Ireland: Cliffs of Moher and Poulnabrone Dolmen

If you're exploring the West coast of Ireland or driving the "Wild Atlantic Way", everyone will tell you to go to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most beautiful places. This was our first stop after we landed in Shannon on our trip to Ireland last September. (Yes, it's taken me a while!)

The Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare, about an hour's drive away from Shannon Airport, and stretch along the coastline for around nine miles. Entry costs between €7 and 10 for adults, depending on whether you're visiting at an off-peak or peak time, and it's best to book online. (Parking is included in the ticket cost.)

There's an exhibition centre where you can find out a bit more about the cliffs, which also houses a cafe where I had some really excellent fish and chips, but mostly you'll want to be out and about, walking along the clifftops. Stick to the path - it's there for a reason - and take in the scenery around you, including O'Brien's Tower which marks the highest point of the cliffs. 

We didn't spend too long there because of the time we arrived, and also because we wanted to visit The Burren before we made our way to Ashford Castle. Burren National Park is also in County Clare, and there's several hikes you can do, but we were there to visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb that dates sometime between 4200 BC and 2900 BC. 

It's free to visit (and park), so it's definitely worth a stop off to see Ireland's oldest monolithic monument if you're exploring The Burren, and also see some of the rugged Irish scenery.