Slieve League Cliffs

When I received the itinerary for my trip to Ireland in May 2019, and noticed we’d be visiting Slieve League Cliffs, I was very intrigued.  One of the destinations my Grandma and I wanted to see, when we travelled to Ireland in May 1986, was the Cliffs of Moher, but time and circumstances didn’t allow us that excursion.  I don’t believe we were all that disappointed, because the rest of our trip was so phenomenal.  However, over the years I wished we had been able to visit the Cliffs of Moher.  This trip was allowing me to see cliffs, and although they weren’t the Cliffs of Moher, I somehow felt it would be a highlight.  

I googled Slieve League Cliffs and quickly found out they are actually some of the highest cliffs in Ireland and almost three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher.  This was going to be a treat. For personal reasons, I was secretly excited for this day.  In my day travel bag I placed my Grandmother’s photo, which I had carried with me to Ireland.  It was a photo of her, on the plane, as we travelled back from Ireland in 1986. I didn’t want her to miss out on the cliffs again.  

We arrive at the visitor information centre, at the base of Slieve League Cliffs.  Inside the centre  are two stunning wood carvings.  Each one is has at least four dolphins, in various poses, from swimming to surfacing from the water.  They carvings appeared to be from one solid piece of wood. 

Outside some columbine appeared to be growing wildly in a lovely shade of bluish purple.

Our large coach can’t make the trek to the upper parking area, so we park and travel on a smaller bus accompanied by two local gentlemen; one is the driver and the other provides commentary as we drive to the cliffs.  

After a quick visit in the centre, we are soon on our way up the very narrow roadway.  The drop, on the ocean side, was extremely steep.  We arrive at the parking area, at the furthest point vehicles could travel.  It was a very short walk until the cliffs were in full view.  I was stunned.  I had a huge lump in my throat and my eyes were tearing up.  Grandma and I finally got to see some cliffs.  The weather was ideal.  It is often foggy, rainy, and windy, and visibility is often hampered, but on this day it was sunny, warm and calm.  I could see for miles.  The cliffs are almost 2000 feet.  It was breathtaking.  

There appeared to be many crevices and tunnels at the base of the cliffs where the waves have been eroding the rock for years.  The colours of the cliffs range from lush green where grasses grow, to white rock, to dark greens and greys.  Fences are erected to keep people back from the edge.  There is also a boardwalk, that leads up to a path, which continues on to the top of the cliffs.  Time did not permit me to climb to the top of the cliffs, but I did go a short distance from the boardwalk on the path.  I wanted to be alone for a few minutes and just take in the sight and be lost in my thoughts.  

I tried to take a couple of selfies, but trying to get a significant portion of the cliffs in the background behind me proved to be impossible.  A very nice person saw what I was trying to do and came over and offered to take my picture for me.  How kind was that?  I then reciprocated the offer when I saw a couple trying to do the same thing.  I could tell they were most grateful even, though they didn’t speak English.  Their faces told me how happy they were.  

I just couldn’t get enough of the cliffs.  It was much more than I ever expected and I was overwhelmed.  I slowly made my way back down the path to the boardwalk.  I didn’t want to leave.  There were lots of people, but there is so much room to walk around, or just stand and stare, that it really didn’t seem busy at all.  

There are a couple of lengthy hikes that takes one to the top of the cliffs.  One is called One Man’s Pass.  It takes about 2-3 hours return to do this hike.  Another hike includes One Man’s Pass and continues on to Pilgrim’s Path.  Pilgrim’s Path is the backside of Slieve League Cliffs.  It takes about 4-5 hours and is recommended for experienced hikers.  

There were several sheep/rams lazing about on the drive up and back from the cliffs.  They appeared to be roaming freely, as it is likely a communal grazing area.  One had very long curly horns and very long straight wool.  It did not look particularly friendly and I was quite happy to be safely in the bus.  

Near the main viewing area we could see what remains of a signal tower built in the 19th century and was used to watch for a French invasion.   There is also an area where stones were placed forming 71 EIRE as a navigation aid for WW2 by American bomber pilots.  It also warned that they were flying over neutral territory.  

I left Slieve League with a feeling of peace and contentment.  It was more than I had ever expected it would be.  Brack Tours really know how to make a trip to Ireland breathtaking, entertaining, relaxing and memorable.