By Soren Rivero
Did you know that the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland, has been the set of many popular movies?
Visit the Cliffs of Moher
Aside from being a stunning filming location, the surrounding landscape is also beautiful, with wildflowers and seabirds adding to the scenery. There are a number of walking trails along the cliffs, which are a great way to experience the beauty of the area. Whether you take a Cliffs of Moher tour or simply explore the area for yourself, the experience will be nothing short of amazing.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for The Aran Islands - Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer. These three rocky islands are known for their traditional Irish culture and Gaelic language. Also visible from the cliffs is Galway Bay, as well as the MaumTurk Mountains and the Twelve Pins, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the cliffs. Located further south in County Kerry is the Dingle Peninsula and the Basket Islands, which can also be seen from the cliffs.
Where are the Cliffs of Moher?
Situated on Ireland's western coast near Liscannor village in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are a breathtaking natural wonder. For travelers, Shannon International Airport is the nearest hub, conveniently located just an hour's drive away. It takes about four hours to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, about 90 minutes from Galway, and 75 minutes from Limerick.
Tips for Visiting
- Make sure you're ready for any weather conditions at the Cliffs of Moher as they can change rapidly. Pack some warm attire, including a rain jacket and waterproof footwear. Additionally, don't forget to bring a hat and scarf to shield yourself from the strong winds.
- To steer clear of the crowds, consider visiting the Cliffs of Moher during off-peak hours. This tourist hotspot tends to be busiest in the summer months, so going early in the morning or later in the afternoon may be a good option.
- Invest in good walking shoes: Sturdy and comfortable shoes with good grip for walking along the various trails at the cliffs are the best way to go when planning out your footwear for the day.
- Take the opportunity to explore the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk for a unique viewing experience of the cliffs. The 5-mile trail typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.
- Explore the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, where you can discover exhibits showcasing the geology, wildlife, and history of the cliffs. Additionally, the center features a cafe and a gift shop.
This beautiful crown jewel of the Irish landscape is home to a variety of wildlife including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making them a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and cliff walking. With its breathtaking atmosphere, it's no wonder filmmakers have chosen this location to capture epic scenes in movies - the next time you watch a film and see a scene featuring dramatic cliffs overlooking a vast ocean, there's a chance you might be witnessing the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher.
Are you wondering what epic scenes of your favorite movies were filmed at this beautiful location? Here are 7 movie scenes that were filmed at the Cliffs of Moher!
Ready to explore the Emerald Isle? Check out our Ireland vacation packages!
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride is a comedic and romantic movie from the late 20th century that has stolen the hearts of viewers from all age groups. Many critics have related it to a more appropriate, action-packed, and balanced story of Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the movie, a swash-buckling hero fights his way through countless enemies in order to be reunited with his one true love.
Another movie scene filmed at the Cliffs of Moher can be found near the climax of The Princess Bride. The cliffs are renamed “The Cliffs of Insanity”, and it is here where the hero scales the perilous cliffs to save the princess from captivity.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Love it or hate it, the Harry Potter franchise has the entire world in a fantasy world. The bold story of wizards and mythological creatures unfolds in a series of eight movies that has transformed into a worldwide phenomenon based on the series’ iconic setting: Hogwarts.
But, the magic school isn’t the only fascinating location from the movie series. In the seventh movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Cliffs of Moher are featured during Harry and Dumbledore’s quest to find Voldemort.
The Mackintosh Man (1991)
Subtle and cunning, Joseph Reardon is the top secret agent every investigator wishes they could be. In this American film adaptation of the book The Freedom Trap by Desmond Bagley, a British detective goes undercover as a jewel thief. His mission? Expose corruption and gain intel on an underground organization’s leader.
Reardon eventually finds himself in a high-speed chase between his truck and the rival organization’s Mercedes Coupe. The scene ends with the Mercedes crashing into the side of a cliff – which of course, was filmed at the Cliffs of Moher.
Leap Year (2010)
Decisions are a huge part of Leap Year protagonist Anna’s life, as she must choose between two charming lovers. The movie begins with Anna feeling frustrated with her current boyfriend’s lack of a marriage proposal. On February 29th, Celtic tradition has it that women may propose to men without breaking any societal norms. After embarking to do so, she finds herself falling head over heels for an even more charming man.
The Cliffs of Moher paint the background of the movie in general. Plenty of beautiful shots of the Wild Atlantic Way are present throughout the movie, which helps represent the overall beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Into the West (1992)
A drunken father, two determined young boys, and a magical horse are the central characters of the 1992 Irish film Into the West. The story follows the adventures of Ossie and Tito as they attempt to reclaim a magical horse from the grips of twisted cops. The tale is one of community and freedom, as the boys show what it means to love one’s family while cherishing liberty.
In one of the scenes, Ossie and Tito quite literally chase the horse (Tir na nog) to the ends of a great ocean. The backdrop? None other than the stunning Cliffs of Moher, of course.
Ryan’s Daughter (1970)
The Irish film Ryan’s Daughter is a tragic and heartbreaking romance story that takes place in Ireland’s west coast. Viewers see the story of unrequited love between a school teacher, Michael, and a small village girl, Rosy, who has an affair with a British soldier.
You can see a gorgeous view of the Cliffs of Moher right in the opening scene, just as Rosy is chasing her parasol down into the coast.
Hear My Song (1991)
When a con-artist merges forces with the rising industry of nightclubs, you can’t expect anything else but trouble. Hear My Song is an Irish film depicting the life of Mickey O’Neill, a nightclub owner, who goes through desperate means to save his failing business. The result is him hiring what he believes to be the famous Irish singer, Josef Locke, only to be deceived by a con artist.
A comedic (and also quite thrilling) scene is partially filmed at the Cliffs of Moher, where O’Neil is dangled after getting into trouble. You’ll see another movie scene filmed at the Cliffs of Moher near the end when O’Neill sits for a drink at the O’Brien’s Tower with the real Josef Locke.
