CLIFFS OF MOHER
Aillte an Mhothair (cliffs of the ruin)
Doolin, County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher rise to the height of 214 meters (more than 700 feet) and stretch over 8 kilometers (5 miles) south along the coast. Its sheer rock face is lined with the mulit-colors of Namurian shale and sandstone.

The Cliffs are a Special Protected Area and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Birds Directive. All areas around the Cliffs are included, from O'Brien's Tower to Hag's Head, the cliff face and out to sea. The weathered surface provides shelter for more than 20 species of nesting birds and nine species of breeding seabirds. Some of which include Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills, and Fulmars. It's estimated that there are as many as 30,000 breeding pairs of birds nesting along the Cliffs.

The grasslands which cover the cliffs are a fragile habitat, too. Animals such as feral goats, Irish Hare and grass birds rely on the fauna which grows there.

Because of the nature of the location, dramatic weather and the huge numbers of people who walk through the area every year, erosion is taking its toll. Areas of stone and grassland fall into the sea on a regular basis. It's because of this that the caretakers of the region have set up protective walls and encourage visitors to stay to designated paths.

At the southern tip of the Cliffs, the dark shadows of Moher Tower can be seen at Hag's Head. Built in 1806, this tower was one of several built along the coast during the Napoleonic Wars to protect Ireland's shores. While the tower has long been abandoned, it's a popular destination for hill walkers setting out from the Cliffs of Moher, and is home to Choughs, pronounced "chuff", which are a member of the crow family. The interior of the tower is in complete ruin now and the roof caved in, but the remains of two fireplaces are evident as are the doorways to the inner stairwells.
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At the northern end of the Cliffs is O'Brien's Tower. Many website report that the tower was built by Brian Boru, the great High King of Ireland (940-1014). This is untrue. This tower was in fact built in 1835 by a descendant of Brian Boru called Sir Cornelius O'Brien (1782-1857) as an observation tower and tea room for the many Victorian tourists who came to see the Cliffs. Cornelius was a man ahead of his time. He believed that the development of tourism would benefit the local economy and help to bring people out of poverty.

Cornelius is also credited with building the flagstone wall along the Cliffs. He was the MP (Member of Parliament) for Clare (1832-1847) and had won a bet with his English counterparts that he could build a fence a mile long, a yard high and an inch thick. He did so by using Liscannor flagstones from the nearby Liscannor Quarry, the dimensions of which were produced at three foot lengths at one inch in thickness. The wall went up quickly, and the use of these types of flagstones were quickly adapted into regular building materials, including floor coverings in farmhouses throughout the 19th century and coming back into vogue at the turn of the 21st century. The distinctive design on Liscannor flagstones is from fossilized eels. Other flagstones, such as Doolin flagstones, also show the fossilization of eels and other invertebrates.

There's a brand new eco-friendly interpretive center at the Cliffs called the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience. It officially opened in 2007 and replaces the original outdated center. The new center uses renewable energy sources such as solar energy and a ground source heat pump. All waste in the center is recycled properly.

Some of the features within the interpretive center include --

• Atlantic Edge Exhibition -- housed in the center of the underground building in a domed cave with four principal themed areas:
  • OCEAN -- Looks at life in and on the sea. Exhibits include displays on our changing climate and changing Earth.
  • ROCK -- Explores how the Cliffs of Moher were formed millions of years ago.
  • NATURE -- Nature abounds in the area, flora and fauna, on the land and in the sea.
  • MAN -- Exploring the rich folklore and legends surrounding the area that range from tales of Cu Chuculainn to the Spanish Armada.
• The Clare Journey -- An audio visual program shown in the main exhibition area. This presentation will provide an aerial tour of the many natural and geological wonders that the county of Clare has to offer. From the dramatic Atlantic coast to the stark beauty of the Burren, to the scenic setting of Lough Derg, to the Shannon estuary and Loop Head. Souvenir DVD available.
• Puffins Nest Cafe -- Located on the ground floor and offers a selection of premade sandwiches, soup, hot and cold drinks.
• Long Dock Restaurant -- Located upstairs and has stunning views of the Cliffs. A more formal sit-down restaurant offering a selection of menu options, including traditional meals like Irish Stew and bacon and cabbage.
• Craftworker Street Shops -- A "market street" with six craftworkers units located on the approach to the visitor center building. Local traders stock a wide selection of local and national craft and trade items. Buy CDs, DVDs, jewelry, books, knitwear, souvenirs, etc.
• Shannon Heritage Gift Shop -- Located inside the center. Offers high quality souvenirs including branded items and the best of Irish & international products

~ Free attraction
~ Interpretive Center with fee paid exhibitions
~ Pay car parking available
~ Easy access from car park, partially handicapped accessible, access through interpretive center and to the main viewing area

http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie