The Cliffs of Mohr

We could see where we were going from our balcony. It took us 7 hours to get there and back. 

The Cliffs of Mohr is a world famous spot. They were the cliffs used in one of our favourite movies,“The Princess Bride” and have been featured in other movies as well.  They really are quite amazing.

We had decided to start our day at Hag’s Head and then work our way towards the Cliffs. When we had twisted our way to the headland, we found a farmer had built a parking lot next to his house and for 2 euros we could park, walk to the ruin at the top of Hag’s Head

and then continue along the cliffs. Best 2 euros we’ve spent so far.It was a clear, sunny day. The wind was strong when we got to the ruin. Fortunately, the wind was blowing on shore. I’m afraid of heights so, as is said, in some spots my knees smote together.

We’ve become a bit blasé about ruins as they are everywhere. In fact, it has to be something special or we won’t go see it.

The Cliffs were everything we thought they’d be and then some.

Our own little cross roads of Quilty has also had it’s 15 minute of fame. In 1907, a French sailing vessel,caught in a bad storm, was wrecked outside our place. The storm was so bad, the fishing folk of the village couldn’t launch any rescue. All the houses in the village put candles in their windows to let the sailors know that they were being prayed for. The next day was no better but the ship was breaking up so badly that the French tried to get ashore in a raft. They were dumped into the ocean immediately. The village men launched their canvas conahs and, against all odds, the 13 men in the water were saved. The next day, a vessel was able to get to the wreck and rescue the remaining 8. The French were cared for by the villagers until they could get home. They were so appalled by the poverty of Quilty that they started an international appeal back in France. Enough money was raised to also build a church in the community.

(This story about shipwrecks and churches keeps following us) It’s an unusual church because it has a round steeple harking back to the medieval watchtowers built by the monks.

Just down the road is Spanish Point where in 1588, several of the ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked.

Those that made it ashore were executed by the high sheriff of Co Clare. The Spanish did not build a church.

We have great views from our balcony and are enjoying the sunsets and rainbows.