moher

Moher is a name most often associated with the Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic sea cliff on the Atlantic coast of County Clare, Ireland, near the village of Doolin. The cliffs rise to about 214 meters at their highest point and extend for roughly 8 kilometers along the coast, offering expansive views of the ocean and, on clear days, the Aran Islands.

Geology and landscape: The cliffs are formed from sedimentary rocks dating to the Paleozoic era, including sandstone, siltstone and shale. Erosion from the Atlantic continually shapes the cliff faces, creating steep drops, ledges and inlets that contribute to the site's rugged scenery.

Notable features: A central landmark is O'Brien's Tower, a circular stone viewing tower constructed in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien. Located near the midpoint of the cliff line, the tower provides visitors with elevated vantage points over the coastline.

Ecology: The surrounding area hosts important seabird colonies, with species such as puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes using the cliffs for nesting. The site is protected as a Special Protection Area for seabirds and forms part of broader conservation and landscape-designation efforts in the region.

Tourism and access: The Cliffs of Moher are a major tourist destination, served by the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, opened in 2007, which includes exhibitions, viewing platforms and a café. The site attracts hundreds of thousands to more than a million visitors annually and is accessible from Doolin by road with marked trails and safety measures.

Administration and conservation: The area is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, a region recognized for its geology, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Ongoing conservation and management efforts seek to balance visitor access with habitat protection and erosion control.