Breaking the rules at the Cliffs of Moher
Written by Marcus Cederstrom
Update by the Editor 9 August 2010. Dr J left a comment today with a link to an article about part of the Cliffs collapsing, so I’m advising Europe a la Carte readers to stay behind the warning signs and not take any risks.
I tend to follow the rules. I’ve always been that way. I see street signs and I do what they say. I see warning signs and I take heed. It’s gotten me through 26 years without any sort of major injury, albeit at times, it might be considered boring. I like practical instead though. It sounds better.
With this in mind, I crossed over a barrier at the Cliffs of Moher that stated that crossing that barrier was probably not a good idea. Mostly because you could die.
I did it anyway. And even dragged my poor mother along with me. We were not alone, in fact, if we had been alone, chances are I wouldn’t have done it. Instead I acted the lemming, minus the actual jumping off the cliff part, and followed along.
There were a few questionable moments; luckily none of them involved my mother. Or me for that matter. The woman in front of us though was hiking around in high heeled shoes. Which were clearly new judging by the price tag that could still be seen on the bottom of her shoes. After several stumbles she finally took them off. Or the girl with the fancy camera that wanted to get just a little bit closer for her picture and scooted out on her butt, only to slip, sending my heart into my throat. She caught herself and scrambled away from the edge.
Would I suggest doing what I did? Probably not, but I’m a rules follower. And you’re not supposed to break that rule. And seeing the close calls of people making not so smart decisions made it abundantly clear as to why that sign is there.
The views from the areas of the Cliffs of Moher which are not blocked off are amazing. There are sheer drops in churning water. There are birds nesting in the rock face directly below you. There is a color to the water that can’t be described. And you don’t need to cross any fences to see that. So if you’re doing your European travel planning for Ireland sightseeing, head to the west coast of Ireland to see the Cliffs of Moher. You don’t even need to break any rules to get a great picture.
You can read more of my adventures in Ireland in “Sheep herding on the Dingle Peninsula“..
If you want to stay in a hotel close to the Cliffs of Mother, either Galway City to the north or Limerick City to the south are ideal locations.
Excellent story. I was in Doolin near the Cliffs of Moher during my first trip abroad in 2007 while living in Ireland.
We did an epic hike along the cliffs edge from Doolin to the visitors center. It was a brilliant way to take in the awe inspiring area. We finished at the Visitors Center and walke away thinking the
experience wouldn’t be justified just standing behind the barriers. I can see why you crossed!
Marcus – it was so funny to read about that well heeled lady teetering on the cliff edge. I can’t understand why anyone would visit an outdoor attraction wearing new high heels. Maybe an ideal to break in a new pair of shoes?
I was reminded me of taking photos and videos last month at the Eshaness Cliffs on the Shetland Islands, where it seemed you could get a better shot by going just a bit nearer the edge. However being a big chicken I stayed a good distance from the cliff edge.
Karen, I am still mystified as to what she was thinking. At first it was kind of funny, but it became less funny the farther she walked and the more she teetered. At least she finally figured it out!
Matt, it was just too hard to resist, and I must say, Im a bit jealous of all the hiking it sounds like you were able to do.
I’ve been there also on a number of occasions and they spent a lot of money on the place for tourists there about 3 years ago. That’s when they put that sign up. They closed off a really cool spot with a big wall which was where many people could lie out in the sun. Well worth a visit, just watch your step ;)
I recently went to the Cliffs of Moher and stayed firmly behind the warning signs. A mere week later, a ledge collapsed into the sea. (http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Cliffs-of-Moher-ledge-collapses-into-sea-100215149.html). I’m glad I heeded the warning. Is it worth it to risk death for a slightly more spectacular view? Safety first, I’d say.
Dr J – thanks for your comment, you can see that I’ve added an update to the post advising readers to play it safe
@willy – it is quite the tourist attraction, but as you say, its important to watch your step!
@Dr J – a very good point and a poignant reminder of the dangers.
@Karen – thanks for doing that Karen!
I finally posted my pictures from Burren and Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are definitely a spectacular destination as long as you keep safety in mind. Safe travels, everyone!
http://www.sidewalksafari.com/2010/08/asphalt-safari-ireland-burren-and.html
Great pictures!
I did the exact same thing. My mother wouldn’t come with me. As far as I was concerned, it was the only way to see the cliffs; that Disney world guard rail shizz wasn’t cutting it for me. A lot of people seemed to agree; there were at least 20 of us past the sign; some acting like total jerks. No tragedies at the cliffs that day.
Yeah, I was there with my mom in the middle of the summer and the place was crawling with people. Streams of people were the railings. Glad to hear there were no tragedies, we managed to avoid them as well!