County Clare
Cliffs of Moher
Situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 meters above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. To the south of the cliffs is Hag's Head and the cliffs reach their highest point just north of O'Brien's Tower.
The Tower was built by Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to impress female visitors. The seastack, Breanan Mór, stands over 70 meters above the foaming waves. You are advised to dress warmly when visiting the cliffs because of the cool Atlantic winds blowing in off the ocean. Nevertheless, a walk along the cliffs is not to be missed. Be very careful as there are no safety barriers and sections of the cliff sometimes give way. Those with a head for heights can easily walk to the edge of the cliff and view the Atlantic Ocean below. There is a tourist centre and a small shop, which sells souvenirs. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most visited attractions and when you've been there, you'll know why.
The Burren
The Burren, situated in northwest County Clare, covers over 300 square kilometers and is of extreme importance to geologists, botanists and archaeologists from Ireland and beyond. As the largest karstic limestone area in Western Europe, the Burren is an anomaly in the Irish landscape and continues to fascinate geologists who come to study its limestone patterns, underground rivers and grykes (cracks).
To the botanist, the Burren is home to rare alpine plants, delicate wonders that grow in the thin soil and crevices—gentians, mountain avens and maidenhair ferns amongst others. The survival of both alpine and Mediterranean plants in this unusual habitat continues to arouse debate and to delight the careful walker.
Those interested in the ancient history of Ireland will find a wealth of material in the Burren—megalithic tombs, Celtic crosses, a ruined Cistercian Abbey and more than sixty wedge tombs. Detailed maps of the Burren, such as that by the famous Irish map-maker Tim Robinson, are dotted with sites of archaeological interest, as well as the potholes which attract more and more adventure-seekers each year. Walkers on the Burren Way enjoy a route along dry, hard limestone paths with spectacular views north towards the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.