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Cliffs of Moher

Photo by Alex Ranaldi

The history...

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most famous natural landmarks, located on the west coast, near the village of Liscannor in County Clare. These dramatic cliffs rise up to 214 meters (702 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for about 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the coast. The cliffs are around 320 million years old, formed during the Upper Carboniferous period when the area was covered by an ancient sea. Over millions of years, layers of sandstone and shale rock were built up, creating the towering cliffs we see today.

The name "Cliffs of Moher" comes from a ruined fort, Moher Tower, which once stood on Hag's Head, the southernmost point of the cliffs. The fort was built during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century but was later destroyed.

For centuries, the cliffs have been a place of awe and inspiration for both locals and visitors. They are also home to a rich variety of wildlife, particularly seabirds like puffins and guillemots that nest in the cliffs.

Today, the Cliffs of Moher are a major tourist attraction, drawing over 1 million visitors each year. Visitors can walk along the cliff-top paths, take in breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, which provides information about the geology, history, and wildlife of the area.

Source ChatGPT