Cliffs of Moher crowned Ireland’s most iconic landmark
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Cliffs of Moher crowned Ireland’s most iconic landmark

THE CLIFFS of Moher in Co Clare have topped a new poll of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.

Located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region and spanning roughly 14 kilometres (9 miles), the cliffs remain a must-see for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle.

The Cliffs of Moher came in top with 67% score from a survey of 2,000 people conducted by hotel group Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels Ireland and UK.

The Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim was voted the second “must see” landmark with a 59% score just ahead of Newgrange in Co Meath which earned a 58% rating.

The Giant's Causeway in Co. Antrim (Picture: Tourism Ireland)

Other notable entries included the Ring of Kerry (45%) and Kilmainham Gaol, in Dublin (38%) which completed the top five.

There were also points for each of the following:

  • Hill of Tara - 32%
  • Blarney Castle, County Cork - 30%
  • Dublin Castle - 28%
  • Molly Malone Statue, Dublin - 28%
  • Bunratty Castle - 27%
  • English Market, Paul Street, Cork - 23%
  • Poolbeg Chimneys - 23%
  • Custom House, Dublin    19%
  • Daniel O’Connell, Dublin - 15%
  • Spire of Dublin - 14%
  • The colourful houses of Cobh- 9%
  • Cork City Gaol - 6%
  • Holy Trinity Church, Cork - 5%
  • Swiss Cottage, Co. Tipperary- 4%
  • Anna Livia, Dublin - 2%
  • Lewis Glucksmann Gallery in Co. Cork - 2%
  • Universal Links on Human Rights, Dublin - 2%
  • Mr. Screen Dublin - 1%

The research also focused on some of Ireland’s most unusual sights, with Nearly two in five (37%) of respondents naming the Spire on Dublin’s O’Connell Street as Ireland’s oddest landmark.

Cliffs of Moher

Other well-known Dublin landmarks on the oddball list including the contentious Poolbeg Towers (AKA the Pigeon House on 19%), Anna Livia - a bronze monument located in Croppies Memorial Park in Dublin (10%), and the Mr Screen statue, which was formally on Hawkins Street next to the Screen Cinema (9%).