Special locals’ pass to the Cliffs

THE debate over the new charges to visit the world-famous Cliffs of Moher took a new twist this week as details were announced of a special pass for locals.

From mid-August, the new pass will be available, for €12, to all residents of County Clare and will allow the holder unlimited visits to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and access to all facilities, including parking and the Atlantic Edge Exhibition.
In order to qualify, people will have to produce a copy of photo ID and a utility bill from the last six months showing a Clare address.
The pass will be available from August and will be valid until December 31, 2011.
“We have been seeking a way to accommodate locals who wish to visit the Cliffs on a regular basis without incurring a charge each time they visit. Moving to a person-based charge, rather than a vehicle-based charge, has allowed us to do this.
“The issue was raised by local councillors and others and we wanted to take these concerns on board and move swiftly to address them,” said Katherine Webster, director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.
Open evenings will be held in August and September at the Cliffs and in Ennis to allow local residents to come along and find out more about the pass and sign up if they wish to do so.
The announcement of the local pass follows recent controversy over a new pricing structure being implemented at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.
“We will be announcing details of a multi-visit pass and other promotional passes ahead of the 2011 season. The new pricing structure will also help us to provide discounted rates during low season or off-peak times,” added Ms Webster.
The open evenings for local residents will take place at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience from 5pm to 9pm on Thursday, August 26; Friday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 15.
Details of an open evening in Ennis during September will be announced in the coming weeks.
The local pass application form will be available to download from the Cliffs of Moher website at www.cliffsofmoher.ie next week and postal applications will also be accepted.