Cliffs of Moher: what are they?

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The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland are a popular tourist destination, stretching for 8 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can see other landmarks and visit O’Brien’s Tower. The cliffs are also a Special Protection Area for seabirds and a popular spot for surfing.

The Cliffs of Moher, known as Aillte an Mhothair in Irish Gaelic, are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. They are widely considered a spectacular must-see stop on any trip. The cliffs are located near the Burren Area in County Clare, bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
At their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher are 702 feet (214 meters) high and approximately 393 feet (120 meters) at their lowest. They stretch along the Atlantic for about five miles (8 kilometers). Visitors to the cliffs can walk to the edge and gaze out at the ocean below, which is a beautiful sight every day. Travelers are advised to dress warmly due to the cold and wet weather and to be careful when walking along the edge of the cliffs as sections may give way. Visibility varies widely on the cliffs due to fog, but on clear days the views are spectacular.

From many vantage points atop the Cliffs of Moher, visitors can see some of Ireland’s other famous landmarks. These include Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, along with some Connemara mountains, the Twelve Pins and Loop Head to the south. Also on the Cliffs of Moher is O’Brien’s Tower, an observation tower built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru. Brian Boru was High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1012. The tower is a great vantage point on a clear day, from where you can see Doolin to the north and Hag’s Head to the south.

You can explore the Cliffs of Moher yourself or join a guided tour. Your guides will explain the history and ecological significance of the cliffs. There is also a visitor center located on the cliffs to help you learn more. The eco center is built into the hillside and features a number of interactive multimedia learning centres.

It’s also possible to take a ferry ride and see the Cliffs of Moher from the ocean below. Many tours also visit the Aran Islands in the same trip, so it can be a fun and interesting way to spend the day. The Cliffs of Moher are also designated as a Special Protection Area for some of Ireland’s seabirds that nest on the cliffs, including Puffins, Razorbuills, Choughs and Black-headed Gulls, so you might get a glimpse of some birds too.

Surfing at the Cliffs of Moher is also popular. The ‘Aill Na Searrach’, Ireland’s biggest wave at 35-40 metres, breaks just below the cliffs. No trip to Ireland would be complete without a stop at the Cliffs of Moher.




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