luna1,

They are planning to have the construction done well before St. Patrick's Day.

Katherine Webster, the Director of the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience, provided an update in last month's Irish Fireside e-newsletter. Read it at:

http://www.irishfireside.com/enewsle...cliffs1006.htm

There's also a link to the new website for the Cliffs of Moher (unfortunately, they appear to be behind schedule in getting the site up...a new site was scheduled to go up on Oct 9).

wojazz3

Spectacular is obviously in the eye of the beholder. I've been to the Cliffs at sunset a number of times and it is really quite beautiful and serene even with a howeling wind. I'm not terribly surprised that it's not as enjoyable when it's raining and if we want to discourage people from visiting the Cliffs or all parts of Ireland, it works for me.

There are all sorts of what I refer to as spectacular scenes in Ireland. If you want some cliffs, try Slieve League in Donegal, said to be the highest in Europe, though Croaghaun on Achill is actually higher and I believe there is a spot on the Faroe Islands that is higher.

strass

I was there in September 2000 and don't remember a wall, but I guess it's new! We walked to the "left" (when facing the water) for awhile, away from all the tourists, and had amazing views there. Our favorite picture of it is still framed in our living room--it's breathtaking.

We found the scenery along the Dingle Peninsula to be just as amazing. I can't wait to return to Ireland...

cambe

Hi M,

10 days ago I left Belfast (where I live) for 4 days in Connemara. The weather forecast was excellent so I left at 5am and went to Connemara via 'The Cliffs of Moher' and 'The Burren'.

When I arrived at the cliffs the weather was superb but like you I was underwhelmed. I had my dog with me and did not enter the area signposted 'No trespassers'.

Perhapes it was my expectations but I expected to see something better than I have ever seen in the world - not so.
I also agree with Songdoc as I keep thinking the walk along the upper track at the Giant Causeway was much much better.

Didn't get 'The Burren' either but adored Connemara. The weather was perfect and if you want a WOH factor go there - Fantastic at every turn.

Helen

wojazz3

I must say I am disappointed with the construction. Walking out to the ledge was really nice and now they have a "viewing area" and it detracts from the natural beauty from what I can say. Some of the people "falling" off actually have jumped.

Bill

Ozarksbill

OK, as some say, its just a big cliff...but even in the mist it is spectacular jutting up high up against the sea. The Grand Canyon seen last
March...that's something really wondrous to behold along with Amalfi Drive, Fjords of Norway, Swiss Alps, and yes Big Sur, etc.

As for the Burren, yes you do need a botanist to interpret their uniqueness and that's what we we had for a guide in 2001. Otherwise, just barren rock.
I'm all for guided tours in many places for just such a reason.

ozarksbill

GBC

I am not insulted. In fact, we felt much the same as you did and we were there before all the construction. If one were to rank all the best sites to visit in Ireland, the Cliffs wouldn't make our top ten.

We did drive around in the Burren and we thought that it was interesting and quite unique. That may have been because we stopped frequently and walked about to study the formations and the plantlife there.

meece

Thanks for all of your insights! In general, I feel that Ireland is a wonderful place. I will be making my third visit in April and look forward to seeing even more of this beautiful place.