Cliffs of Moher rock fall warning

The Cliffs of Moher Coast Walk in Clare was pounded by torrential rain last week, leaving sections of the track in a dangerous condition.

Many of the recent incidents happened at locations where walkers stray from the official trail to get close to the edge to take photos.

So far this year there have been several substantial rock falls at the 702ft (214m) high cliffs — some close to the protective flagstone wall. Many of the dramatic incidents have been captured on camera. While rockfalls are not uncommon at the country’s second most popular tourist attraction, last weekend’s severe weather conditions has resulted in more frequent incidents.

Management at the Cliffs of Moher have warned parts of the cliff edge have become unstable in recent days and could also crash into the sea.

Cliffs of Moher visitor experience director Katherine Webster said: “Following the recent storms the Cliffs coastal trail is in a very dangerous condition. There have been multiple mud slides and cliff falls and there are many sections of cliff edge that are unstable and may fall at any time. The official [inner] trail is flooded. Since the rainfall a substantial number of walkers have suffered serious injuries requiring ambulance and/or emergency airlift.”

In the past week there have been four incidents where visitors sustained injuries while walking the trail. One of the casualties had to be airlifted to hospital — the third time this year a helicopter was called in for an injured walker.

“Many of these mudslides and rockfalls have happened close to where people often climb over the flagstone walls to get close to the edge. This is very dangerous but especially now that the cliff edge is so unstable in some areas,” Ms Webster added.