Felicity Long
There are several compelling reasons why a million or so visitors flock to Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher every year: Dramatic views of 800-foot-high sheer cliffs that plunge into the sea, roosting puffins, miles of scenic walkways and an engaging, interactive visitor’s center.
But -- surfing?
Actually, this sport, virtually unheard of in Ireland a decade or so ago, has become one of the island’s fastest growing active pursuits, thanks in part to the discovery of a spot where waves reach up to 35 feet high and crash hair-raisingly close to the Cliffs. The break is called Aileen’s, or Aill Na Searrach in Irish Gaelic. Unlike similar storied breaks in locations such as at Hawaii and Tahiti, Aileen’s was only discovered and conquered by surfers less than 10 years ago. 
It’s not that the wave wasn’t visible -- after all, the Cliffs are among Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions -- but simply that it seemed impossibly forbidding. For one thing, except for one tiny beach on the far side of the Cliffs, there wasn't an obvious way to get into the water. For another, the weather tends to be cold and the water even colder.
Enter John McCarthy, a former Irish surfing champion, who, along with a handful of fellow experts, figured out how to set forth via WaveRunner-style craft from the town of Doolin to negotiate the monster wave. Surfers are towed into the wave on personal watercraft, and Aileen’s has become a sort of Holy Grail for extreme -- and we can’t emphasize this enough -- experts.
Those who want a tamer surfing experience can work with McCarthy and his band of instructors at the Lahinch Surf School nearby. The school offers lessons for kids and adults, novices are welcome and winter and summer wetsuits and other equipment are provided.
If even that seems a little too adventurous, visitors can watch the surfers from the Cliffs, although be forewarned that you’ll need binoculars to make them out from the cliff-top.
Another option is to keep an eye out for surfers – and puffins, as well as the occasional Atlantic dolphin -- while on a Cliffs of Moher cruise via Doolin Ferries, a one-hour cruise that explores the calmer waters on the sheltered side of the Cliffs.