12.14.2009

The Cliffs of Moher

Located in the parish of Liscannor in County Clare, Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher boast one of Ireland's most spectacular views. At it's highest peak, it reaches 214 meters. Standing on top of it one can see 300 million year old river channels cutting through the base of the cliffs.

The stretch of the Cliff of Moher
The stretch of the Cliff of Moher. (Source)


The cliff stretch for 8 kilometers and rise 120 meters above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head , and reach their maximum height of 214 meters just north of O'Brien's Tower. On a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as are the valleys and hills of Connemara.

The Cliff of Moher
The Cliff of Moher (Source)


The Cliff of Moher, looking north
The Cliff od Moher, looking north. (Source)


Panoramic view of the Cliffs of Moher
Panoramic view of the Cliffs of Moher. (Source)


Midpoint of the cliffs is the O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower. It was built by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boru, in order to impress female visitors. From atop that watchtower, one can view the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Maum Turk Mountains and the Twelve Pins to the north in Connemara, and Loop Head to the south.

O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher
O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher. O'Brien's Tower at the Cliff of Moher. (Source)