Hag's Head - Cliffs of Moher promontory • Go-to-Ireland.com

Located at the southern end of the majestic Cliffs of Moher, Hag’s Head is an iconic promontory on the Irish west coast. Its name, which means “the witch’s head”, derives from the particular shape of the rocks which, seen from certain angles, evoke the profile of a woman looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. The site offers a unique combination of natural beauty, geological formations and fabulous hiking trails.

History of Hag’s Head

Geological formation

The Cliffs of Moher, of which Hag’s Head is a part, are mainly composed of layers of shale and sandstone dating from the “Upper Carboniferous” period, some 320 million years ago. At that time, the region was covered by a shallow sea, where sediments accumulated over time. These deposits were compressed and solidified to form the rocks we see today.

Erosion caused by relentless Atlantic wave action and harsh weather conditions sculpted these spectacular cliffs. The layers of sedimentary rock, visible as horizontal strata, bear witness to millions of years of geological history. At Hag’s Head, differential erosion has created unique formations, including the famous “witch’s head” profile.

The legend behind the name

The Irish like to name their places after certain stories and legends. Hag’s Head is no exception. Its name, which literally means “the witch’s headland”, was found for two reasons.

Firstly, because seen from the sea or from certain angles along the coast, the rock formation resembles the profile of a woman looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. This resemblance inspired locals to give the promontory its evocative name.

What’s more, the name is closely linked to Irish folklore and legends. According to an ancient legend, a witch named Mal was madly in love with the mythological hero Cúchulainn. To escape her advances, Cúchulainn crossed the whole of Ireland, but Mal pursued him relentlessly.

Arriving at the Cliffs of Moher, Cúchulainn jumped from rock to rock, until he reached the next island. Mal tried to follow him, but was swept away by the tumultuous currents of the Atlantic, crashing into the rocks of Hag’s Head. The cliff was then named in her honor, perpetuating the memory of this tragic story.

Visit Hag’s Head

Access and hiking

Starting point: The village of Liscannor is the ideal starting point for accessing Hag’s Head. From here, a well-marked coastal path takes you directly to the headland.
Cliffs Trail: For the more adventurous, the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk offers an 18 km hike from Hag’s Head to Doolin, via the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center.

Points of interest

Moher Tower: At the top of Hag’s Head are the ruins of Moher Tower, an early 19th-century stone tower. Built as a signal tower during the Napoleonic Wars, it adds a historical dimension to the visit.
Panoramic views: The promontory offers breathtaking views of the cliffs stretching northwards and the Aran Islands on the horizon.

Practical advice

The cliffs are steep and can be dangerous, especially in windy or rainy weather. It’s essential to stay on the marked trails and respect the safety barriers.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for rapid weather changes by bringing waterproof clothing.

Visitor services

Parking is available close to trail access points.
To enhance your experience, consider hiring a local guide who can share information about the region’s geology, history and legends.
After your visit, take advantage of the pubs and restaurants in the village of Liscannor to sample Irish specialties.