Regularly topping many tour guide’s list of ‘must-see’ visitor attractions, the Cliffs of Moher need little in the way of introduction. A walk along the edge of Ireland, the famous cliffs showcase the wild and rugged coastline offering incredible views of the Atlantic ocean.
Travelling from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher couldn’t be easier. Public transport options are available for those without a vehicle. Alternatively, Galway Tour Company operate a daily tour which also includes the Burren – home of 75% of Ireland’s native flora, and the location of a number of ancient monuments.
The tour departs from Galway city centre at 10am. There is plenty of time to take in the breathtaking scenery, with 1 ½ hours to get those picture-perfect shots. Returning home for 6pm, you’ll be back in time for your dinner!
Whether you decide to see it by land, or take it all in from sea level with a Cliffs of Moher boat tour, it never fails to leave a memorable impression.
We rounded up five interesting facts about one of Ireland’s most famous and photogenic sightseeing attractions.
Site of Ancient Legends
Legend tells the story of a sea witch named Mal of Malbay who fell in love with Irish hero Cú Chulainn. Unrequited love is a terrible thing. Chasing him all over Ireland, the witch cornered Cú Chulainn at Loop Head in Co. Clare. He was more nimble, however, and skipped across sea stacks toward the Cliffs. The witch, unable to match her lover’s strides, eventually fell to her death, dashed to pieces against the cliffs. The sea turned blood red where she fell.
Nature Spotting Opportunities
One of the top bird-watching spots in Ireland, the Cliffs are home to more than 30,000 individual seabirds and 29 species. From the end of March, the Atlantic Puffin arrives – a welcome site for eager birdwatchers.
Celebrity Status
Our Cliffs have appeared on the silver screen on numerous occasions. Cast as a memorable backdrop, they have featured in movies such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Princess Bride, Into the West, The Mackintosh Man, and many others.
Origins
The name Moher comes from the Gaelic, ‘ruined fort’. This describes the crumbling cliffs that surround the old fort. The Cliffs are composed of sandstone and shale formed over 320 million years ago – predating the dinosaurs.
Cliff Views
The highest vantage point (214 metres) is from O’Brien’s Tower – built in 1835. The southernmost point of the Cliffs is known as Hag’s Head, named because it resembles a woman’s head (the lovestruck sea-witch Mal mentioned earlier) looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.
There are plenty more stories to share about the Cliffs of Moher. Our local tour guides are knowledgeable about the local legends that surround this magnificent visitor attraction.
To make a reservation, click on the following tour pages and check availability.
