Cliffs of Moher- County Clare, Ireland

If you see blue sky or sun in Ireland take a picture. You have captured a rare occasion indeed, one worthy of memorializing, and one that probably won’t last long. Whether the sun is shining or not, the Cliffs of Moher are most worthy of several pictures. Dramatic and hauntingly beautiful, they have been a popular tourist destination for centuries. 

The cliffs are named for a now demolished 1st century fort that stood on Hag’s Head, the southernmost point of the cliffs. The name literally translates to “ruined fort,” however not a trace remains of the two thousand year old compound.  The cliffs rise up to 702 feet high, and stretch for 5 scenic miles along the rugged Irish Coast.

The cliffs were formed over 300 million years ago when great floods washed sandstone, mudstone, siltstone, and shale into the mouth of the sea. As the years passed, sediment from the ancient rivers was compacted, the pressure forming solid rock, thus creating the layers of history we now see today. If you are interested in the geologic processes that formed the cliffs, there is a fabulous exhibit on site.

Even if you aren’t into geology, the views from the Cliffs, and the lush vegetation make this a location not to be missed. There is something memorizing about open water, and this is one view that will hold your gaze.  Also, the Cliffs of Moher are the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride, so you pretty much have to go.

This is an extremely popular and busy tourist spot, so do your best to avoid peak times, or be willing to hike a bit off the beaten path. It might be tempting to lament this as a recent thing, but Sir Cornelius O’Brien built an observation tower in 1835 to capitalize on Victorian tourists that were already pouring into the area. From its prime location, the views at the top of the tower are hard to beat.