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O’Brien’s Tower
Ireland’s booming tourist industry was predicted by Sir Cornelius O’Brien—a self-proclaimed descendent of legendary High King Brian Boru—who wanted to capitalize on the throngs of Victorian tourists coming to see the magnificent views from the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. In 1835, O’Brien built his tower at the highest point of the cliffs so that visitors could stand on the roof in hopes of catching a glimpse of attractions like Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, and the Aran Islands.

Photograph by Ryan Donnell, Aurora

Ireland Photos

See photos and get wallpaper of Ireland (including the Cliffs of Moher, Dublin, Irish castles, and more) in this travel photo gallery from National Geographic.

November 5, 2009