Moher tower

Moher Tower (Irish: "Túr an Mhothair") is the stone ruin of an old watchtower which stands on Hag's Head, at the southern end of the Cliffs of Moher, located in County Clare, Republic of Ireland.

Construction

The building is a single, nearly square, tower with two rectilinear bartizans protruding from the top of its eastern wall, and one from the western wall, which faces the Atlantic Ocean. The original structure appears to have incorporated a fireplace on at least 2 floors, and a dry stone roof which has since mostly caved in. The roof itself has a short parapet which appears to have been more for protection from falling than to have served any defensive purpose.

History

The tower's history is unknown, but it may be associated with the many Napoleonic towers built by the British, who feared an invasion during Napoleon's reign in Europe. In summer it is occupied by the many choughs native to the area, especially along the coast. The tower is used as a refuge by visitors to the Cliffs of Moher who become stranded on the southern cliff path during storms that whip in off the Atlantic.