Nature

The Cliffs of Moher are alive with a variety fascinating species. The largest colony of nesting seabirds on mainland Ireland can be found here. The area has been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protected Area (SPA) as well as a Refuge for Wildlife under the EU Bird Directive of 1979 and the EU Habitats Directive of 1992. A total of 9 species of nesting seabirds are present including guillemot, razorbill, puffins, kittiwakes and fulmar.

Marine life also abounds in the area including humpback whales, basking sharks, dolphins, seals, otters, as well as fish and marine flora of many varieties.

The grassy cliff edge and more inaccessible ledge include rare lichens, grasses and other flora. In the Nature zone visitors can learn about this teeming life through a selection of displays and exhibits that look at the interdependence of the chain of life and the ecological impacts of man actions. The zone also allows visitors to see if they can survive on the marine food chain in a game simulation that allows the players to rise from a lowly plankton to a mighty shark.