Cliffs of Moher Film Locations

Two films account for nearly every search on this subject, and they used the cliffs in completely different ways.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The sea cave Dumbledore and Harry reach by boat — the Horcrux cave — was shot at the base of the Cliffs of Moher. That is why the scene has that particular quality of scale: it is real rock, and the boat is genuinely dwarfed.

Which means the film location is only visible from the water. From the clifftop path you are standing on top of it and cannot see a thing. If this is why you came, take a boat tour from Doolin — it runs along the base past the caves.

The Princess Bride

The Cliffs of Insanity, which Westley climbs on a rope, are the Cliffs of Moher — shot from the Hag’s Head end, south of the visitor centre. Unlike the Potter cave, this one you can see from land: walk south from the centre and the profile becomes recognisable.

The climbing sequence itself was completed elsewhere and on sets, so do not go looking for the exact rope route.

Also Shot Here

The cliffs and the surrounding Clare coast have carried a long list of productions over the years, and the Burren behind them has stood in for various otherworldly landscapes, which is not surprising once you have seen it.

The Honest Note

Film-location visits to the cliffs disappoint people slightly more often than other reasons for coming, and the cause is consistent: the two famous locations are at the base and at the far end, and the standard coach stop puts you in the middle at the top. Plan for the specific thing you want to see rather than assuming the main viewpoint covers it.

The cliffs are worth the trip on their own account regardless — 214 metres of Atlantic wall does not need a film credit.

See boat tours to the caves →