Doolin Ferry Captain Spots Dramatic Rockfall as Section of Iconic Cliffs of Moher Sea Stack Crashes into the Atlantic
Sea stack crashes in the Atlantic – An Branán Mór changes before our eyes as viral footage attracts more than 3.4 million views. Witnessing the Sea stack crashes into the Atlantic is truly remarkable.
Doolin, Co.Clare – August 18th 2026
One of the most recognisable landmarks at the Cliffs of Moher has dramatically changed shape after a section of the giant An Branán Mór sea stack cracked away and fell into the Atlantic Ocean. Witnessing the moment when the Sea stack crashes into the Atlantic is a perfect example of how nature can surprise us, showcasing the power of the elements. The breathtaking sight of this natural phenomenon draws attention to the ever-changing landscape.
Understanding the Impact of the Sea Stack Crashes into the Atlantic
The phrase ‘Sea stack crashes into the Atlantic’ has become synonymous with this landmark event, capturing the attention of nature enthusiasts worldwide.
The dramatic change was spotted on Thursday, August 13, by Captain Jim Griffin while operating a Doolin Ferry Cliffs of Moher Cruise, which takes passengers beneath the world-famous cliffs and provides a unique sea-level perspective on one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural attractions.
US tourist Melissa Blackburn, who was walking on the Cliffs of Moher coastal path, captured remarkable footage from above of the precise moment the section of the sea stack broke away and crashed into the Atlantic.
Footage showing the newly eroded section of An Branán Mór was shared by Doolin Ferry on social media and quickly went viral attracting approximately 3.4 million views to date.
Fortunately, the rockfall happened after the main seabird nesting season had ended. An Branán Mór and the surrounding cliffs provide important nesting habitat for the vast seabird colonies that return to the Cliffs of Moher each year.
The event is a dramatic reminder that the Cliffs of Moher are continually being shaped by the immense power of the Atlantic.
320 Million Years in the Making
The recent rockfall at the Cliffs of Moher serves as a testament to the geological processes that have shaped this iconic landscape over millions of years. As the Atlantic Ocean relentlessly erodes the cliffs, events such as the collapse of An Branán Mór highlight the dynamic nature of this environment. The footage captured by Melissa Blackburn not only documents a significant geological occurrence but also emphasises the continuous transformation of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Conservation efforts remain vital to protect the unique ecosystems that thrive along these majestic cliffs.
The Impact of the Sea Stack Crashes into the Atlantic
The Cliffs of Moher were formed around 320 million years ago from layers of sediment deposited by ancient rivers and compressed into sandstone, siltstone and shale. Ever since, the Atlantic has continually shaped the coastline, creating caves, arches and sea stacks. Standing 67 metres high, An Branán Mór was once part of the main cliffs before thousands of years of erosion separated it from the cliff face – a process that continues today.
A Highlight of the Cliffs Cruise
An Branán Mór sea stack is one of the major highlights of the Doolin Ferry Cliffs of Moher Cruise, alongside the sea arch at Hag’s Head and the cave featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. From sea level, passengers experience the immense scale of the cliffs from a unique perspective, surrounded by the spectacular beauty and wildlife of the Atlantic coastline.
Stretching approximately 14 kilometres along the County Clare coast and reaching 214 metres (700 feet) at their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and are renowned worldwide for their spectacular geology, scenery and wildlife.
Captain’s-Eye View of a Changing Coastline
Captain Jim Griffin said: “We sail past the sea stack daily, so I immediately noticed that a substantial section had broken away. The rock formation was created by thousands of years of erosion, and that process is still happening before our eyes. The reaction to the video shows just how fascinated people are by the Cliffs of Moher and the mighty power of the Atlantic.
Rockfalls are a natural part of the evolution of the Cliffs of Moher, continually shaped by Atlantic waves, wind and weather. The latest change to An Branán Mór may have happened in moments, but the forces behind it have been at work for millions of years – and they are not finished yet.
Captain Jim Griffin
Links to viral video:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1710972803450942
https://www.instagram.com/p/DcBzMuPMUur/
§ Doolin Ferry operates daily sailings to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher from March to November. For more information, visit www.doolinferry.com
