Dublin Day tour to the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren
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Before meeting Peter, I had won a small sum of money from a radio show that I used to purchase my ticket to Ireland. It was my first solo trip and I knew very little about traveling beyond what I had done via my study abroad program and the hundreds of road trips I took as a kid with my family. I used sites like Trip Advisor for recommendations of things to do while in Ireland, o
I was staying in Dublin and wanted a day trip out of the city to see other parts of the country, the Cliffs of Moher being one of them. The cliffs have been seen in movies such as The Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the
*Note this is not a full review of the tour, just the location known as the Cliffs of Moher and Burren.
Despite the early wake-up call I was ready to explore the country side. I felt safe going with a highly recommended tour company and having the stress removed from me on transportation. So when the day of my tour rolled around I was ready for my 6:30 AM meeting time.
I grabbed a cab to the Molly Malone Statue which cost me approximately €9 from my hotel. Breakfast included a quick stop at the McDonald’s right down the street and I was off to see the Cliffs of Moher Geopark, a UNESCO location.
Since I was the only solo traveler on this day trip I found myself without someone to talk too. This might be because of my introverted personality or my fear of the unknown, who knows, but being in a group setting like this really makes you feel alone and powerful at the same time. Thank god for iTunes and my headphones, because it helped me get out of my own head space and let me really enjoy the experience.
The Cliffs Of Moher
Upon our arrival to The Cliffs of Moher, we were advised to experience the cliffs first, before going to the gift shop. With a steep climb on a windy day, it was difficult to stay in the chilly January weather for long. But with the advise I headed up the path towards O’Brien’s Tower, known as the Cliffs of Moher castle.
I wanted to work on my photography during the tour, so I walked around the top of the Cliffs, took a bunch of pictures and filmed for my now dead YouTube vlog.
With the morning sun rising above the cliffs it was a great time to take some photographs and enjoy the scenery. Unfortunately, I didn’t take the time to climb O’Brien’s tower to see the view from the observation level, but placed it on my list of “I’ll be back someday”.
It was a cold and windy January day, but the views where breathtaking.
You could see the strength of the ocean as the waves crashed against the cliffs spouting water up above the height of the cliffs. It was completely mesmerizing on what mother nature was designed and capable of doing just across the ocean from home. The views alone made the Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin worth it. But the itinerary was packed full of other locations so I was not able to spend as much time as I would have liked there.
As I made my way back down the path towards the gift shop I passed a man with an accordion bundled up playing for visitors. This is likely where my appreciation for street musicians came in because I mean he was sitting right under where the waves where hitting, in the cold, hoping for recognition or a few dollars. I dropped what change I had in his hat and went on my way not without turning to take this snap shot of him.
The cliffs have about half a mile of paved pathway and stairs for visitors to enjoy the views and prevent individuals from getting hurt by climbing or falling over the ledge (funny but scary story on that later). If you are adventurous, in which I was not at the time, you can go off the path in different areas of the cliffs, but that is at your own risk as a gust of wind could easily knock you off balance and well our blog might be the last you ever read, so just please be careful if you do this.
Timing myself, I walked back down the path towards the parking lot after taking some more photographs where I headed into the visitor center. I used the restroom and explored their souvenir shop. The visitors center also offers educational information and facts about the Cliffs of Moher and its history for those visiting. It was a nice stop between the cold and windy air outside and heading on to the next destination.
The Burren (aka “Mini Cliffs”)
The Burren, also known as the Mini Cliffs of Moher, was the location in which many of the individuals on the tour questioned if it was the location was part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (it wasn’t but they look similar). This was the location where I honestly felt every second of my life flash before my eyes.
One of my biggest fears is being left behind. My second fear is falling off of a cliff. Both of which almost happened to me in this exact location. I was filming and taking photographs as I walked along the area of cliffs, not realizing that the straight line I was walking in was going to meet the intersection of the cliff’s edge.
Thankfully I stopped to take a picture and in the process looked down. One step away from falling 328 feet into the ocean!
After calming myself down I stepped away from the edge, cause you know I had to fake the idea that I wanted to be that close since there were people around (don’t do this!). I started walking around when I noticed the tour guide getting back on the bus.
I was a distance away but didn’t think too much of it until he started driving away. Honestly, in less than 10 minutes I saw myself dead in the ocean and then dead on the side of the road all flash in front of my eyes. Somehow with the will power, my chubby little legs gained speed and I ran faster than the bus.
I’m pretty sure there where some divine interventions such as the car blocking the buses turn around the second curve and the rest of tour bus screaming as I ran alongside, but I like to think I gained some mad speed that day.
I climbed on board and settled into my seat. I was officially determined not to lose sight of time for the rest of this trip.
The Portly Passengers provides plus size inclusive travel tips and advice for anyone who is looking to explore the world. From seat sizes on airplanes to exploring museums, restaurants, and nature Melissa & Peter have the experience and stories to help guide you through it.
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