The cliffs are between 100 and 200 metres in height.

They run for about 14 kilometres.

The cliffs are one of the most visited tourist sites in Ireland.

You can see them from the sea.

The cliffs are made up of Namurian shale and sandstone.

We were too late in the breeding season to see razorbills or puffins but many Northern Fulmars were present.

Fulmars are tubenoses just like Albatross. I saw many Southern Fulmars following ships and nesting in cliffs in Antarctica.

There is an old saying that Ireland would be a wonderful place to live if you could put a roof on it. All of this rain does lead to a good variety of healthy wildflowers.

One of the most common in August is Common Ragwort.

Another is a plant that also grows in North America; Bull Thistle. In Ireland the common name is Spear Thistle.

                                                                LAHINCH

 

Lahinch is just south of the Cliffs of Moher and the cliffs can be seen in the distance. It is known for its surfing. The 1972 European Surfing Finals were held here.

The beach is over 2 kilometres in length and is very popular despite temperatures which rarely rise above 20 degrees. It was lightly raining on this day. Many of the children wear wetsuits in order to keep warm.

The Irish sport of hurling can be seen everywhere.

Starlings, which were introduced into North America in the late 19th century, are native to Ireland and Northern Europe. They are in Ireland year round. The ones that I saw were already in winter plumage in August.

Here are some common Irish birds seen at Lahinch:

Miles Hearn