The Cliffs of Moher Geology and Wildlife

The natural significance of the Cliffs of Moher Geology and Wildlife.

The Cliffs of Moher have been a tourist destination in Ireland since at least the 16th century. People often ask us why the Cliffs are so popular? Well, there are an endless number of reasons. These range from the mythology surrounding the Cliffs, their sheer size, their truly breath-taking beauty and that of the surrounding area. But two very big reasons are the unique geology and wildlife of the Cliffs of Moher.

This blog is the first of a series of three looking at some of the reasons why the Cliffs are such a compelling place to visit. In this post we talk about the geology and wildlife of the Cliffs, and their significance as part of the UNESCO Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark.

In part 2 we will investigate the abundance of myths and legends associated with the Cliffs. Then, in part 3, we will look at the many specific attractions at the Cliffs and in the nearby Burren.

The Geology of the Cliffs of Moher

The weather in Ireland is something visitors often comment on – particularly the rain. As we tell people, if it weren’t for the rain the country wouldn’t be the verdant wonder that is. And rain contributed in a very big way to the formation of the Cliffs of Moher…

Equatorial monsoons – In Ireland

…but it wasn’t the rain we have today, and the location was very different from Ireland now. This was back in the Upper Carboniferous Period, some 320 million years ago. What we call “Ireland” was located 6,000 miles to the south, just north of the equator and the rains were of the very heavy, monsoonal type. The interplay of these rains and the rise and fall of sea-levels during that geological period created the natural wonder we enjoy today.

The location at which the Cliffs now stand was the delta of several very large rivers which streamed down from mountains to the south, at the equator. For scale you can think of the Ganges River, for example. The rains eroded the mountainous land upstream and the rivers carried thousands of tonnes of mud, sand and sediment down toward the delta.

The heavier, coarser materials gathered first near the shoreline, while the flow of water carried finer items out to sea. The effect of this was to raise the seabed, push out the shoreline and to create new land. This new, fertile land was then populated with flora of all sorts.

Then, the sea level rose and water covered the land again. But the rivers still flowed and a new deposited new layers of sediment the now submerged land. This cycle repeated and created a new stratum of land each time. It is these strata and the variety of rocks which they formed which gives the Cliffs of Moher the distinct coloring and layering, and it created the wildlife haven we see today.

Nature is quite smart isn’t it?

Wildlife of the Cliffs of Moher

A seabird haven

The Cliffs were recognised as an official Refuge for Fauna in 1988, in particular as a refuge for seabirds. They are protected by Irish and EU legislation as a Special Protection Area due to the number of unique advantages which the Cliffs provide.

The overhanging sandstone ledges provide protection for the more than 20 species of birds which nest there. Meanwhile, below, the Atlantic ocean is rich in nutrients which brings in large numbers of prey for the birds and their young to feed on.

These advantages are visible in the sheer number of birds, especially from March to October each year. It is quite a spectacular vista.

Bird species and populations

The range of bird species is wide and their populations are large.

The Cliffs are home to the largest population of Puffins in Ireland, with more than 1,400 in their impressive colony.

Guillemots are also numerous. Almost 20,000 individuals of this species gather and make the Cliffs their nesting place each year. Guillemots arrive around March/April each year.

You can also see large populations of Razorbills and Fullmars. The latter came here around 1911 and began to nest on the ledges and they have returned every year since then..

The site is also home to one of the largest populations of Kittiwakes in Ireland. This is one of the first species to arrive back each year and they number close to 10,000 birds.

So, we see the significance of the Cliffs of Moher as an area of truly outstanding beauty and as a wildlife haven. That’s so important right now in the world.

Persistent conservation

Not surprisingly then the Cliffs of Moher requires persistent conservation efforts with a number of bodies which work to protect the several at-risk and migrating species to which the Cliffs are critical. There are clear guidelines for visitors to follow so this wonderful location is protected for all of its visitors.

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark

One of the ways in which the wildlife and environment around the Cliffs is preserved and managed is through its designation as part of this Co. Clare UNESCO Geopark.

A UNESCO Geopark is a unified geographical area which is of geological significance. They are nationally protected and managed and available to the public through education and sustainable development. UNESCO recommend a bottom up approach by providing development which involves the local communities, and conservation activities.

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark was recognised in 2011 and is one of three geoparks in Ireland. It was recognised due to its iconic landscape, its caves and, of course, the famous cliffs.

Both places are home to unique flora and are steeped in local folklore. There are also significant ancient monuments and architecture in the area which requires preservation. The local team which manages the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark run a lot of training and educational programs and are constantly adapting their focus to deal with the many challenges which come up each year.

Ultimately this maintains and improves the already excellent visitor experience at each of these wonderful locations.

Visit the Burren and Cliffs of Moher

You can visit the Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly Burren on our one- and two-day chauffeur tours. Experience these natural wonders in style with your own knowledgable private driver helping you get the absolute most form the experience.