O'Brien's Tower

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O'Brien's Tower
Túr Uí Bhriain
O'Brien's Tower 1.jpg
O'Brien's Tower
Ireland adm location map.svg
Red pog.svg
General information
Statusin use
Type Observation tower
Location Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Town or city Liscannor
CountryIreland
Coordinates 52°58′22.84″N9°25′49.93″W / 52.9730111°N 9.4305361°W / 52.9730111; -9.4305361
Elevation188 m (617 ft)
Named for Cornelius O'Brien
Opened1835;189 years ago (1835)
Client Sir Cornelius O'Brien
Technical details
Materiallimestone
Floor count3

O'Brien's Tower marks the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. It is located a short distance from the villages Doolin and Liscannor.

Contents

History

The tower was built on the cliffs in 1835 by local landlord and MP Sir Cornellius O'Brien as an observation tower for the English tourists who frequented the cliffs at the time: "strangers visiting the Magnificent Scenery of this neighbourhood". It is said to have initially served as a teahouse, featuring a large round table with seats of ironwork. [1] :29

On a clear day the view can extend as far as Loop Head at the southern tip of Clare and beyond to the mountains of Kerry. Looking north, the Twelve Bens in Connemara (also known as the Twelve Pins) beyond Galway Bay can be seen, and typically the Aran Islands to the west.

O'Briens Tower is just visible in this panoramic view of the Cliffs of Moher. Cliffs O'Briens Tower.jpg
O'Briens Tower is just visible in this panoramic view of the Cliffs of Moher.
Moher-OBriens-Tower-Fenced-In-2012.JPG
The plateau where the tower is located, fenced off to discourage potentially dangerous hiking.

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References

  1. Roche, D. The Clare Guide - Official Irish Tourist Board Guide. Bord Failte.