Review: Cliffs of Moher

Tell us about this place.
Few places exemplify the raw, untamed beauty of Ireland’s west coast as this natural wonder set along what’s known as the country’s Wild Atlantic Way. Spread out over five miles of Atlantic Oceanfront, and topping 702 feet at the highest point, this dramatic stretch of coastline is equal parts historic site, geological marvel, conservation area, and unbeatable photo backdrop. (Just ask the million-plus visitor who stop by each year.)

Sounds fantastic. How should we orient our visit?Start your experience at the state-of-the-art visitor’s center, opened in 2007 and built underground so as not to disrupt the views; there, interactive exhibits detail the site’s geological makeup (it’s thought to have formed more than 300 million years ago), wealth of floral, animal, marine, and bird life (the latter including 20 species of seabirds), historic markers, environmental efforts, and more. Then get outside and explore.

We're on it. Now, where can we snag the best views?There are three main viewing platforms: the largest looks out at the south cliffs and the Hag’s Head rock formation; the highest offers uninterrupted 360-degree views; and the third is ideally poised to spot the puffin colony on Goat Island. You can also wander along trails of varying difficulty, and climb the spiral iron staircase at the 19th-century O’Brien’s Tower—originally built by a descendant of the first High King of Ireland—for more photo ops. Wherever you stand, you’ll be surrounded by emerald green fields, craggy cliff faces, and—on a clear day—views from the Aran Islands up to Galway Bay.

Any other insider tips?You can also take in excellent views of the cliffs from the water via a one-hour boat cruise (several companies operate them out of a nearby dock), or get more of a feel for the region with a hike along the 12.4-mile Doolin to Liscannor coastal trail, which passes by the Cliffs.