The Cliffs of Moher are situated at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare. Rising slowly from the Village of Doolin they ascend over 213 metres above the Atlantic Ocean stretching south for nearly 8 km to Hags head. The midpoint of the cliffs is a round stone O'Brien's Tower, built in 1835. The cliffs were named after an old promontory fort Mothar or Moher. It once stood on the southernmost point of the cliffed coast, Hag's Head, and now the Moher Tower.
The cliffs consist mainly of Namurian shale and sandstone, and their oldest rocks can be found at the bottom of the cliffs. It is even possible to see 300-million-year-old river channels forming unconformities at the base of cliffs beds.
The cliffs attract vast crowds of tourists to Ireland each year and were on top of the list of attractions in 2006 as they drew almost one million visitors. From the cliffs, tourists can see Loop Head, the Twelve Pins and Maumturks mountain ranges, and the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.
A wide variety of sea life can be seen during the promenade on the cliffs: grey seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, minke whales and sunfish. On land, you can face feral goats, badgers, and foxes. The Irish hares are also common in this area.
There is no accommodation right at the Cliffs of Moher. However, the closest town of Doolin has a good supply of bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants and pubs.
The cliffs are accessible year-round except on December 24-26 and are exceptionally pleasant from April to September. But mind that this is also the prime tourist season, peaking in July and August. Avoid the busiest hours from 11 am to 4 pm.
Practical info
Where are the Cliffs of Moher located, and how high are they?
Situated in County Clare in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher rise over 213 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch south for nearly 8 km to Hags head. The O'Brien's Tower marks the midpoint, built in 1835. The cliffs were named after the old promontory fort Mothar or Moher and are primarily composed of Namurian shale and sandstone, with the oldest rocks lying at the cliffs' base. Show more
What is the best time of year to visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland?
The Cliffs of Moher are open year-round except on December 24-26; the best time to visit is from April to September. During this period, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather and moderate crowds, but it marks the prime tourist season, with a rush in July and August. To avoid the busiest hours from 11 am to 4 pm, it's better to schedule visits early in the day or in the late afternoon. Show more
What is the history behind the Moher Tower in the Cliffs of Moher?
The Moher Tower is a landmark of the Cliffs of Moher, built by Sir Cornelius O'Brien in 1835, the owner of the land who recognized the potential of the cliffs for tourism. The round stone tower stands at the cliffs' midpoint and serves as an observation tower for visitors. Named after O'Brien, the tower has become an iconic part of the cliffs' scenery synonymous with the location. Show more
What kind of animal life can you expect to see while walking the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher offer a diverse range of sea life, including grey seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, minke whales, and sunfish. Visitors can also see feral goats, badgers, and foxes on land, alongside common Irish hares. The cliffs host a variety of bird species, including Northern Fulmars, Atlantic Puffins, and rare birds, like the Choughs with distinctive calls and red beaks. Show more
Is there any accommodation near the Cliffs of Moher, and what kind of facilities are available in the nearest town?
Although there is no accommodation at the Cliffs of Moher, the town of Doolin, located nearby, offers visitors a choice of accommodation facilities ranging from hostels to luxury hotels, along with pubs and restaurants. Doolin is a small village that visitors can explore and experience Irish folk music in local pubs. A good option to stay near the Cliffs of Moher is to book a stay in Doolin and plan day trips to the cliffs. Show more
