O’Brien’s Tower stands on a headland at the Cliffs of Moher offering up magnificent views south towards Hags Head and north towards Doolin. The Tower was built in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, the first High King of Ireland. A local landowner, Cornelius was ahead of his time and believed that the development of tourism would benefit the local economy and help bring local people out of poverty.
The tower was used as an observation tower for the hundreds of visitors who even then came to the Cliffs each year to see the breathtaking views. On a clear day you can see across to the Aran Islands: Inis Oírr, Inis Méain and Inis Mór. Looking to the left you capture the whole of Liscannor Bay with Lahinch in the distance and Liscannor village in the foreground. Looking to the right you are met with beautiful views of Galway Bay. Entry to O’Brien’s Tower is included in admission ticket to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and expert guides are available to illuminate the story of the tower.
