Cliffs of Moher, Ireland (III)

SEPTEMBER 1999 – A simple sign warns visitors of the very dangerous cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. Photo © by Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com

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The story behind the image

The Cliffs of Moher are most certainly a superior attraction at the west coast of Ireland. They are part of an 18 km hiking trail along the coast, providing breathtaking views along the steep cliffs.

When we were visiting the site in 1999, simple signs warned visitors to be cautious because of the “very dangerous cliffs ahead”. And indeed, the cliffs are really steep, yet many people sat on the edge and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon sun. (I didn’t.)

Times have changed. Today, it is not allowed to enter the area right next to the edge of the cliffs. There are solid metal railings all around the main site, and the simple warnings of the past have been replaced with signs that clearly state ‘DO NOT ENTER’. While it is certainly sad to see yet another natural beauty being ruined by steel railings and fences, it is more than rational to do so. I am scared by just looking at some of my photos and seeing the risks associated with sitting there, roughly 200 meters high above the sea.

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The high resolution image

Capture Date	September 1999
Location	Co. Clare, Ireland
Camera	Canon AE-1 Program
Image Source	Fuji Slide Film
Digital Image Source	Minolta Dimage Scan Elite II
Digital Image Source Format	TIFF, 48 bits/pixel, sRGB
Edited Image Format	JPEG, 24 bits/pixel, sRGB
Edited Image Dimensions	3695 x 2463 Pixels
Copyright	© by Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com