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3.82/5 (18,161 votes)
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Simply unmissable, the Cliffs of Moher are among the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland. Situated in the south-west of the Burren, in County Clare, they are a mecca for Irish tourism.
They’ll blow you away with their beauty, stretching over 8 km in length and reaching heights of up to 215 metres! It’s enough to make you dizzy!
Don’t miss the breathtaking panorama of these rocky giants overlooking the Atlantic Ocean! Without doubt one of Ireland’s most beautiful spots!
Cliffs of Moher view – © pics721
The tour begins between Liscannor and Doolin, on the edge of the R478.
A specially-designed pay parking lot (€8 per person, not per vehicle) allows you to get rid of your car, then discover the magnificent viewpoint overlooking the cliffs.
A wide, stony ramp leads up to O’Brien’s Tower, a small tower built in 1835, overlooking the landscape. It’s located at the site’s highest vantage point, and is often where tourists take their photos!
Once you’ve arrived, get ready for a breathtaking view! But beware, it’s blowing hard up there: the spot is very exposed, and well worth a sweater and windbreaker for added comfort.
Whatever the weather, the view is breathtaking: the Cliffs of Moher plunge vertically into the depths of the raging ocean. The rock is a dark black color, deeply marked by the erosion of the sea. And depending on the weather, the waves crash majestically against these stone giants.
A perfect backdrop, which makes it easy to understand why the Cliffs of Moher were used to film a famous scene in Harry Potter!
Looking a little further towards the horizon, you can make out the famous Aran Islands (Inishmore,Inishmaan andInisheer). And on a clear day, you’ll even be able to make out the high Connemara landscape, with its mountains and hills tinged with forests and peat bogs.
What a unique experience!
Cliffs of Moher from the sea – ESchweitzer
If you like the show and want to discover more, don’t hesitate to explore the 8 km of cliffs.
Small footpaths allow you to walk along them, offering magnificent views of these exceptional geological masses.
Be careful, however, not to walk too close to the edge: these paths have not been developed and do not have barriers like the O’Brien Tower viewpoint.
Many accidents have been caused by carelessness. In particular, people who had approached the edge of the boat in an attempt to take a selfie. The fall is unforgiving and deadly. Also, keep your children close to you, and avoid steep areas: the rock crumbles over time and the surroundings are not safe).
This short walk will enable you to discover the natural wonders of the site: its flora and fauna are renowned the world over for their diversity and richness. The Cliffs are home to a large number of seabirds, as well as a variety of plant species lining the precipice. During the nesting season, the cliffs are even populated by cormorants, guillemots, razorbills and puffins!
Allow a good half-day for the tour… and a good camera, ready to be drawn to immortalize the moment!
View from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre – IrishFireside – cc
To further capitalize on the site’s economic success, the Irish government set up a small tourist complex called “Atlantic Edge”, which opened in 2007.
This shopping center was partially built underground, so as not to detract too much from the beauty of the site. Here you’ll find a host of stalls and signs, including :
Atlantic Edge is criticized for its ultra-touristy, which somewhat detracts from the beauty of the site. The commercial exploitation of the Cliffs of Moher is a little too present, and somewhat breaks their authenticity. To get the most out of the wild cliffs, it’s best to get away from Atlantic Edge and follow the marked footpaths.
The Cliffs of Moher – © UTBP
The Cliffs of Moher are so well known that thousands of tourists flock here every year to contemplate the beauty of the landscape.
The sheer number of visitors represents a threat to the site and its ecosystem: the constant flow of visitors constantly upsets the balance of the surrounding natural environment. Trampling of the flora, pollution resulting from incivilities (littering, etc.), are all acts that contribute to damaging the site.
This is why the spot has been labelled a “Protected Site” since 1989 by the Irish government, which has taken measures to develop the area for tourism without altering the authenticity of the site.
To ensure your visit is as respectful as possible, we advise you to follow the signposted paths without going overboard, to keep your garbage out of the environment, and of course, to make the most of the views on offer!
Final tip: take a good sweater and a windbreaker. Whatever the season: the cliffs are highly exposed to the wind, and it can be perfectly cold when ocean conditions are difficult. Best visited on a clear day for a better view…
If your visit takes place in the rain: the show will be grandiose, but the place will have a more serious and sombre charm than usual!
The Cliffs of Moher can be reached from Dublin, Galway or Cork. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a drive, but there are plenty of buses to get you there, and our partner GetYourGuide offers a number of day trips to explore the area with a guide.
Prices are reasonable and well worth the detour. Find out more here: GetYourGuide.
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