The Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Republic of Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher rise 120 metres (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and reach a maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower.
These cliffs were absolutely stunning. However, as a travel planning point – our coach tour did not stop here at the optimal time of the day. Given the rays of the sun, some of the most spectacular views were compromised by the poor light.
The wind was fierce. In fact, Joe – our intrepid tour guide – said that many people die each year at the cliffs, some of which is attributed to the wind. People walk along the paths not offering the protection of the large barrier slabs. They get close to the edge for a great “photo op” thinking they are steady and then a wind gust, extremely strong, will unbalance them and simply toss them over the edge.
Given the wind, I discovered that a camera was best for pictures because trying to hold a tablet to take a picture and hold it steady and without risk of it being snatched over the edge was difficult.
The Cliffs of Moher rise 120 metres (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and reach a maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower.
These cliffs were absolutely stunning. However, as a travel planning point – our coach tour did not stop here at the optimal time of the day. Given the rays of the sun, some of the most spectacular views were compromised by the poor light.
The wind was fierce. In fact, Joe – our intrepid tour guide – said that many people die each year at the cliffs, some of which is attributed to the wind. People walk along the paths not offering the protection of the large barrier slabs. They get close to the edge for a great “photo op” thinking they are steady and then a wind gust, extremely strong, will unbalance them and simply toss them over the edge.
Given the wind, I discovered that a camera was best for pictures because trying to hold a tablet to take a picture and hold it steady and without risk of it being snatched over the edge was difficult.
See also my “Cliffs of Moher hair”, a style I suspect must common in the area.
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O'Brien's Tower
Cornelius O'Brien (1782 – 1857) was an Irish politician who built “O'Brien's Tower” in 1835 as an observation tower for the hundreds of tourists that frequented the cliffs. One million continue to visit each year. |