cliffs of moher -best plan?

Old Feb 12th, 2008, 07:59 AM
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cliffs of moher -best plan?

we will be driving from dingle to galway and 3 days later from galway to bunratty. should we plan on visiting the cliffs on one of our travel days(to and from galway) or should we schedule it for one of our 3 days that we are in galway?
thanks again
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 08:43 AM
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I think there are three factors involved in your timing:

How interested are you in making a thorough visit to the cliffs as opposed to a "one and done" type of approach? I was on an Insight Co. tour and we stopped at the Cliffs for a shorter period of time than we did at commercial stops and for the so-called optional tours which cost extra of course and delivered a commission to the guide.

We were there for a total of 40 minutes part of which was consumed by walking too and from the viewing areas.

How interested are you in taking photographs of the cliffs? If you are highly interested, then waiting until afternoon will give better lighting because the cliffs face westward and the sun will be shining on the front of the cliffs.

The thoroughness factor and the photography factor might also help determine whether or not you want the added expense of taking a boat trip so you can see the cliffs from the ocean side. From that angle you will be in a better in a position to see the Cliffs with the light behind you. Full frontal lighting is always best for photographs, even with a good digital camera. The boat may be rocking, but if your camera is a "high end" model it hopefully will have image stabilization and a shutter priority setting that will enable you to minimize camera shake.

Last, I think weather will play a role in your decision. Rain is fairly common in Ireland and if the day is very wet with low clouds, even fog, you may want to consider that factor in your timing.

Obviously I thought the Cliffs were worth an extended view. Unfortunately, I need to go back to have the opportunity.
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 10:09 AM
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Thank you for this thoughtful and lengthy reply -- I'll make sure I schedule our visit for late afternoon. And a boat trip is working its way up my priority list.

el
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 10:21 AM
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If the weather and timing works out, I highly recommend the boat trip. The cliffs are very impressive from the visitors centre, but seeing them from the ocean is a whole different perspective.

However, if the weather is bad, the cruises may not run - we waited and checked the weather forecast, then called to book a spot the day before. It wasn't guaranteed to be sunny (it rarely is!), but we were pretty sure the day wouldn't be a washout. So in terms of timing, I'd just wait and see what the weather holds. If your travel day to Galway is sunny, it's probably a good day to visit. If not, see what the forecast is for the rest of your available time.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 05:59 AM
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Bob_Brown, I have to agree what an excellent response.
Jent103, also your helpful advice. Were you referencing the 1-1/2 hour moher cruise?
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 07:31 AM
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I honestly don't remember how long it was, but that could be right. The company we used is the one at cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com. I'm not sure if there are others or not.

Do take some Dramamine or something if you get motion sickness - the weather was beautiful for our trip, but the boat is not huge and the water was still a little choppy.
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Old Feb 13th, 2008, 08:50 AM
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thank you all for your assistance.i may have to plan in a cruise instead of a rushed visit.
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