Landscape Architecture Appreciation - Cliffs of Moher

Visitor numbers to the Cliffs of Moher grew from approximately 100,000 in 1978 to 250,000 in 1988. It was clear that the existing center built in 1978 would soon be inadequate to the numbers that were visiting. A series of studies were conducted and the need for a comprehensive approach to visitor facilities and management at the Cliffs of Moher was clearly identified.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience became committed to the ethos of sustainable tourism and business and wanted to strive to reduce any negative impact on the environment or local culture.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Europe’s most visited natural attractions with over one million visitors annually. In 2007 a new visitor center and visitor management program was launched.

Imagine a museum that reminds you of Newgrange or a Hobbits home. Now that is landscape and architecture working together.

Visitor Center History
In 1992 a National Architectural Design Competition was held and the winning entry, by Cork architectural firm Reddy O’Riordan Staehli Architects, envisaged the visitor center building hidden underneath the hillside in order not to detract from the impact of the natural landscape.

The development of the project continued throughout the 1990s and in 2001 a complete Environmental Impact study was conducted by Parkman Environmental. Planning approval was confirmed by An Bord Pleanala in 2002. 

Construction 2005-2007
Work began in May 2005 with the development the car park area and a temporary visitor center that would serve during the 18 month construction stage. In June the temporary center opened its doors containing toilets, a gift shop and tea rooms. Work began to demolish the old stone visitor center built in 1978 by Shannonside Tourism. A temporary path over the top of the hillside was provided to give access to the cliff paths. A section of cliff edge areas was closed for works while the area up to and around O’Brien’s Tower remained open to the public. A large section of the hillside was excavated and building of the visitor center began.

The new pathways, steps and viewing areas were officially opened in April 2006 and the area surrounding O’Brien’s Tower was closed off for the cliff edge works in this area to be completed. Work on the visitor center building continued as did grassland habitat reconstruction on the cliff edge. Despite a stormy winter of 2006-2007 the visitor center opened on time in February 2007 bringing a new chapter in the story of tourism at the Cliffs of Moher.

Amongst the objectives of the new operation was the protection and conservation of the Cliffs of Moher. Since autumn of 2008 a Green Team has been established to tackle environmental, conservation and waste/energy management issues and to participate in local eco-tourism initiatives.

While visiting the Cliffs of Moher there are a number of shopping and eating options available. These options were built in the same fashion as the visitors center, little shops within the hill. 

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