Iconic Cliffs of Moher tower reopens

One of County Clare’s earliest known purpose-built tourist facilities has been fully restored and reopened to the public at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. O’Brien’s Tower, which is located on a headland overlooking the world-famous cliffs, was built by local landowner and Member of Parliament Cornelius O’Brien in 1835 as he believed that the development of tourism would benefit the local economy and bring people out of poverty.

Clare County Council, which owns the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, contracted Mid West Lime Ltd. to carry out renovation works including the removal and replacement of existing stair enclosure, staircases and windows and the application of a lime wet dash externally as well as the repair of the internal face of the stone fabric of the tower. O’Brien’s Tower is to become an experiential feature of a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, allowing visitors to step back in time to 1835 where guides bring to life the local history and story of Cornelius O’Brien.

(tdn)
photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia