By Pat Flynn
The Cliffs of Moher have been evacuated and closed because of dangerously high winds.
The cliffs, which welcomed over one million visitors last year, are being pounded by winds gusting up to 150 kilometres an hour.
Staff at the 700 foot high cliffs followed clear procedures to deal with severe weather and this afternoon invoked their highest safely level "red protocol".
Visitors have been escorted back to their coaches and cars and requested to leave the site.
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is closing due high winds exceeding 150kph. Do not visit the Cliffs as conditions are dangerous.Please share
— Cliffs of Moher Experience (@CliffsofMoherIE) November 27, 2015
The public has also been asked to check social media or call the visitor centre before travelling to the area.
Gale force winds and heavy rain have been forecast for the weekend in Clare.
The iconic attraction was closed twice in a single week in February 2013 after winds topped 120kmh.
On that occasion, several visitors were injured when they were swept off their feet by the strong winds while a vehicle evacuating staff members was also lifted off the ground.