The Cliff Coast

The Wild Atlantic Way continues its trek along Ireland’s weathered west coast, unearthing the visual splendour of Clare’s stunning rock formations. Home to dramatic sea stacks and arches, along with ancient forts and megalithic tombs, the Cliff Coast isn’t solely for the eyes of geologists and historians, it holds an allure for anyone who appreciates the forces of nature.  

Sweeping across northern Clare is a limestone plateau known as The Burren, deriving its name from the Irish word "‘Boíreann", meaning a rocky place. To paint this landscape would require a palette of smoky charcoal greys, however there’s more to this terrain than just rocks. The Burren is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with ninety-five species recorded on its land, whilst opulent orchids blossom in the spring, and ribbons of wild grass dance across its plain.

The Cliffs of Moher are the county’s star attraction. These towering cliffs are giants in the sky, welcoming us mere mortals to behold the forsaken Branaunmore sea stack, which once belonged to the mainland, and to gaze upon the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. When the raging Atlantic winds vanquish the clouds away, the cliffs offer a distant glimpse of the Kingdom of Kerry to the south and Connemara’s Twelve Pins mountain range to the north. 

Along this western coast, the pounding waves take on the role of sculptor, carving the cliffs into a rugged face, creased with bands of sedimentary rock, and the moving tides work their magic to mould battered stones into silky pebbles. The Atlantic Ocean is a true artist, and the Cliffs of Moher are her masterpiece. 

Oystercatchers   Co. Clare

Cliffs of Moher   Co. Clare

The Burren Co. Clare

The Burren   Co. Clare

The Burren Co. Clare

Cliffs of Moher  Co. Clare