If the Cliffs of Moher are so world-famous, it’s above all thanks to their vertiginous rocks, but also to their jagged coastline. And among the site’s most recognizable landmarks is Branaunmore, a limestone pillar just a stone’s throw from the cliffs. It’s a gigantic, impressive sight that deserves to be admired from a boat!
Off the coast of County Clare in Ireland lies Branaunmore, a limestone sea stack, the result of millions of years of erosion by the furious waves of the Atlantic.
At 67 metres high, the pillar is shaped like a point, wider at the base and tapering towards the sky.
Its presence off the cliffs speaks volumes about its origin. Geologists believe that Branaunmore was once an integral part of the Cliffs of Moher. It is thought to have been gradually detached from the continent several thousand years ago, having been sculpted by the relentless power of the sea.
Today, the pillar is something of a symbol of the Cliffs of Moher. It’s even considered an attraction in its own right: you can visit it by boat, discovering the Cliffs by sea. It’s a rare opportunity to observe marine wildlife up close, including the seabirds that nest on the cliffs and in the crevices of this monolith.
It can also be admired from land, from the top of the cliffs via O’Brien’s Tower, which serves as an unobstructed viewpoint over the cliffs. Following on from the rocky headland where the tower stands, Branaunmore lies below.
Note that it’s best to have a camera with a good zoom to better appreciate its shape, as the marine pile is quite far from land, and binoculars or a good telephoto lens are recommended for admiring it.
For those planning a visit by sea, Branaunmore is accessible all year round, although weather conditions may affect the availability of boat trips.
Two companies offer a close-up view: Doolin 2 Aran Ferries and O’Brien Line. Their excursions will take you past the rock and explore all the unsuspected facets of the Cliffs. You’ll learn a lot about the geology of the area, the power of erosion on the rock, and the impressive dimensions of the site.
Perfect for taking a deep breath of iodine and feeling very small in the face of nature’s supremacy!
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