Walking north from the visitor centre to Hag's Head gives dramatic perspectives of the main cliff face from a distance, with fewer crowds and better compositional options than the main viewpoint.
Hag's Head marks the southern end of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, reached by a signed coastal path (part of the Burren Way) that starts near the visitor centre car park and runs roughly 6km round trip. The vantage point looks north along the full sweep of the main cliff face, so the composition works with the cliffs receding into the frame rather than filling it edge to edge as at the main platform. Side light is strongest in the late afternoon, when low sun rakes across the rock strata from the west and throws long shadows that reveal the layered sandstone and shale; golden hour in the hour before sunset produces the richest colour, typically 5-6PM in summer months and earlier in winter. Spring and autumn bring clearer, calmer air with less Atlantic haze than midsummer, while winter storms can produce dramatic spray and cloud but also closures on exposed sections of path. The main viewing platform near the visitor centre gets crowded from mid-morning through late afternoon, especially with coach tour groups; Hag's Head itself sees a fraction of that footfall, so tripod space is rarely an issue once past the first kilometre of trail. There is no separate fee to reach Hag's Head on foot, though the official Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience car park nearby charges a parking fee; tripods are permitted outdoors, and drone flights are restricted within the Cliffs of Moher Special Area of Conservation without prior permission from Clare County Council.
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle lens for the full cliff sweep; polarizing filter to cut Atlantic haze and glare.
Highlights
- Distant, receding view of the full cliff face rather than a close cropped shot
- Far fewer visitors than the main viewing platform
- Layered sandstone and shale strata revealed by raking side light
- Coastal path forms part of the longer Burren Way trail
Tips for visiting
- A wide-angle lens (16-35mm equivalent) captures the sweep of cliffs and coastline together
- Use a polarizing filter to cut Atlantic glare and deepen the sky and sea colour
- Arrive by 3PM to walk the path and be positioned before golden light peaks around 5-6PM
- Meter for the highlights on the cliff face to avoid blowing out the sky
- Toilets and a cafe are available at the visitor centre car park before setting out
- Stay well back from the unfenced cliff edge, particularly in wind
When to visit
Late afternoon in spring or autumn gives the clearest air and best side light on the cliff face; avoid midday when the sun is overhead and flattens the rock texture.
Accessibility
The path to Hag's Head is unpaved, uneven in places, and not wheelchair accessible; sturdy footwear is recommended. The main Cliffs of Moher visitor centre and its nearest viewpoints are accessible by paved path.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hag's Head the same as the main Cliffs of Moher viewpoint?
No, it is a separate vantage point about 3km south along the coastal path, offering a wider view of the cliffs from a distance rather than the close-up view at the main platform.
Do I need to pay to photograph from Hag's Head?
Walking the coastal path is free, though the visitor centre car park where most people start charges a parking fee.
Can I fly a drone at Hag's Head?
Drone flights are restricted within the Cliffs of Moher Special Area of Conservation, so permission from Clare County Council should be sought in advance.
How long is the walk to Hag's Head?
It is roughly 6km round trip from the visitor centre car park along the Burren Way coastal path, taking about two hours at a relaxed pace with stops.