Emerald Isle and More

Not just for the Irish among us

The Cliffs of Moher from author’s collection

The Cliffs of Moher, at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland, rise 390 ft above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head and as high as 702 ft north of O’Brien’s Tower, the round stone tower near the middle of the cliffs. On a clear day, the scene if beyond dramatic!

The Cliffs are comprised of Namurian shale and sandstone, the oldest at the bottom, were formed between 313 and 326 million years ago. During peak season, approximately 30,000 pairs of birds and more than 20 species live around the cliffs but so do numerous sea animals: grey seals, porpoises, dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks. On the cliffs are feral goats, foxes, badgers and Irish hare.

During my recent trip to Ireland, I learned that The Cliffs have been in numerous films, including The Princess Bride plus Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.