CLIFFS OF MOHER
The Iconic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most visited natural attraction are only a 30-minute drive away from Into The Burren. Take the R477, voted one of the most scenic routes on the Wild Atlantic Way, and then the R478 with spectacular views over Doolin. You can visit any time of the day that suits you - morning, afternoon or evenings for that spectacular sunset.
With our local knowledge, we can recommend hiking and walking routes and the best spots for sightseeing. We can let you know the best parking places. We have maps, books & information leaflets for you to use so you can get the best out of your visit. We also have binoculars here if you enjoy bird watching.
So, a little information on the Cliffs...
The Cliffs stretch for 8km (5 miles) and reach 214m (702 feet) at their highest point. You will enjoy amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. In 2011 the sea cliffs were given UNESCO Global Geopark status.
What type of rocks form the Cliffs of Moher - The lighter coloured layers are sandstone - the darker layers are softer siltstone & shale. The Atlantic Ocean's pounding waves, the everchanging weather and Father time have shaped the Cliffs and formed their dramatic outline. Each line of rock tells its own story and contains the fossils of ancient long gone marine life, plants and coral shells that were trapped here millions of years ago.
The Cliffs of Moher continue to evolve over time. The stormy Atlantic is constantly eroding the rock causing parts of the cliffs, especially the softer sections, to collapse. Branaunmore sea stack, the free-standing pillar that you can see from the viewing platform was formed in this way.
Movie & Magic On the Cliffs - The iconic Cliffs have been a dramatic backdrop for many movies. Some of the bigger and more recent movies filmed at the Cliffs of Moher include Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Princess Bride, Leap Year, Into the West and The Mackintosh Man. Some might remember the many hilarious scenes from the TV series Father Ted filmed here
The Cliffs of Moher were named among the worlds most popular selfie spots - The breathtaking Cliffs have been named in Enjoy Travels round-up of the 25 Most Popular Selfie Spots, with 634,375 Instagram selfies and 5,000,000 TikTok videos taken there.
The Cliffs of Moher have introduced some new initiatives for 2022 - they plan to have some more Visitor Experience Seasonal Themed Events inside the complex. This will add to the enjoyment of your visit. They will also introduce the “Lifts of Moher” service to assist people with disabilities or mobility issues to access the Cliffs.
Walking & Hiking on the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. This route connects the villages of Liscannor and Doolin, via the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. A 13km (8 miles) cliff-edge trail that starts in Doolin and follows the coast to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre before continuing on towards Hag’s Head takes around 4.5 hours. Walkers will enjoy lovely views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, Doolin and the roaring Atlantic ocean.
Or if you prefer the walk can be done in 2 stages. Route 1 - Leaving the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience - The Coastal Walk South to Hags Head is not too difficult measuring 5.6km (3.5 miles ) in length. It will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete or Route 2 - from Doolin Village, the Doolin Cliff Walk is 8km (5 miles) to The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and takes roughly 3 hours to complete.
The Best time to see Puffins at the Cliffs of Moher - The Cliffs of Moher attracts thousands of seabirds to its ledges every year for the breeding season.
Puffins can be seen at their colonies from late April to August, but June and July are the best months to see them as at this time they are busy feeding their single chick. These cute little birds stand only about 250mm (10 inches) high and look a little like penguins, but they're completely different birds. Atlantic puffins have multicoloured beaks with blue bases and orange and yellow stripes.
Other birds that come to nest include kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots. The nesting period lasts from April to July, with May and June being particularly spectacular for bird sightings.