Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way (WAW)
Day 8 – Dingle to Galway
Traveling from Dingle to Galway, we first crossed the River Shannon by ferry – enjoying the view from atop the deck. We saw the ruins of Norman towers throughout Ireland and finally got a photo as we passed farm fields on our way to the grand Cliffs of Moher.
The Thrilling Cliffs!
Wild Atlantic Way (WAW)
The coastal route from Kinsale, in the south, to Derry, in the north, is known as the Wild Atlantic Way. At 1600 miles, it is one of the longest coastal routes in the world. The Rick Steves' tour dips in and out of the WAW as it travels up the west coast, but nowhere are the sights more thrilling than at the Cliffs of Moher. We truly felt like we were on the edge of the world! The dramatic cliffs rise up to 700 feet above the wild Atlantic. A protective slate wall is all that stands between the cliff's edge and the trail along the top.
Tip – Take the trail to the right, or north, from the visitors center.
Following Rick's advice from his Ireland guidebook, we got some great photos and had a wonderful time.
The Burren
Another wild and awesome sight!
Just north of the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren first appeared to be a rocky and barren landscape. When we looked closer, though, we discovered all kinds of tiny flowering plants growing in the cracks between the limestone rock.
The Burren was a great place for discovery, contemplation and playful celebration of our magical surroundings!
Geologic activity, glaciers, rain and early forest clearing helped to create this unique landscape. Rotting debris filled in the cracking limestone with soil that supports a great diversity of miniature plants.
Galway
Galway served primarily as a staging area for our next-day trip to Inishmore. Paul took us to our group dinner via Galway's colorful pedestrian-only avenue. And, of course, Gary had to sit with the Galway Girl, celebrated in the rollicking song by Steve Earle.
