OBriens Tower
OBriens Tower

The Cliffs of Moher: 9 Movie Clips and Videos that Highlight its Beauty

The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions and rightly so, giving visitors stunning views in all directions and within a few miles of the Burren, Ireland’s outstanding geological landscape.

irelandonabudget.comThis post and page contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

The County Clare location's widespread appeal, however, goes a lot further than simply being a much sought-after destination.

Ireland in Music

During the summer of 2020, a number of artists came together to perform various pieces for the series, “Ireland in Music,” which highlights the best in current Irish music and dance talent, all filmed in various spectacular locations across the country.

The filming was done under varying degrees of lockdown in Ireland, and all of the performers remained safe by socially distancing themselves from each other.

The initiative was the brainchild of the Temple Bar Company that sought to reimagine its original festival offerings and make it more suitable during the pandemic.

At the Cliffs of Moher, artists such as Bridín, a harpist from County Sligo; Ruth Charles, an accomplished Irish dancer; MuRli Bo, a rap artist from Limerick; Denise Chaila, also an Irish rapper, in addition to accordion player and internationally renowned musician Sharon Shannon collaborated for this special initiative.

Take a look at the brief video below, with O’Brien’s Tower in the distance.

If you want to see more talent from Ireland in Music, head over to Vimeo to watch this collection of great Irish talent.

Leap Year (2010)

While the romantic comedy “Leap Year” starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode was filmed predominantly on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, this memorable scene was shot on the Cliffs of Moher.

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Director David Yates filmed the sheer face of the Cliffs of Moher aboard a small ship in the Atlantic’s choppy seas. Take a look at the scene between Harry and Dumbledore below.

Into the West (1992)

You’ll have to watch the entire film to catch scenes of the Cliffs of Moher, where the horse named “Tir na nÓg” tries to leap into the sea and return to its homeland, otherwise known in Irish culture as the Land of Youth.

Below is a clip of the film's trailer.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Footage from the Cliffs of Moher was used to create the backdrop for the lead-up to the infamous Cliffs of Insanity scene in the 1987 film, “The Princess Bride.” Take a look at the scene below.

The Mackintosh Man (1973)

A scene in this Cold War spy-thriller shows lead actor Paul Newman being chased by agents in a white Mercedes-Benz.

At the end of the chase, the Mercedes goes off the Cliffs of Moher and into the ocean below.

The late John Hughes, who directed the film, lived in nearby Galway and was familiar with the West of Ireland landscape.

Be sure to watch through the end of this clip to see Newman being chased.

The two-story house you see in the clip above is Ardfry House outside Oranmore, Co. Galway, which was built in 1770 by Joseph Blake, also known as Lord Wallscourt.

The house eventually fell into ruin and in 1922, the title became extinct.

For the film, Hughes had the house refurbished but then burned for the film’s storyline.

Unfortunately, many of the house’s distinctive internal features were destroyed as a result.

The house remains a ruin to this day.

Get 70% Off Car Rental Rates in Ireland

Ryan’s Daughter (1970)

While most of this award-winning film was made in Dingle, Co. Kerry, one scene was shot at the Cliffs of Moher, where Rosy Ryan, played by Sarah Miles, loses her parasol over the cliff. Watch the scene below.

Music Videos Filmed at the Cliffs of Moher

Amazing footage of surfing at the base of the cliffs was used to make the music video for Maroon 5’s song, “Runaway.”

Footage for the Irish band Westlife’s “My Love” video was also shot at the cliffs. You’ll see scenes for the music video below.

Have you visited the Cliffs of Moher? What did you think of them? Let me know in the comments below.

Read More: Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk to be Repaired

colette

Colette is a County Sligo native who created Ireland on a Budget to provide her readers with money-saving tips on how to get to Ireland and then save even more when they're there. She's a professional copywriter who lives in the New York area with her husband and two children.

Leave a Reply