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Cliffs of Moher, a stunning cliff top site in the West of Ireland



                                         (Above iumage is a capture of the Cliffs of Moher.)


This evening, I am posting information on the major Irish visitor site known as the Cliffs of Moher. These form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark situated in County Clare in the west of Ireland.

Location is almost diametrically opposite Dublin on the east coast. Each year about 1.0m people visit the site to facilitate which a large visitor centre has been built into the landscape.

The Cliffs extend for 8 km (5 miles) and reach a height of 214m (700 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. To the N.W. can be seen the Aran Islands.

Cliffs of Moher



At the site can be found  O’Brien’s Tower which was built by a far-sighted, eponymous landowner in 1835 to stimulate tourism. The tower can be seen in the image at top of this post.

The site is of geological significance, dating back to the Upper Carboniferous Period, 300m years ago. More information on this aspect is provided below.

The nearest community is Liscannor, about 6 km (4 miles) distant.

Liscannor Village


As will be evident from this image, the site is inherently dangerous with the path right next to the cliff top and no guard rail.






Here is evidence of bands of sandstone, siltstone and shale which date back 300m years to the Upper Carboniferous period. These deposits contain fossil formations.

Geological strata


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