Ireland’s International Wonder…

The Cliffs of Moher are in the final 28 of the New 7 Wonders of Nature International competition, and with a story as old as that of the earth itself, it’s easy to see why…

A trip to the Cliffs of Moher in the west of Ireland is an unforgettable experience, where the sublime and majestic meet in the form of vast physical masses of rock that stretch their blocky limbs over the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Cliffs are 320 million years old and are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with almost 100 million visitors every year.

The reasons for The Cliffs popularity are manifold, some visitors flock to see a Special Protected Area for seabirds, as the Cliffs are home to over 30,000 nesting pairs each year, including; Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, and Kittiwakes and makes for a bird watcher’s paradise.

However for most it is the striking scenery where nature, history and geology merge and it is an honour to experience it.

The Cliffs of Moher tick all the holiday makers’ boxes, history buffs can check out O’Brien’s Tower, the first visitor centre that was built 175 years ago in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien. Thrill seekers can set their pulses racing by surfing the world renowned ‘Aileens’ Ireland’s largest and most spectacular waves which rise below O’Brien’s Tower.

Culture vultures will be interested in the role The Cliffs played in popular culture, as they have played host to a number of films, including, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, and have also featured as a location for music videos for Westlife and TV programmes like Fr. Ted.

While taking in the wonder of The Cliffs, you can explore the surrounding landscape of the West.

The Burren, a krastic plateau, is located nearby and is home to a variety of rare flora which makes it a perfect walking location for nature lovers, or check out Doolin Cave, which has become one of Europe's most compelling underground attractions since the cave's discovery in 1952.

Another underground cavern worth checking out is The Aillwee Cave, which has more than 3,500 feet of winding passages which you can explore over a guided 35-minute stroll through caverns, over bridged chasms, beneath weird rock formations and alongside a thunderous waterfall.

The Cliffs are part of an international shortlist that includes natural wonders ranging from The Amazon in South America, to The Dead Sea in Palestine and The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, why not log onto www.new7wonders.com or Text MOHER 53131 (€0.30C) to vote for their inclusion in the New 7 Wonders of Nature (voting ends on 11.11.11 – so be quick)?

Or better still make a visit to The Cliffs of Moher to judge for yourself, you will never forget the experience, and we know you’ll want to place a vote immediately.

For more information on inspirational places to visit and great value holidays check out www.discoverireland.ie