🌊 Cliffs of Moher

The cliffs sit on the western edge of the Burren landscape in County Clare, facing Galway Bay and the Atlantic; on clear days you can see the Aran Islands, the Maumturks, and distant Kerry headlands. (unesco.org, en.wikipedia.org)

Key viewpoints include the main visitor viewing platforms and rooftop access at the Visitor Centre, plus the classic vista from near O'Brien's Tower and the coastal sweep from Hag's Head to the north. (visitclare.ie, burren.ie)

Built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien as an observation tower for visitors, O'Brien's Tower sits near the highest point of the cliffs and is one of the best vantage points for panoramic views over the cliffs and Galway Bay. (en.wikipedia.org, burren.ie)

There is an 18 km coastal route (the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk) that historically ran from Hag's Head to Doolin; however, large sections have been temporarily closed since 2024–25 for safety works and management planning — check local updates before setting out. (cldc.ie, irishtimes.com)

The cliffs form an EU-designated Special Protection Area and host tens of thousands of breeding seabirds, including kittiwakes, guillemots, fulmars, peregrines and seasonal puffin colonies on offshore stacks and ledges. (burren.ie, unesco.org)

The cliffs expose Upper Carboniferous shales, sandstones and siltstones laid down ~320–300 million years ago — a classic deltaic and deep‑water sequence rich in trace fossils that make the site a key geological reference. (burrengeopark.ie, geolsoc.org.uk)

The award‑winning Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience near Liscannor offers an eco-friendly underground centre with interactive exhibits, cafés, gift shops, accessible paved pathways, rooftop viewing and ticketed entry (online booking recommended). (burren.ie, bookings.cliffsofmoher.ie)

The site is best reached by car, coach or regional buses from nearby towns such as Liscannor, Lahinch and Ennis; there are car and coach parks at the Visitor Centre and coach/group booking arrangements available. (clarecoco.ie, visitclare.ie)

Early morning or late afternoon outside peak summer hours gives quieter viewing and better light for photos; spring and summer offer the most reliable seabird activity, but always expect rapidly changing weather on the Atlantic coast. (yourdailyadventure.com, visitclare.ie)

The cliffs are exposed, often windy, and sections of the coastal path are narrow — follow all signage, stay behind barriers, supervise children and dogs, and do not attempt cliff‑edge shortcuts; note official trail closures and guidance issued by local authorities. (cldc.ie, bbc.co.uk)

The cliffs are part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and managed through a mix of local authority oversight, trail managers and conservation designations aimed at balancing visitor access with habitat protection. (unesco.org, clarecoco.ie)

The Cliffs of Moher combine spectacular coastal scenery, rich geology and important seabird colonies with a developed visitor experience at the Visitor Centre — plan ahead, respect safety notices, and support conservation by using official paths and facilities. (burren.ie, burrengeopark.ie)

Further reading and official updates: check the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience booking and news pages, the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark site, and local Clare County Council notices before you travel. (bookings.cliffsofmoher.ie, unesco.org, clarecoco.ie)