O'Brien's Tower
Since 1835.
Oliver Dixon — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Sangianense — CC BY-SA 4.0 · JoachimKohler-HB — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gerd Eichmann — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Chris06 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Berthold Werner — CC BY-SA 4.0 · C Michael Hogan — CC BY-SA 2.0
Ireland's most famous natural sight, towering sea cliffs on the south-western edge of the Burren in County Clare that run for about 14 km along the Atlantic, rising 120 m at Hag's Head in the south and 214 m at their highest point, just north of O'Brien's Tower. The round stone tower was built in 1835 near the midpoint of the cliffs as a viewing point; from its top and the paths around it you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay and the Connemara mountains to the north, and in spring and summer colonies of seabirds nest on the rock ledges. The visitor centre is built into the hillside to blend with the landscape and has an exhibition on the cliffs' geology and wildlife; 800 m of safe paved paths run from it along the edge, while the paths further out are unpaved and close to the drop, so take care in strong winds. Gate admission is €15 for adults, covering the centre, the paths and the tower, per the official website, and online tickets start from about €8 in the morning and €12 at peak times, per visitor guides. Come early in the morning or just before sunset, away from the tour coaches.
Since 1835.
On the horizon.
On the ledges.
Liscannor, County Clare, about 90 minutes south of Galway
€15 for adults at the gate, per the official website; booking online is cheaper, about €8–12 depending on the time slot, per visitor guides.