Cliffs Of Moher

Unbelievably massive cliffs spring from the water along Ireland’s western coast, reaching exactly 702 feet high at their tallest point. Called the Cliffs of Moher, these stunning land formations stretch nearly five miles wide, making up one of Ireland’s grandest natural wonders. Consisting primarily of Namurian sandstone, shale and siltstone, the cliffs create a unique landscape whose intricacy rivals even that of the Grand Canyon.

Source: Upper Crust

Source: Wide Wallpapers

The Cliffs of Moher were created more than 300 million years ago during the Upper Carboniferous period. Since their creation, the cliffs have been the source of various local fables and mythology. In the 1st century BC, early dwellers built a fort on the headland of Hags Head, which remained until sometime around the early 1800s. Moher Tower now stands where the fort once existed.

Source: Caleb Andrew

Source: TriggerPit

While the soaring cliffs are no doubt what draws millions of visitors to the Cliffs of Moher each year, the land’s towers are also highly visited. In 1835, Cornelius O’Brien, a descendant of the High King of Ireland, constructed O’Brien’s Tower in an attempt to put the local community on the map and revive the it with tourism. O’Brien’s Tower was originally used as a vantage point for tourists visiting the cliffs.

Source: Fine Art America

Source: Conor Mountaine Photography

Birds nesting along the bottom half of the cliff. Source: Sat Van and Cider

Source: Michael Nassar