The Cliffs of Moher have a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The cliffs themselves were formed over 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. Over the centuries, the cliffs have been shaped by the relentless forces of the Atlantic Ocean, creating the dramatic landscape we see today.
The name 'Moher' is derived from the Irish word 'Mothar,' meaning the ruins of an old fort, which once stood on Hag's Head, the southernmost point of the cliffs. In more recent history, O'Brien's Tower was built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien as a viewing point for tourists.
Today, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations, attracting over a million visitors each year. The visitor center, opened in 2007, is designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape and provides information about the geology, history, and ecology of the cliffs.