Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

There isn't much that I can say about Cliffs of Moher that hasn't been already said on websites and YouTube channels. I will try to add some insights about my experience. There are several ways to visit the Cliffs—bus tour, a ferry, taking the train, and switching to public transportation, or driving. Each path will give you a different perspective. I took a bus tour which isn't always my thing. But after taking a few of these in various countries, I have to say that they turned out pretty well, and as a bonus, I met people from all over the world.

 

At first, I thought about renting a car, and changed my mind for several reasons. I have never driven on the right side of the road. Some of the roads are quite narrow with buses and trucks passing by. Sometimes, there is nothing around you but fields, and no one on the road for miles and miles. And since I was traveling solo, if something went wrong with my car, I wouldn't even know what to do. If I was traveling with at least one more person, I may have driven. Anyhow, I opted for the tour which was interesting.

Our tour guide liked to sing and had brought his Ukulele. He sang to break the monotony of the long trip—13 hours to be exact. We listened to him talk about the history of Ireland with Irish songs in between. He was entertaining. Meanwhile, I got to know a nice Italian family from Milan. Chiara, who spoke English, sat next to me. Her mom and brother, seated behind us, spoke mostly Italian. They were trying to teach me the recipe for Tiramisu. I'm now Facebook friends with Chiara who is a year older than my niece. Maybe we'll meet up one day in Milan.

Cliffs of Moher is beautiful, but I wouldn't say that it's a must see. Ireland has many lovely cliffs, and if you happen to miss this one, I wouldn't worry about it. It's quite touristy. If my time in Dublin wasn't limited, I may have opted for traveling to other areas in Ireland instead.

O'Brien Tower was built in 1835 by Cornelius O'Brien, a wealthy Irish politician. You can walk up to the top and enjoy views that overlook Aron Islands and the Atlantic. Alternatively, you can take a ferry and look at the points of interests, and the Cliffs from the sea.

Late lunch break in Galway city. I didn't follow the other tourists, and wanted to explore the area on my own. I ran into éan by accident. It was tucked away in a corner, away from the other eateries. I went in because the outside looked intriguing. Inside, I felt at home. There were a lot of regulars who knew the server and engaged her in long conversations. I had a full on chat with a couple from San Diego who were staying in Galway for a few days. My Server was from New York, studying for her masters. She said that Galway was a hip and happening place for students, and she enjoyed living there.

Barack Obama Plaza. Apparently, the former president had Irish blood, and this plaza was named after him. We stopped here on our way back to grab a snack, or use the facilities.

Friendly Donkey—when tour buses slow down, it likes to come over and people watch.

  

So, that's it. Overall, it was a good tour. Both our driver and the guide were super accommodating. I signed up for it through Viator.