Cliffs Of Moher

Cliffs of Moher, an attraction visited by more than 1 million people every year, makes for an unforgettable trip in Ireland.

The place defines Irish beauty at its best - panoramic, breathtaking, rugged, and natural. Cliffs of Moher are everything you imagined Ireland to be, and then some more.

Offering the most scenic views of the Irish west coast, Cliffs of Moher are as much a geographical wonder as a historical landmark. In fact, the attraction is one of the most important conservation hotspots in the region, comprising natural richness and diversity. In the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher are a ‘signature discovery point’.

With a staggering height of 214 metres or 702 feet, the Cliffs of Moher span across 8 kilometers or 5 miles over the vast Atlantic ocean.

The dramatic views and the sheer grandeur of the attraction never ceases to amaze visitors from around the world.

Offering the most scenic views of the Irish west coast, Cliffs of Moher are as much a geographical wonder as a historical landmark.

Why visit the Cliffs of Moher?

When you visit the Cliffs, you’re interested in one of two things: the scenic beauty of the views from the top, and the steep height of the rock face.

Standing tall at 214 metres, the stone reaches of the Cliffs look southward to Kerry and Cork counties, and beyond. In fact, you’ll also be able to spot the Aran Islands in the north, and O’Brien’s Tower.

While standing at the peak, the sun shines over your head, and the sea fills the air with freshness of the Wild Atlantic Way. As such, it’s hard not to feel as though you’re right at the edge of a majestic ship taking you through the vast sea.

In order to soak in the various elements of nature, it makes sense to take a short trek across the clifftop, with the crests of the waves rolling below, and the edges of the cliffs peaking upwards.

If time allows, take the Doolin Cliff Walk, which takes you down the complete length of the trail to the Visitor Centre.

Rich flora and fauna

A trip to the Cliffs of Moher takes you as close to nature as you’ll ever be. It’s one of the most precious and unique aspects of the region. If you have a keen interest in bird-watching, you wouldn’t be disappointed. Countless razorbills, kittiwakes, puffins, and peregrine falcons await your arrival in this land of the green.

Everything surrounding the landscape is a marvel of natural delights. The coastal grass around your feet will be dotted with sea campion, wildflowers, and sea pinks. If you visit on a calm and quiet day, you might want to keep an eye out for ripples in the water, which don’t take long to give glimpses of friendly dolphins and basking sharks.

Haven for wildlife

The attraction is a Special Protected Area (SPA) for more than 20 species of seabirds. It welcomes over 30,000 breeding pairs every year, including razorbills, peregrine falcons, guillemots, puffins, and kittiwakes. The Cliffs of Moher are also home to Sea Pink and Cat’s Eat.

Endless tales to match your spirit

With such scenic beauty and diversity, fantasy and folklore are often expected. It’s no surprise that the Cliffs of Moher come with stories about the past. The most popular story is the one with the fisherman who fell in love with a mermaid. The others include the doomed ‘Leap of the Foals’, the mythical ‘Tuatha De Danann’, and the Underwater City of Kilstiffen. While ending the trip in a cosy pub will be a good idea, plenty of other things will keep you occupied.

UNESCO Global Geopark

On your next trip to Ireland, you simply can’t miss a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. With incomparable beauty, it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ireland.

The Cliffs of Moher are famous for being part of the UNESCO Global Geopark list. Built in 2007, the eco-friendly visitor centre provides detailed information about the region, and assists with trips and itineraries.

Unpredictable weather can have a huge impact on the activities you choose at the Cliffs of Moher. It’s best to be prepared for ‘all seasons’, and come with a pair of good walking boots and a high-quality rain jacket.

Plan your visit right!

On a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, allow yourself a minimum of 2 hours. In fact, most visitors prefer to spend over half a day soaking in the scenic beauty of the region.

You could even stay overnight in a local village like Ballyvaughan. Just enjoy traditional Irish food and the local culture to have a great time.

The best part about visiting the Cliffs is that they can be basking in the sun in one moment and cloaked in fog the next. Ireland often has unpredictable weather, and it’s well depicted near the Cliffs of Moher.

It’s worth mentioning that certain times can be busier than others. For instance, while the peak season stretches between July and August, the Cliffs receive heavy footfall through April to September. 11 AM to 4 PM is the busiest time of the day.

As it goes with popular tourist attractions, weekends are busier than weekdays, except the holiday season. If possible, try to visit the site after 4 PM, since it will be less crowded. Moreover, you’ll be able to witness the beautiful sunset standing at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, considering you plan a visit on a sunny day.