Cliffs of Moher
Visitor centre open: June-Aug 9.30am-6.30pm. Sept-May 10am-6pm.
Limestone walls up to 668ft high and six miles long form the cliffs, one of Ireland's most majestic natural features. They can be approached on foot either from Doolin (5 miles) or Liscannor (3 miles), or by car as far as the visitor centre on top of the cliffs.
At the top of the cliffs, there is a well constructed foothpath which is quite safe. Signs are posted to make visitors aware of the dangers of leaving the footpath. The cliffs are constantly battered by the sea far below and there is always a danger of them crumbling and falling away. The path leads north to the highest point of the cliffs, which is marked by O'Briens Tower, which was built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien MP. The view from the tower sweeps from Loop Head and the Kerry Mountains in the south, to the Aran Islands and the mountains of Connemara.
Going south-west, the path leads as far as the peninsula of Hag's Head. The length of the cliffs between Fisherstreet and Liscannor can be covered on foot in one day.
Looking down from several vantage points around the cliffs, you can see the puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, shags, ravens and cloughs in-flight and perched on the ledges below. There are coin operated binoculars to better view these birds, placed at the best viewing areas.
In summer-time, there are usually musicians, artists and traders along the path from the Visitor Centre to the top of the cliffs. Also, you can see sample slabs of Liscannor Stone which is widely used as paving slabs and flooring.