The Cliffs of Moher are the most amazing attraction in Ireland. Every year, millions of people come to County Clare in the west of the country to experience the spirit of freedom, tranquility, and peace.
According to geological studies, the cliffs of Moher in Ireland were formed about 8,000 years ago. They got their name from a fort built in the 16th century and destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. The cliffs rise 120 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, with the highest point, O’Brien’s Tower, reaching 214 meters.
Historical background! O’Brian was a descendant of the first king of Ireland and a large landowner. He built an observation tower on the highest cliff to attract travelers to the area and improve the village’s economic situation through tourism.
The cliffs of Moher are completely covered with grass and wild flowers, and are home to more than 20 species of birds and many animals, including cows, goats, badgers, hares, and ermines. In the summer of 2009, the cliffs of Moher were nominated as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
What beauty hides the most popular attraction in Ireland? How much does it cost to enter, and what should tourists be prepared for? All the details about a trip to the Cliffs of Moher are in this article.
Entertainment program
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
The tourist center, hidden in a grassy hill, was built in 2007. In this huge artificial cave, tourists can explore paintings, photographs, and interactive and natural exhibits.
The Visitor Experience is divided into 4 parts, telling all the most interesting things about the interaction of the Ocean, Rocks, Nature and Man. There is also a theatre, long tunnels and a playground where little travelers can get to know the life of wild animals better.
Well-deserved! In 2007, the visitor centre won the award for “one of the best sites the jury has ever seen” at the Interpret Britain & Ireland Awards.
The complex operates exclusively on environmentally friendly regenerative (or green) energy sources: solar, geothermal, wind. The entrance to the center is free, and there are no guided tours.
Sightseeing platforms
Apart from the fact that the cliffs of Ireland’s Moher are a vast viewing platform along the entire 8-kilometer coast, there are three main locations that offer the most breathtaking views.
- Hag’s Head. The easternmost point of the cliff, offering a view of the stormy bay. The rock in this location resembles the head of a woman, with her gaze fixed on the ocean. According to the guides, this woman was Mal, who was unrequitedly in love with the hero Cú. One day, while pursuing him, she fell into a crevice between the rocks and was washed away by the waves. In her honor, the nearby town of Miltown Malbay was named after her.
- You can view all the beauty of the cliff from The North Platform, which is located at one of the highest points, near O’Brien’s Tower.
- The best place to admire the Atlantic Ocean while listening to the birds’ cries and flapping wings is from the South Platform. From there, you can clearly see Goat Island and O’Brien’s Tower.
An interesting fact! The cliffs of Moher are a very popular filming location. The most famous film featuring this location is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where the scene where Voldemort hid a piece of his soul was filmed.
In harmony with nature
Another fascinating activity that you can do while traveling to Moher is birdwatching. There are about 30,000 birds in the area, including seagulls, hawks, cormorants, petrels, and the unique Atlantic puffins, which call the cliffs their home.
In 1989, a huge 200-hectare area of the Mocher Cliff became a specially protected natural area. Not only is hunting prohibited, but it is also forbidden to pick the grass in the pastures, as it is the only source of food for the local animals.
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Walking routes
In order to allow not only the strongest and most courageous travelers to enjoy the beauty of the cliff, the Irish government has decided to create several walking paths that meet all safety requirements. With a length of almost 800 meters, there is more than enough space to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cliffs and even experience a bit of fear.
Read it before visiting
The walk along the cliffs of Moher is paid. The ticket is valid for the whole day and can be purchased on the website (bookings.cliffsofmoher.ie) or at the main gate. The cost of admission is:
- 7 euros in the morning from 8:00 to 11:00,
- 10 euros during the day from 11:00 to 16:00 (in winter, until 15:00) for pensioners, children from 13 years old, and students — 9 €,
- 8 euros in the evening from 16:00 to 19:00 (in winter from 15:00), 7 euros for children 13+, students, and pensioners.
- Children under 12 years old, accompanied by a parent, can enter for free.
Please note! By purchasing tickets in advance on the official website, you can get a 50% discount.
The Mochere work schedule depends on the tourist season:
- From January to February, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
- March-April, September-October – from 8 to 19;
- From May to August, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The influx of travelers subsides on weekends, only after 16, on weekdays there are not many people. Keep in mind, coming to the very opening, you risk to catch a thick fog and possibly waste time.
Important! Visiting O`Brien’s Tower is not included in the admission price, and you will have to pay an additional 2 euros per person to climb it
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Useful information
- To make sure you don’t miss anything during your hike, plan your route in advance. You can download an audio guide online to help you. The app is available in English, German, French, and Irish.
- There is a Puffins Nest Coffee Shop and a Cliffs View restaurant with a wide variety of dishes on the territory of Moher. Prices are above average, so if you want to save money, you can take ready-made products with you and have lunch at one of the many picnic tables;
- One of the most important criteria to consider when planning a trip is the weather. You can find the most accurate forecast on the website of the nearest weather station in Ireland (beta.windguru.cz/station/306);
- There are many telescopes scattered around the cliff. If you want to get a closer look at the Atlantic Ocean or other objects on the horizon, make sure to bring some euro cents and euro coins;
- One of the few traces of civilization in Moher is its 8 shops, including Art Dekko, which specializes in clothing, and O’Dalaigh Jewellers, which offers unique jewelry.
- The most spectacular photos of the Moher Rocks in Ireland can be taken at sunrise or sunset. You can find out when the sun rises and sets on the day of your trip on this website: www.juzaphoto.com;
- Don’t forget to bring raincoats and waterproof shoes, even if it’s not expected to rain (the weather in this area can change five times a day), as well as a hat and scarf. Avoid wearing hats, caps, or other loose-fitting headwear, as strong winds can blow them into the ocean.
- The cliff area has a parking lot, ATMs, and a museum dedicated to the history of the national park.
How to get to the cliffs
No matter where you are in Ireland, the first step to seeing the Cliffs of Moher is to get to the western city of Galway. The country has a well-developed rail network, so this should not be a problem.
It takes at least 2 hours and 20 minutes to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway. To do this, go to Eyre Square, Galway Bus Station and take bus 350 to County Clare, Cliffs Of Moher. The buses depart four times a day, and the fare is 11-16 euros per person. You can view the exact schedule and purchase tickets on the carrier’s website (www.buseireann.ie).
You can reduce the travel time to one hour by taking a taxi or renting a car. This option is best for large groups of travelers, as the 80-kilometer journey will cost around 90-110 euros.
You can also get to the cliffs of Moher from Dublin as part of a day trip. The standard duration of such a trip is 12 hours, the cost (from 5 0€) includes round-trip travel, the services of a guide (who is often also the bus driver) and all entrance tickets.
The Mocha Cliffs are a must-see in Ireland. Go there and experience their magical atmosphere. Have a safe trip!
