Cliffs of Moher

As already suggested by their name, the Cliffs of Moher are Namurian shale and sandstone sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. It is a spot along the Wild Atlantic Way, and it is probably one of the most popular destinations in Ireland, with around 1.5 million visits per year… and no wonder why. From personal experience, I can declare them to be indeed marvelous and beautiful.

They run for about 14 kilometers. They reach their maximum height of 214 meters just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs, built in 1835 by Sir Cornellius O'Brien. From the cliffs, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, and some mountain ranges to the north in county Galway.

The cliffs take their name from an old promontory fort, which served as a defensive structure, called Mothar or Moher, which once stood on Hag's Head, the southernmost point of the cliffed coast, now the site of Moher Tower.

In case you have watched Harry Potter series, you might have spotted partial view of the cliffs in the 6th part, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, when Harry and Dumbledore went looking for a fake hidden Horcrux, Salazar Slytherin's Locket, in one of the uneasily accessible caves/fissures in the cliff by the ocean.

The Cliffs of Moher are home to a diverse range of wildlife, particularly seabirds. Over 20 species of birds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes, nest along the cliffs.

The cliffs are a part of a Special Protection Area (SPA) and are also part of UNESCO Global Geopark, acknowledging their geological and ecological importance and significance.

It is a splendid place to go to, and thanks to the protective laws and restrictions, it has not suffered any touristic damage, nor has it been significantly negatively affected. I sincerely hope it stays that way, and this mesmerizing natural reservation and phenomenon will be preserved.