I wanted to visit Ireland for a long time. I had a couple of friends in Parma who spent some time in this lovely country and used to rave about it. I soon had the desire to visit it myself.
One of the most scenic wonders I have seen is the Cliffs of Moher, located on the west coast of the nation.
They rise 120 meters above sea level and reach their maximum height, 214 meters, just north of O’Briens Tower, a round stone tower, stretching for 8 kilometres.
They are hit by the full force of the Atlantic Ocean.
That day, it was the end of September, I left Galway and finally reached my destination. I was very satisfied. I was going to see something unique.
Today there is a very well equipped visitor center there. Not at that moment. The cliff walk is beyond your ground.
Visitors are advised not to visit the cliffs in case of bad weather, rain or wind. I took a quick look around me. I soon understood why.
The sight left a lasting impression on me, with a sense of fear and terror.
The cliffs are incredibly threatening and dangerous. We are talking about pure rock falling into the ocean.
The cliffs are extraordinarily wide and tremendously steep.
I got scared just looking at them. If you suffer from vertigo don’t go.
If you want to walk along the cliffs, it is recommended to wear good walking shoes, a windbreaker and follow the official path. For a very good reason.
You don’t want to fall…
I started walking. It was a beautiful sunny day, a bit windy and with big white clouds in the sky. There were other visitors, from all over the world. There was a scene that I will never forget. A young couple wanted to take a photo and left the trail, venturing very close to the edge of the cliffs.
I felt sick, physically sick thinking about what could have happened to them in case the ground they were standing on suddenly collapsed…
I looked down. I saw a lot of big rocks on the long, narrow beach below. Apparently, they formed in the Upper Carboniferous Period, 319 million years ago.
I didn’t feel very good. I was powerless against Mother Nature.
The wild beauty of the place literally overwhelms you.
I smelled the fresh, salty air and heard the birds crying and screeching.
I was lucky enough to see some cranberry feral goats.
Also, the nearby waters are rich in plankton, which attracts whales and whale sharks.
Not far from the cliffs I was able to admire the Branaunmore Sea Stack, right in the middle of the water, continually battered by the waves.
The vertical column was formed when inexorable breakers eroded the main cliffs over millions of years.
The mysterious Aran Islands appeared in the distance.
I was completely absorbed by the environment around me.
The stunning beauty that surrounded me completely captured me.
I kept looking down. Under the cliffs they hide under the water caves. Even more daunting.
Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to see the puffins, beautiful funny looking sea birds. They nest on the cliffs from late March to mid-July. I wasn’t worried. What I saw was more than enough for the day.
Unfortunately, the Cliffs of Moher also get a bad rap. Many people committed suicide there. They knew they had no chance of survival.