The Cliffs of Moher For Two, Please
When Ireland’s top tourist attraction is exclusively yours
It’s 6 a.m. on Monday when we embark on our bird-watching mission at the Cliffs of Moher, starting from the southern point at Hag’s Head. It’s my fourth visit to the cliffs, but I have never been here in the morning. Since the magnificent rock wall faces west, I’ve always thought that the evening is the right time to visit. From a photographer’s point of view, it’s true, but I have never considered the aspect of experiencing this monumental marvel by myself.
As the slanting rays of the early sun kiss the heads of the cliffs, shrouding the coast in golden mist, I’m starting to seriously re-evaluate my attitude toward the best visiting time. The morning hours have their undeniable beauty.
The Cliffs of Moher, reaching 214 meters (702 feet) at their highest point, is the most famous natural wonder of Ireland and the second most popular place in the country in terms of the number of visitors. If you are wondering, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is the top tourist attraction.
In 2019, 1.6 million people came to see the magnificent sea cliffs, so the fact that for three hours the two of us had the place all to ourselves is unbelievable. That’s if you don’t count thousands of seabirds perched on the ledges or circling above water and looking for breakfast. Thanks to the pandemic and perfect timing, our private visit makes us feel like royalty.
The grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher is both wild and majestically gracious. The distinctive bands of the cliffs seem like a work of art woven on a giant loom, creating a naturally unique tapestry, one sedimentary layer at a time. I could stand here for hours and meditatively watch as the Atlantic Ocean crashes against the cliff wall, spraying water in the air.
What about the seabirds? Well, that’s a story for another time.
