Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, which stretches over 14 kilometres with a height of over 700 feet, peering over the Atlantic!
Open all year round, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the featured iconic landscapes of Ireland.
It is so popular that it annually receives over a million visitors to experience the cliffs.
Apart from offering some awe-inspiring views, there is a whole lot of solid adventure for a family to enjoy!
From a world-class heritage centre with trendy, interactive edutainment facilities and a children’s play area to information cards and binoculars for bird watching.
Sounds interesting?
So, activate your senses as we journey through these stunning cliffs of Ireland, exploring the unique landscape and its many attractions for you to experience on your next trip!
1. The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare Walk Through
Haven’t been lucky enough to tour the Cliffs of Moher?
Then trust me.
If you chance upon the place once in your lifetime, you are sure to get a tremendous experience, especially on a clear day when the sun shines at its full strength!
You get some awesomely stunning views of the cliff top and the ocean panorama.
Though the cliff edge is highly dangerous, they are a popular tourist hub for visitors across the globe.
Vertically upright-edged, The Cliffs of Moher stand majestically on the West Coast of Ireland.
Have you ever wondered how to spell out The Cliffs of Moher (if you are not Irish)?
Local folks of Ireland pronounce it as mow-her, sounding like mowing the lawn.
If you chance upon the place when the skies are clear, you can hear the waves slamming the foot of the cliffs.
Also, you can get stunning views of the Hills of Connemara, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay too!
There are neatly maintained paved ways for tourists to stroll and enjoy the scenic views from above.
Interestingly, this place has stolen the hearts of artists, musicians and poets over time.
You can find these cliffs mentioned in their songs and artwork.
If you are an avid movie lover, you might have come across the scene of the cliffs in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as the Horcrux Caves.
Even the Cliffs of Insanity from Princess Bride features these cliffs.
Also, the opening scene of Ryan’s Daughter displays the loss of a parasol on the infamous cliffs by the main character, Rosy.
So, ultimately, it’s a one-of-a-kind nature paradise for every visitor to enjoy and carry home unimaginable memories!
2. Okay, So What’s Makes the Cliffs of Moher Interesting
Simply put, the sheer magnificence inspires visitors to tour the incredible cliffs.
Also, their remote locale makes it a perfect spot for unique wildlife to thrive.
There is an endless list of flora and fauna, including unusual flowers and over 20 species of sea birds, including puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes.
In short, you can call these cliffs a perfect bird watcher’s paradise!
You can find the puffins nesting and rearing their young on the cliffs, especially during June. However, you can find them perching between mid-May and mid-July.
Also, you can find basking sharks, whales, seals, dolphins, and otters in the sea below. Humpback whales can be spotted during Autumn as they pass the cliffs on their migration paths.
Heard of Aileen’s Wave here?
You can find it occasionally with a perfect combination of the easterly winds and the stormy conditions.
This wave can soar up to 12 meters off the Cliffs of Moher. John McCarthy was the first surfer to surf over this incredible wave.
His experience pinned Irish big wave surfing on the map.
Don’t be disappointed if you didn’t see it. You can see it in the photographic exhibition at the Visitor Center in the Cliffs of Moher.
Nevertheless, you can take a cliff walk from the rising cliffs in Doolin village to the north and from Liscannor to the south to gaze at Ireland’s breathtaking coastal scenery.
As you hike up to the cliffs, the sea sprays all over your hair and face.
So, do bring a rain jacket even if it’s not rainy!
Towards the sunset, you will be astonished to see an ethereal landscape.
Due to its locale exactly on the west, the sun ignites the cliffs in hues of gold and orange.
What a mesmerizing sight it would be…!!
Looking for some interesting Cliffs of Moher facts? Check it out here!
3. Climbing Downward in Time to the Cliffs of Moher History
Has the place sparked your curiosity?
Then, let’s climb over the evolution of this fascinating place that has attracted millions of tourists across the globe!
The beginning of the Cliffs of Moher dates back 320 million years during the Upper Carboniferous period.
The evolution began when it was at the beginning close to the equator much more than you might come across today.
About this time, it is believed that there existed a marine basin in the southwest comprising a landmass.
3.1 Creation of the Cliffs of Moher
This landmass with heavy rainfall resulted in a massive flood that washed away significant sand and mud into the rivers flowing northeastward into the sea.
Later, these got deposited into the sea at a delta’s mouth. They were primarily comprised of shale, siltstone, and sandstone.
As millions of years passed, these sediments solidified to become a solid rock.
With tectonic activity, the earth’s plates moved these rocks north and established them to the Cliffs of Moher we see today.
You can even check out the advanced age of the cliff (though you’re not a rock expert) by looking at the striking bands of sandstone, siltstone, and shale.
Additionally, it’s even more incredible to see the rock formations above the sea level.
From the cliff top, you can see caves and sea stacks including the famous Branaunmore (meaning “Big Prince” or “Big Raven”) that was separated due to erosion from the cliffs.
This sea stack is just below the observation tower, O’Brien’s Tower built by Sir Cornelius O’Brien in 1835.
He was a self-proclaimed descendant of the first High King Brian Ború, famous for defeating the Vikings in 1014 AD at the Battle of Clontarf.
From this tower he built, you get some spectacular views for your eyes and photographs.
Check here how the Cliffs of Moher were bid to purchase by the Germans and how it was almost accepted…!!
4. Legends About the Cliffs of Moher Formations
4.1 The Hag and Cú Chulainn
It is said that this hag named Mal fell in love with the legendary member of the Red Branch Knights of Ulster, Cú Chulainn.
Unfortunately, the knight refused to return her love.
Refusing the accept the denial, the hag chased him to the uttermost ends of the island of Ireland.
Ultimately, she crashes into the side of the rocks while leaping, giving rise to the name Hag’s Head.
The rock formation resembles a woman’s head and got this name with a tale!
4.2 The Lost City of Kilstiffen
This is an ancient legend that is alive in County Clare that states the swallowing of an entire town by the Atlantic Ocean.
This was a result of losing its golden key to the city gate during a battle by the local chieftain.
It is still believed that the city exists underwater and will remain until the key is discovered and returned.
You can find the lost city shimmering in the depths of the ocean water in the South.
And for the time being, you have to wonder how a city could stand atop such great cliffs!
However, there are numerous theories about the mysterious disappearance of the golden key.
All of them are just a probability because the key is yet to be found.
There are legends stating that the city rises seven years once, and it’s said that if you see it rise, you will die after seven years of the next rise.
This legend was created based on the findings of bogs, old vegetation, and underwater forests in the Lisacannor Bay Reef.
4.3 The Tale of the Foals
The spread of Christianity by St. Patrick throughout the area angered the pantheon of Celtic deities, the Tuatha De Danann.
Legend states that these deities transfigured themselves taking the form of horses and escaped to Burren’s Kilcornan.
Here they hid themselves for centuries.
However, at the end of seven years, small foals came out of the caves. These foals never saw a bright light and got terrified by the sunlight.
Their fear made them gallop helter-skelter on the cliffs making them fall to death.
The spot where they died at the cliff’s foot is called Aill Na Searrach, or The Cliff of the Foals.
4.4 The Mermaid of Moher
Once, a fisherman chanced upon a mermaid while fishing at the Cliffs of Moher.
The two began talking for some time. But the man had an eye on the magic cloak she had.
In the intense conversation, the man grabbed the cloak and ran to his house.
Now, the mermaid could not return to sea without the cloak.
So, she searched for the man and could not find the cloak in his house. It was well hidden.
Left with a narrow option, the mermaid decides to marry the man and soon has a son and a daughter.
However, she never forgot to get back her magical cloak.
Many years pass when one day, the fisherman sets out for fishing, and the mermaid finds her cloak.
Leaving her kids and the man, the mermaid escaped into the sea, never to be seen again!
These few prominent legends have risen out of the Cliffs of Moher.
Now, what’s your take on the beliefs and the legends of the cliffs?
5. Vital Information Before Visiting the Cliffs of Moher
Taking a trip to the cliffs is fairly straightforward, but here are a few essential information you must know to make your trip a bit more enjoyable.
Warning: Please pay attention to the parking and ticket prices as there is a higher chance of getting fooled to make you pay more than you need to…!!
5.1 The Cliffs of Moher Location
The western coast of Ireland in the parish of Liscannor village houses these cliffs. This village is found in County Clare.
Here’s the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare Map!
GPS Coordinates: Visitor Center 52.97201, -9.42592. Car park 52.97256, -9.421
5.2 Keeping Yourself Safe at the Cliffs of Moher
Keep away from the cliff edge. They are mostly uneven. Even the winds there are extremely strong to blow you off the cliffs!
Sadly, tragedies are recorded as people have fallen off the cliff getting too close to the edge.
So, it’s entirely your responsibility if you are near the edge!
5.3 Parking at the Cliffs of Moher
Parking options on site are many.
But it depends on your fitness level (whether you are disabled or not) and the experience you wish to have.
But be sure not to get defrauded, as you might pay more than required.
The charge they cost you is for every single individual inside the car.
So, be prudent and double-check…!!
5.4 Ticket Costs at the Cliffs of Moher
Here, it’s best to pre-book your tickets online to avoid overcharges.
Usually, the price for adults is 8 Euros or $9 USD and free for children under 16 years.
So, ensure to go to the official website to book your tickets.
And once you are there, you just need to show it to the attendant and stroll free anywhere!
5.5 The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare Opening Times
It’s as usual!
The opening hours change every season depending on the crowds;
- Jan, Feb, Nov and Dec: 09:00 – 17:00
- May to Aug: 08:00 – 21:00
- Mar, Apr, Sept and Oct: 08:00 – 19:00
5.6 Best Method to Go to the Cliffs of Moher
It completely depends on your group. If you are not a long walker, begin your tour from the main visitor entrance.
If you are up and active for a fancy ramble, try the Doolin Cliff Walk and Liscannor Walk.
Otherwise, if you want something out of the box, take a ferry from Doolin to have a unique experience!
5.7 Accommodations around the Cliffs of Moher
- For a luxury stay, try Cliffs Of Moher Hotel.
- For a midrange stay, try the Atlantic Hotel.
- For budget accommodation, try the Lahinch Hostel.
6. The Cliffs of Moher Directions: Different Ways to Visit
Travelling to the Cliffs of Moher is possible via car, bicycle, public transportation, or bus on a guided day tour.
6.1 By Car
- From Dublin, it takes 3.5- 4 hours
- From Galway, it takes 90 minutes
- From Ennis, it takes 40 minutes
- From Limerick, it takes 75 minutes
Remember to park a bit farther away from the visitor centre in the provided parking lot. Ensure to pre-book your tickets if you are a big group to avoid disappointment.
You can also book a car and get it rented. Try Discover Cars. They help you find domestic and international car companies at affordable rates.
6.2 By Bus
Check out Bus Éireann, which has an extensive network of routes nationwide.
Otherwise, take a shuttle bus from Doolin to reach the spot and even go to explore the town of Liscannor.
Ready to fly? Check the list of cheapest airline flights here!
And don’t forget to carry your travel insurance with you…!!
7. The Right Moment to Tour the Cliffs of Moher
Considering the Irish weather, the best time to visit is April and September, when the rainfall is less and the sun comes out.
However, crowds tend to peak between June and August in the summer.
If you are keen to visit during peak tourism seasons, arrive early, before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to get a quieter experience.
8. Activities to Indulge at the Cliffs of Moher
- Listen to the audio tour from the free Google Play or App Store app to learn about the attraction.
By Simon Moore/ Unsplash. Copyright 2021 - Climb the O’Brien’s Tower to get an aerial view of the Twelve Bens of Connemara, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay atop the tower. Take a 10-minute walk from the visitor center to reach here.
- Take a coastal walking trip to Hag’s Head and Moher Tower.
By DawidKalisinski/Depositphotos. Copyright - Explore the exhibits at the visitor centre in the Cliffs of Moher.
- Go on a boating tour through the Cliffs of Moher.
Planning to stay for some more time? Then check out more activities to do in and around Cliffs of Moher!
9. Closing the Blinds
There are countless things to see and enjoy once you pack up for a tour of the Cliffs of Moher.
But you must also note that no two tours are the same. Some have an itinerary with activities, while others have a few spots to visit.
Ultimately, it all depends on your budget.
So, pre-plan the list of places you wish to visit to make the most of your travel experience enjoyable and unforgettable…!!
Now, how was your experience on taking a trip?
Do tie your thoughts to the upcoming comment section!
And, do follow our website for more valuable resources to keep wandering and wondering!
