The vast area comprised between Limerick in the south, and Galway in the north belongs to County Clare. There, the Atlantic coast has two irresistible natural sites: the cliffs of Moher, in the west, facing the group of the Aran islands, and the Burren, a mineral 'desert' in its northern section.
 |
From Kerry to Clare via the Shannon river estuary
|
1. The Cliffs of Moher.
About halfway along this side of the Atlantic Coast, the cliffs of Moher stretch for 14km at a height of 120m to 214m above the ocean.
These seacliffs are neither the highest in Europe nor even in Ireland. With 688m Croaghaun is the highest seacliff in Ireland and the third in Europe. It stands in County Mayo at the north. The other two tallest on the continent are Hornelen in Norway (860m) and Cape Enniberg in the Faroe Islands (754). Cabo Girao on Madeira island is 580m high. But geographically speaking this Portuguese seacliff is not a part of the European continent. The other highest seacliffs in the world are Kalaupapa, in Hawai (1,010m) and Mitre Peak in Milford Sound, in New Zealand (1,683m).
Despite all these records, the Cliffs of Moher remain a majestic sight and have remained one of the favorite touristic hotspots in Ireland. The site has now been recognized by UNESCO.
As a matter of fact, the record affluence of visitors obliged the authorities to secure the area, which on the other hand has become a little bit too commercial these days.
 |
| Main platform view |
 |
| O'Brrien's Tower |
 |
| North platform view |
 |
| Another dramatic shot of the seacliff |
 |
| Sea Stack and O'Brien's Tower |
2. The Burren.
The nearby area covering the land north of County Clare has an unusual landscape known as the Burren. This word derives from the Irish language meaning a rocky place. This karst area is the bedrock of glacial era of limestone.
 |
| Countryside near Black Head |
On the northern coast, the fishing-village of Ballyvaugham is a great vantage point for this area, besides being a lovely Irish village with many cottages.
 |
| Local cottage |
 |
| A pub in Ballyvaugham |
 |
| Local atmosphere |
From Ballyvaugham, a coastal road goes to Black Head, the upper cape of County Clare, on the verge of the Burren.
Actually, this is a lovely drive along the coast. It is particularly nice in the evening before sunset, when the weather allows it.
 |
Black Head drive with the Burren
in the background
|
 |
| Black Head coastline |
 |
| Sunset at Black Head |
 |
| Sunset time over the Atlantic |
 |
Fanore Beach in the evening
|
 |
| A lovely summer dusk over the Ocean |
No comments:
Post a Comment