Powerscourt Estate
We first visited County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland,” to explore Powerscourt Estate, one of the most beautiful estates in Ireland. Built in the 1720s, the estate took over 12 years to complete with the labor of more than 100 workers. Powerscourt is renowned for its expansive, pleasant landscapes, meticulously designed sculptures, terraces, and pools. The nearby gardens blend seamlessly with the lake and the distant mountains, creating a perfect picturesque scene.
Irish Stepdance
Dinner included a performance of traditional Irish music and stepdance, showcasing one of Ireland’s national treasures. The performance combines artistic expression, graceful dance movements, and the dancers’ incredible physical abilities. One of the stepdancers resembled Kate Winslet, the actress from Berkshire, England.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, formed by tectonic movements and countless years of pounding waves from the Atlantic Ocean. They are a masterpiece of nature, with the highest point rising over 200 meters above sea level.
The most spectacular cliffs in Europe are located on the western edge of Ireland. These cliffs face the vast Atlantic Ocean and are famous for their breathtaking views. Many renowned films have been shot here, including Ryan’s Daughter, The Mackintosh Man, the comedy The Princess Bride, and Far and Away. The movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince also filmed thrilling scenes at this location.
If you’re in Dublin and not driving yourself, the best way to explore nearby attractions is to join a local day tour. The most common options are the Cliffs of Moher day trip and the Northern Ireland day trip. The Cliffs of Moher tour is quite similar across different tour operators, while Northern Ireland day trips can vary. Some include a visit to the Titanic Belfast museum, which we wanted to avoid to save time, so we chose a tour without that stop. For a 2-day tour, be aware that different companies operate the trips, and departure points can vary. It’s a good idea to consider this when choosing your accommodation to stay close to the pickup points.
The Cliffs of Moher, located on Ireland’s west coast, are one of Europe’s highest cliffs. Stretching 8 kilometers along the western coast of Ireland, the cliffs reach a height of 214 meters at their highest point.
Formed over 320 million years ago, the Cliffs of Moher are now part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
To see the full panoramic view of the Cliffs of Moher, one needs to walk to the main viewing platform, as well as the south and north platforms, each offering a different perspective of the cliffs’ breathtaking beauty. However, due to time constraints, we only visited the main and north platforms. We hiked along the mountain path to the cliff’s edge and then walked north along the cliffside.
In the past, the cliffs had no safety barriers, and accidents were frequent due to the high altitude and strong winds. Although fences and wire barriers have since been installed, adventurous visitors still climb over them, and accidents continue to occur every year.
The path from the visitor center to the main platform is quite a distance, but for visitors with disabilities or mobility issues, the management provides free shuttle service to and from the viewing points, reflecting the respect for people that is deeply embedded in European society, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher is truly an unforgettable experience. The cliffs rise over 200 meters above sea level and stretch for 8 kilometers along the western coast of County Clare. There are no soft beaches or colorful flowers—only jagged black cliffs, steep and imposing, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.
According to geological information, the cliffs consist of Namurian shale and sandstone, with the oldest layers at the base of the cliffs. If you venture close to the base, you can even spot traces of prehistoric riverbeds, dating back 300 million years. Beneath the cliffs, the swirling, foam-filled ocean is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Yet, this area is also the largest surfing destination in Ireland. For water sports enthusiasts seeking the thrill of Atlantic waves, the Cliffs of Moher are a must-visit destination!
Walking along the safe, paved paths, you can take in the stunning cliffs of western Europe’s border, enjoying the magnificent views of the ocean, land, and sky.
An 800-meter-long paved path leads to well-designed viewing areas where, on clear days, you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Maumturk Mountains, and even the distant Dingle Peninsula.
O’Brien’s Tower has attracted visitors to the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher since the 19th century, making it one of Ireland’s earliest tourist attractions and a must-see in County Clare.
Built in 1835 by local landlord and MP Sir Cornelius O’Brien, the tower was intended as a viewpoint for the British tourists who frequently visited the area. It is said to have originally served as a tea room or a recreational spot; another version claims O’Brien built the tower to impress a woman he was courting!
Whatever the true story, from this vantage point on clear days, you can see the Aran Islands and the Twelve Bens of Connemara across Galway Bay.
According to local legends, the Cliffs of Moher are said to be home to supernatural beings and mystical creatures. These captivating myths and legends add an extra layer of allure to the already awe-inspiring cliffs, sparking the imagination and leaving visitors with a sense of wonder and mystery. Stories of ancient warriors, witches, and giants are woven into the cliff’s folklore, enhancing its dramatic natural beauty and evoking a sense of enchantment as visitors stand on the edge of this spectacular landscape.
The cliffs were also used as a filming location for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
Irish Famine Memorial
Passing by the Irish Famine Memorial provided insight into Ireland’s history. The Great Irish Famine, commonly known as the Potato Famine, occurred between 1845 and 1850. At the time, potatoes were the sole crop that many Irish people relied on for survival. A combination of crop failure, social, and economic factors devastated the livelihoods of poor farmers.
The British government offered little aid, resulting in a high death toll from starvation. Meanwhile, British landlords prioritized the export of grain and livestock. Over a million people perished in the famine, fueling Irish national consciousness, which eventually led to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922.
As the saying goes, where there is oppression, there is resistance.
During the Great Famine, many Irish people emigrated to the United States in search of a new life. “The Irish helped shape America’s promise: if you are willing to work hard, success is possible.” The Irish signed the founding documents of the United States and fought in its wars. Despite facing prejudice, hostility, and numerous hardships, the Irish carved out a place for themselves in the story of America.
