The Cliffs of Moher, located on Ireland’s rugged west coast in County Clare, are among the nation’s most spectacular and visited natural landmarks. They form part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a celebrated coastal driving route showcasing Ireland’s raw maritime beauty. Rising steeply from the Atlantic, these cliffs define the southwestern edge of The Burren, a limestone plateau famous for its unique karst landscape.

Dimensions and Geology

The cliffs stretch for approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles), starting from Hag’s Head in the south to just beyond O’Brien’s Tower in the north. They soar from 120 meters (390 feet) at Hag’s Head to a breathtaking 214 meters (702 feet) near O’Brien’s Tower.
Formed between 313 and 326 million years ago, their layers of Namurian shale and sandstone were deposited by ancient river deltas, creating a geological record of prehistoric marine environments. Their stratified patterns reveal millions of years of Earth’s natural history, shaped by the unrelenting power of the ocean.

Key Features and Historical Landmarks

• O’Brien’s Tower – Erected in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien, a visionary landowner who believed the cliffs should be enjoyed by visitors. This round stone tower marks the highest point of the cliffs and provides sweeping views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, and beyond.

• Hag’s Head – The southernmost point of the cliffs, named after an ancient promontory fort known as Mothar. The site also features a 19th-century lookout tower, once used for coastal observation.

• Visitor Centre – Built into the hillside to minimize its environmental impact, the eco-friendly underground Visitor Centre offers exhibitions on geology, wildlife, and history. Well-maintained pathways lead safely to designated viewing points along the cliffs.

Wildlife and Ecology

The Cliffs of Moher are designated as an EU Special Protection Area (SPA) for seabirds, making them one of Ireland’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. More than 30 bird species nest here, including Atlantic Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Peregrine Falcons. The surrounding waters often host seals, dolphins, and basking sharks, offering nature lovers an unforgettable experience amid pristine coastal scenery.

Views and Surroundings

On clear days, visitors can see the Aran Islands scattered across Galway Bay, the hills of Connemara to the north, and even the distant Dingle Peninsula to the south. The constant play of light and shadow, mist and sun, makes every visit to the Cliffs of Moher a unique visual experience.

Cultural and Cinematic Heritage

The Cliffs have long inspired poets, artists, and travelers from around the world. They have also achieved pop-culture fame as the “Cliffs of Insanity” in The Princess Bride (1987) and appeared in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), cementing their reputation as Ireland’s most cinematic natural backdrop.

• By car: From Galway or Limerick, the journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.
• Public transportation: Tour buses and scheduled tours operate daily from Dublin, Galway, and Limerick.

• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heavy crowds.

• Bring warm, windproof clothing—the Atlantic breeze can be intense.

• Stay on designated pathways for safety and conservation.

• Combine your trip with visits to The Burren National Park, Aillwee Cave, or Doolin Village.

• Don’t miss the sunset for extraordinary photo opportunities.

Admission Fee:

• Adults: €10–€12 (includes parking and visitor centre entry)

• Children under 12: Free

• Discounts: Available for families, students, and online bookings

Opening Time:

• Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)

• Last entry: 45 minutes before closing