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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 10:22 AM
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cliffs of moher if fear of heights?

Seems like I end up asking this about every place we go! My other half has a fear of heights. If there is something (say, a low wall) separating him from emptiness, it's ok. I assume we could still get a sense of grandeur of Cliffs of Moher if we weren't near the edge, right? Does anyone know how close to the edge the guided walks go? Thank you.
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 10:53 AM
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I didn't walk along the actual cliffs of Moher, although I got close enough to see them before turning back; we walked from Doolin and had to turn back and underestimated the time. There was no wall at the cliffside on the part that we saw, but I think there are stretches with walls and with wider paths, in the vicinity of the visitor's center.

I did walk along the much lower cliffs adjacent to the Fort of Dun Aengus on the island of Inishmore. I'm not particularly afraid of heights, but I have to admit my knees got a little weak there. The sign warning of the danger of being blown into the sea in windy conditions didn't help.

I would suggest just going there independently rather than booking a guided walk. That way, if your husband is uncomfortable, you can just go away, or let him wait in the car while you get your thrill.
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 10:56 AM
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When we were there (and the cliffs are constantly eroding), the sidewalk was a fair distance back from the edge. I was shocked by the number of people who ignored the warning sign and went close to the edge. The ground is soft and there are some strong winds--still people risk it and sometimes die.

If your other half is really freaked out, stay in the car in the parking lot. On the other hand, I wouldn't say that the Cliffs were one of the highlights of our trip to Ireland.
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 10:56 AM
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I haven't been in awhile but remember a stone wall. Because the cliffs aren't in a straight line, you can stand back from the wall and still see a headland and the cliffs jutting out and of course down, but don't tell your husband that part.

The current visitors center is new since I've been there so I can't tell you where it's situated--I wouldn't think it would be so close that it would spoil the view.
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 11:02 AM
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As an alternative- take the ferry from Doolin out to Innis Oirr
for the day and combine it with their Cliffs of Moher tour. This was one of our absolute favorite days during our 10 day trip in Ireland last May.You'll have a gorgeous view from a different vantage point.
http://doolinferry.com/combined-tours/
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 11:05 AM
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Hi SYLVESTER,

Another option to view the CLIFFS OF MOHER is from an excursion boat. Of course that would depend on the season and weather.

We really enjoyed the ride. Looking up at the cliffs, those walking along above look so tiny. Sorry, I forget the name of the boat....
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 11:15 AM
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NOT very close, anymore. Back in the 'day', you could step over a low (1-2 foot high) wall and go right to the edge -- just ignoring the occasional Warning sign.
Now a days, I doubt if you COULD get to the edge -- at least at the 'Official' COM site!
Taken from behind a 4 or 5 foot high wall this past June:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/italli...57645603932391
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 11:28 AM
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If you visit the Cliffs and Visitor centre then no problem being scared of heights as you are kept back behind a 3ft wall. Walking the revamped Cliff path up from Doolin to Lisconnor is a different matter and I wouldn't recommend your better half tackle that.
As said the Cliffs cruise maybe as part of an Inis Oirr and Cliffs combi is a good option the "cliff" walk from Kilkee might be a little less intimidating http://www.loophead.ie/where-to-go-i...ee-cliff-walk/
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Old Jan 12th, 2015, 11:55 AM
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I have a degree of acrophobia too and just walked toward the cliffs and stopped before the edge.. To my dismay, my family actually sat on the edge.
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Old Jan 13th, 2015, 03:55 PM
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Wow! Thanks for all the great info. Sounds like it's doable (and we'll take care not to get blown off the cliffs!!)
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Old Jan 14th, 2015, 08:24 AM
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the grounds are significant in size, so there is plenty of space to walk around without really being near the edge, and your other half should feel comfortable enough there, and get a sense of the full experience! and yes, take note of the winds, they can be extraordinary.
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