Cliffs of Moher

by
Nadia Ten Hoeve & Sophie Jäger
31/08/2021

The Cliffs of Moher are a protected natural site on the west coast of Ireland. With a total length of 14 kilometres and a maximum height of 214m. As I had the opportunity to visit the cliffs and experience the cliffs myself, I not only learned more about the history of this site at the visitors centre, but also got to know about the nature and wildlife.

As part of “Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark” since 2011 the Cliffs of Moher contribute to sustainable tourism and has been a special protected area for birds and wildlife since 1979, being home to 35 different species of birds.

Forest Friends gathered the information provided at the visitors centre at Moher to make your trip more sustainable.

The specific carbon footprint of the Cliffs of Moher takes indicators like energy, water, waste, and transportation into account and aims to fight climate change as the cliffs are exposed to the threats posed by its effects.

These effects include:

Rising temperature of the ocean endangering sea life
Increasing number of weather extremes that cause e.g. loss of chicks during nesting season due to big swells and high winds that sweep them away
Soil nutrients are leeched away, and organic matter is lost. New seedlings have nowhere to grow and the food sources for earth creatures are lost.
Loss of insects, especially bees and butterflies that are vital for plant pollination
More erosion
A fall in the ecological system that brings the cliffs to life!

Individual visitors are also highly encouraged to consider protecting the environment during trips to protected areas. The visitors’ centre displays a list with things to do to protect the cliffs and have a sustainable hike when visiting the Cliffs of Moher:

Download the APP “Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience” (saves printing paper)
Protect the habitats, stay safe, and always stay on the paths
Bring your litter home
Leave the flowers to the bees and the stones to the land
Choose local foods and drinks on the menus
Reduce, reuse, and recycle
Bring your own water bottle and top it up at the filling stations
Next time stay longer, walk, or cycle from your base or use public transport or carpool instead of making it a one-day trip.

Enjoy your trip to the Cliffs of Moher and don’t forget to share your stories and pictures!