Cliffs of Moher
Ireland's most famous cliffs are situated on the southwest coast of the county of Clare, near the fishing villages of Doolin and Liscannor. The cliffs are the site of the ruined remains of an ancient castle now overrun with verdant greenery. The Cliffs of Moher shoot vertically from the Atlantic ocean and extend more than 8 km along the coastline. In good weather the view extends as far as Galway Bay.
Dunguaire Castle
This castle in southern Galway can occasionally be glimpsed from the Moher Cliffs. It owes its name to the Dun king of Connacht, who died around 600 BC. King Guaire's hospitality and generosity are the stuff of legend and despite its formidable looks Dunguaire is as welcoming as its ancient namesake. The castle's latest owner, Oliver St John Gogarty, served as a model for a character in Joyce's Ulysses.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Translated from Irish, Poulnabrone means 'the hole in the millstone' and this dolmen is also known as the 'hole of sorrows'. Gigantic slabs of flat rock are balanced delicately on one another to mark the site of an ancient tomb. Dating back to the Neolithic period, probably between 3800 and 3200 BC, it is awe-inspiring that this colossal structure is still standing.
Loop Head Lighthouse
Poking out into the Atlantic, Loop Head is a skinny finger of land typical of the dramatic landcape of Ireland's coastline. On one side the mouth of the Shannon river flows, carving a route past Loop Head. The water around the headland is perfect for fishing and kayaking and even swimming if you dare!
O'Brien's Tower
Situated atop the highest point of the famous Cliffs of Moher, this tower is named after Cornelius O'Brien, an important parlimentary figure and attorney. In 1835 O'Brien commissioned a lookout point that was as beautiful as it was practical and it still stands today.
