Galway

The Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, stretching for about 8 kilometers along Ireland’s western coast in County Clare. At their highest point near O’Brien’s Tower, the cliffs reach 214 meters, offering uninterrupted views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the craggy peaks of Connemara on a clear day. These ancient sea cliffs have stood for over 300 million years and remain one of the most visited and photographed sites in Ireland, not just for their scale, but for the raw edge-of-the-world feeling they deliver year-round.

Visitors can start at the environmentally sensitive Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, built into the hillside to minimize its visual impact. The center offers interactive exhibits on geology, wildlife, and human history in the area. A short walk leads to O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835 by a local landlord who wanted to impress his guests with the view. Today, climbing the tower offers a slightly higher vantage point, especially popular for sunrise and sunset. The walking paths are well-marked, with safety barriers in busy areas and access to more remote cliff-top trails for those who want quieter views.

The cliffs are a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, known not just for their dramatic geography but also for the bird colonies that make their home in the ledges and crevices. Atlantic puffins nest here from April to July, sharing space with guillemots, razorbills, and peregrine falcons. The cliffs have also featured in films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride, drawing both fans and curious travelers. Boat tours departing from nearby Doolin provide a completely different perspective from the water, with the cliffs towering above like a natural fortress.

Ash

On 12/7/2025
Previously known as Vietnam, Ash is a punk-pop band from Downpatrick originally formed in the late 1980s. This Northern Irish band has albums like Trailer and 1977 which have been listed among the “greatest albums of all time.” Their popular singles include “Girl From Mars,” “Shining Light” and “Burn Baby Burn.”