Went out to see the Cliffs of Moher my second day in Ireland. It was about a hours drive from Ballyvaghun (Ballyvince vaughn). They happened to change the bus schedule from the Summer to Winter timings - without my knowledge of course. So instead of 930a it turned into a free breakfast for me and departure time of 1125. Was met by a the driver Richard - husband of Elizabeth. He's Irish through and through - been driving for quite some time. Said hes got the worst route on the island, what with having to drive out to cliffs every shift. He said he used to live in London with his wife, but he had to move because he didn't want to cause any commotion with the Queen. Her name being Elizabeth as well - same as his wife.
Drive up was really pleasant - crazy curves in the hills and all. Quite nice views.
The bus stop is in front of the "Spar" small grocery chain - much like 711.
My free breakfast - eggs over medium and country ham, Irish enough.
Richard - the bus driver.
View back towards Ballyvaughn.
So we reached the cliffs in about an hour. Richard would pick me up back at the same spot around an hour later. Was really great timing cause I could leave all my stuff there in the bus for the duration and just walk with my camera. Had been worrying about the logistics of the bags but so far its worked out fairly well. The earliest lodging on the cliffs is said to be a 2000 year old fort - there are no remnants of it but they have built a small tower on the former site. This is apparently the most visited site in Ireland - so lucky me to have gotten there in the 2nd day of my trip. On with the pictures.
Warning as you approach the cliffs.
More signs, bravo for creativity.
Quite vast and open this continues well left of camera. You can hike for about 2.5h around the tourist attraction. The total cliffs distance stretches from around Limerick in the south then up north and east past the point I visited.
People posing up on the edge of the cliff. It gets pretty windy up there. She was brave as she was also wearing 3 inch heel boots.
Some nice rocks near a pool.
Larger view of the pool
Storm was rolling in as I was about to leave, weather changes pretty quickly up there. Could have stayed for longer than an hour, given bus timing and everything though I think it worked out quite well.