In a land blessed with more than its fair share of extraordinary landscapes and natural beauty, it’s still impossible not to be moved by one of Ireland’s most impressive coastal features.
Stretching some 8kms along the Atlantic coastline, the Cliffs of Moher are simply breathtaking.
The spectacular walking trail is a must on any itinerary (no – you don’t have to walk the full stretch!). Panoramic views, the sheer drop into the crashing ocean below, the blast of fresh sea air – an unforgettable experience.
A witch named Mal fell deeply in love with Cú Chulainn, the legendary member of the Red Branch knights of Ulster. Unfortunately for her, Cú Chulainn did not return her love. Unfortunately for him, Mal wouldn’t let it go and began chasing him all over the island of Ireland. He eventually ended up here at the Cliffs of Moher. He leapt from the cliffs onto an island known as Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Rock. Thanks to a gust of wind, Mal was able to follow. Cú Chulainn jumped back but this time Mal wasn’t so lucky – without the wind’s assistance, she crashed into the rocks. Such was the impact of the dent that the shape of her profile remains visible at Hag’s head today!
Moher Tower is the ruin of an old Napoleonic-era watchtower standing on Hag’s Head.
Of course, you’re highly unlikely to have the place to yourself! There’s the bird population for starters! This is the breeding site for some 30,000 seabirds and is home to Puffin, Peregrine Falcon, Kittiwake, Fulmar, Chough, Guillemot and Razorbill. There is a large population of hares in the area as well as feral goats. In the waters below you might spot a dolphin, whale or seal. Then there are the visitors – over one million per year. It’s a busy place on a bright summer’s day!
Long, long ago, Ireland was ruled by a magical tribe called the Tuatha Dé Danann. The arrival of St. Patrick and Christianity brought an end to the Celtic practices of magic and ritual. Enraged by their loss of power, the Tuatha Dé Danann turned themselves into horses and hid away in the Kilcornan Caves for centuries. After hundreds of years, seven foals ventured from the caves, eager to explore. Of course, after all the years of darkness, they were blinded by the natural sunlight. Unable to see where they were going, they galloped over the edge of the cliffs and died in the waters below. That same spot is known as Aill na Searrach or The Cliff of the Foals.
O’Brien’s Tower was built in 1835 by local landowner Cornelius O’Brien. He believed that tourism could save the local economy and bring income to the local people. It became a popular viewing area for visitors in the 19th century, and stands at the highest point of the cliffs.
An ancient city sank underwater here when a local chieftain lost the golden key to the city gates. Legend has it that the town will remain underwater until the key is found and returned. Visitors look for the city shining below the surface. However!!!! The city rises briefly every seven years but if you witness this occurrence, you will be dead before it rises again seven years later! You have been warned!
Bits and Bobs…..
***The Cliffs date back 320 million years and are comprised of shale, siltstone, and sandstone.
***They measure some 214m (702 ft) at their highest point near O’Brien’s tower.
***Pronunciation = mow-her (as in mowing the lawn).
***The trail is relative flat and even with a slight and gradual climb towards the steepest section. It should be avoided in poor weather and obviously one should stay away from the edge!!! Visitors are asked to respect local landowners by parking only in designated areas and staying on the official trail.
***The Visitor Experience Centre has interactive media displays, images and features that offer insight into local geology, history, flora and fauna.
***Access and Admission:
Admission ticket includes parking / Visitors’ Centre / facilities/audio guide / etc.
It’s best to pre book online – Peak Times (11.00am – 4.00pm) €10 per person / Off Peak €7 per person. (Family Ticket €14/€20)
The Cliffs are technically free and there is free access to the trails.
If you are not interested in the Visitor Centre etc, there are some enterprising locals who offer parking at a reduced cost close to the cliffs. If you are staying locally then just ask about it at your accommodation.
***The Cliffs of Moher at the Movies…….
Horcrux Caves in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Cliffs of Insanity in The Princess Bride
Leap Year
Into the West
The Mackintosh Man
Far and Away
Snow White and the Huntsman
….and in Music Video……
Maroon 5 – Runaway
Westlife – My Love
They look breathtaking indeed! I’d be curious to see them in bad weather, in the winter, but I can see it might not be very safe then.
It’s one bleak spot I can tell you!! To be honest you’ve a better chance of bad weather there than sunshine – any time of year!!😅 😂
Being there would be amazing. 😊
It truly is – and there’s plenty in the area for a great holiday…
Added to my bucket list. 😁
I was lucky to be there pre-Visitor Centre on a wild day with one other person. Magnificent.
Ah – those good old days – Tom is from County Clare and the cliffs would be included when we’d head out for a drive or whatever – no fuss – have a look and move on…. I know the Visitor Centre adds a lot for first timers and many’s the one I’ve used on my travels. The Slieve League cliffs in Donegal – which I know very well – have a new centre. Same set up – and it’s really driving me mad!!
Never even heard of this place before…but you just have to love the rugged Atlantic coasts of Cornwall/Wales/Ireland…fabulous coastal scenery
Rugged indeed! But gorgeous! This would always make the Top 5 list of must do’s for visitors to Ireland. Worth seeing even once…
We didn’t make it that far west on our Ireland trip but we will return. I want to see them on a blue sky day like in your pictures!!
Alas Bernie – no matter how well you plan, there’s no guarantee! On this particular visit, our sunny morning followed 2 days of torrential rain – in August!
Definitely no guarantee! But I think we will come in late May early June. ’24.
It can be lovely at that time of year….
Another trip to add to the list!! Thanks for the inspiration, Mel
The every growing list!!!
Beautiful pictures!!
Thank you Leela – glad you enjoyed
These cliffs have been on my list for a while. They look absolutely ruggedly gorgeous. Maggie
There are other stretches of similar coast but this was probably the most accessible so got ahead of the posse re tourism and marketing. But that doesn’t in any way take away from their impact – hope you get there one day!
Beautiful!! These are on my list 🙂
Good stuff Lissy – You’d love it here….
Absolutely incredible Marie, one for the bucket list indeed!
Thanks Hannah – glad you liked…..
The rugged scenery looks gorgeous. Looks like you had nice weather to enjoy the views.
We’d a lovely morning which makes all the difference in a place like that. It’s so disappointing for visitors who arrive on days with little or no visibility…
This is such a fantastic post, Marie 🙂 The amazing Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top travel destinations and for good reason.
Thank you Aiva – it’s a special place indeed…
We were very lucky when we did our West Coast Tour. It was so sunny that our coach driver stopped to buy a camera to take photos.
You were one of the lucky ones then! As you well know from your visits, you have to take as it is, prepare for the worst and any good day is a bonus!
Splendide !
Ah! Merci!!
couldn’t agree more. bucket list, indeed! glad to see you had decent weather for your visit.
An unexpected bonus I assure you Keith! It wasn’t a trip blessed with good weather!!
Looks awesome – great photos. Ireland is on my bucket list! Safe travels ahead for you worldwide.
Thank you! I hope you make it here one day – I see that cruises are of special interest to you – maybe you’ll dock in Dublin or Belfast sometime!
gorgeous!
Thank You … XXXmarie
I remember my first visits to the Cliffs of Moher, parking was free but not always easy to find along the road. On my last visit the official car park had been built, but by the end of the day on weekdays the guard had left, free again. You have to take your time, take the measure of the height, the mass, you have to take your time.
Ah – the good old days…. I for one didn’t appreciate it enough when we had such free access!
You really need to walk a stretch of it don’t you – you can still see people park, go to the edge, swivel the head, take a photo and head back to the car!!