Head to nature: Get to know the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin
Dublin is undoubtedly a great city to spend a weekend in! It’s all about having fun here!
Once you’ve had a few pints in some of the over 1000 pubs and learned poems by Yeats and Heaney, you might want to turn your attention to other areas of the beautiful green island.
We believe a top-notch way to relax after your adventures in Dublin is to hop in your rental car and drive cross-country to the Cliffs of Moher. The rugged cliffs are a major stop on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and, thanks to their boundless beauty and unique biodiversity, are the stuff of legends. They were even designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015! It’s easy to see why.
Where exactly are the Cliffs of Moher?
Not very familiar with Ireland’s geography? You’ll find this 13-kilometer stretch of cliffs in County Clare on the country’s west coast, just south of Galway.
The Cliffs of Moher begin outside the village of Doolin and stretch south all the way to Hag’s Head. Like many other places in Ireland, Hag’s Head is associated with a legend – it was named after a sea witch who threw herself to her death after following a handsome hero, whom she had fallen head over heels for, across Ireland. Well, those Irish heroes are quite dashing!
And this is not the only legend these famous cliffs tell. It’s not hard to see why, thanks to the fantastic views over the Atlantic and the cliffs that plunge steeply into the cold, swirling waters.
Overwhelming, but also a bit unsettling!
What can you see and do at the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute treasure trove of outdoor activities, and it’s no surprise they’ve been a magnet for visitors for centuries. No matter your fitness level or interests, these spectacular cliffs are the perfect place to explore if the following applies to you:
You’re an avid birdwatcher
This corner of Ireland is a heavenly spot for various bird species, so much so that the cliffs have been designated a special protection area.
If you travel to the Cliffs of Moher between May and September, you can grab your binoculars and look out for nesting seabirds like kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, and razorbills. It’s also home to the largest puffin colony on the Irish mainland – keep an eye out for their bright orange feet and beaks as they shoot down from the water along the cliffs to their nests.
You love to exert yourself while hiking
If that’s the case, you’ll find your pleasure here!
The Cliffs of Moher are a goldmine for fantastic coastal trails with fresh winds. For a full day of hiking, you could tackle the Cliffs of Moher trail, which starts in Doolin and stretches nearly 18 km along the cliffs to Liscannor.
If you’re not quite up for that level of exertion but want to get your circulation going, the shorter Doolin Cliff Walk is a great all-rounder, taking about two hours each way. It also starts in Doolin and takes you through pristine landscapes, right along the cliffs to the visitor center. You could even take the path on a guided walk with a local from County Clare. You’ll have fun!
You’re looking for somewhere breathtaking to get down on one knee
Planning to pop the perfect question? There are few places as atmospheric as these magnificent cliffs! If you want to visit them on a clear day (or at least a dry day!), you’ll have plenty of incredible spots to choose from along the coastal path.
So, you’ve managed to get the ring without breaking the bank and have come to Ireland. But how do you plan to proceed?
We have a tip for you! The area around O’Brien’s Tower (a 19th-century tower that looks like it belongs to a castle) is a safe bet. To make the experience even more unforgettable, you could wait until sunset to enjoy the unobstructed view of the sun setting into the sea on the horizon. That definitely tops getting down on one knee in a restaurant with bewildered guests!
You’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan
Who isn’t? So you’ve watched the film series multiple times and just can’t get enough of the wonderful world of wizards? Neither can we!
Well, you’ll be thrilled by the Cliffs of Moher’s connection to Harry Potter.
The steep peaks and dramatic skyline played a key role in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Scratching your head about when exactly they appear in the film? Then fast forward to the scene where Harry and Dumbledore appear in a cave to destroy one of Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes, and you’ll see the bare rock walls of the cliffs in the background.
Yes, that’s it!
The Cliffs of Moher have also appeared in various other films and TV shows, from the romantic comedy Leap Year to the cult classic The Princess Bride! These are some pretty famous cliffs!
Want to explore more of the green island? Then check out our travel guide to historic Cork or consider a trip across the border to Northern Ireland for a fantastic tour of the country’s best Game of Thrones filming locations.
