Cliffs of Moher
莫赫悬崖 · County Clare, Ireland
Sea cliffs stretching about 14 km along the Atlantic, 120 metres high at Hag's Head in the south and reaching a maximum of 214 metres north of O'Brien's Tower; the cliff faces are a breeding ground for seabirds such as puffins and razorbills.
Know before you go
- Do not climb over guard rails or approach unguarded cliff edges
- do not disturb seabirds
- do not litter
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
How the cliffs got their name
The Cliffs of Moher take their name from an old promontory fort called Mothar (or Moher) on Hag's Head. During the Napoleonic Wars, to guard against a French invasion, the fort was demolished in 1808 and a lookout and telegraph tower was built on the site.
Source: Wikipedia: Cliffs of Moher
History
O'Brien's Tower
In 1835 Cornelius O'Brien built a round stone tower near the middle of the cliffs: today's O'Brien's Tower. The cliffs' highest point, 214 metres, lies a short distance to its north.
Source: Wikipedia: Cliffs of Moher
History
A visitor centre built into the hillside
The visitor centre opened in February 2007. Built into the hillside, it uses renewable energy systems and has exhibits on the geology, history and wildlife of the cliffs.
Source: Wikipedia: Cliffs of Moher
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Cliffs of Moher lie on the west coast of County Clare, Ireland, on the southwestern edge of the Burren, about 7 km from Doolin to the north and about 6 km from Liscannor to the south. The visitor centre, near O'Brien's Tower in the middle section of the cliffs, opened in 2007 and is built into the hillside. Hag's Head at the southern end is 120 metres high, and the cliffs reach a maximum of 214 metres north of O'Brien's Tower, with a total length of about 14 km (according to English Wikipedia). O'Brien's Tower is a viewpoint in the middle section of the cliffs. In the breeding season, about 30,000 pairs of birds from more than 20 species nest on the cliffs, including puffins and razorbills; seals and dolphins may also be seen offshore. Since 2011 the cliffs have been part of the UNESCO-recognised Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. The cliffs take their name from an old promontory fort called Mothar (or Moher) on Hag's Head; the fort was demolished in 1808 to build a lookout and telegraph tower on the site. O'Brien's Tower was built by Cornelius O'Brien in 1835.
Local customs
- Visit the visitor centre exhibitions and viewing platforms
- climb O'Brien's Tower for views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the mountains to the north
- walk the cliff path on sections that are open (the official Coastal Walk from Hag's Head to Doolin is about 14 km
- it was closed for safety reasons in 2025, so check the official website before you go)
- take a boat from Doolin to see the cliffs and sea stacks from the water.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not climb over guard rails or approach unguarded cliff edges
- do not disturb seabirds
- do not litter
Locals appreciate DO
- Stay close to guard rails and surfaced paths
- follow on-site advice in high winds
- paths are slippery after rain, so watch your step and look out for falling rocks
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- It is windy here and the weather changes often, so bring a windproof outer layer
- the path is long, so walk it in sections according to your fitness
- the visitor centre has food and shops
- peak season is crowded, so consider off-peak times
- visitors afraid of heights should judge their own limits. Buses run from Galway, Ennis and Doolin, and driving is also possible
- sightseeing boats depart from Doolin pier
- for specific routes and services, check the latest local information.
- Spring and summer, the seabird breeding season, are best for birdwatching
- summer is peak season and crowded
- in autumn and winter winds are strong, and opening arrangements follow the official website.
Photos
Photos
Sandro Schachner · CC BY-SA 2.5
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 3.0
