Visiting The Cliffs of Moher: A Guide To Ireland’s Iconic Attraction

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular attractions in Ireland and it’s not hard to see why! They make up part of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and are known for their rugged scenery and spectacular ocean views.

At their highest point, the cliffs reach 702 feet (214 metres) and they stretch for 5 miles (8 km). Honestly, no Ireland itinerary is complete without coming here. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on visiting the Cliffs of Moher!

Below, we’ve included all the top tips for your visit, the best things to do, and other helpful information. This includes how to get to the Cliffs of Moher, where to stay, and when is the best time to visit. So let’s dive right in.

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Where are the Cliffs of Moher?

The Cliffs of Moher are located along the West Coast of Ireland, in the County Clare region. The closest towns and villages include Liscannor, and Doolin, with the latter often being referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cliffs of Moher’.

The cliffs make up part of the UNESCO Global Geopark thanks to their location in the Burren region. Naturally, this means the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. Lying just 46 miles (75 km) from Galway, you’ll have no problems getting here.

These famous cliffs are also located along the Wild Atlantic Way, which is one of the most popular road trip routes in the world.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher: Key Information

• Location: County Clare, Ireland
  
• Parking: The main car park is located opposite the cliffs, and parking is included with the visitor centre ticket. There is also parking available at Guerin’s Path, Hag’s Head, Doolin, and Liscannor

• Entrance Fee: To visit the cliffs themselves; Free, The Cliffs of Moher Experience; Adults (€7-10), Students & Seniors (€7-9)

• Opening Hours: The Cliffs; 24/7, The Cliffs of Moher Experience; 8 am – 9 pm (depending on the time of year)

• Facilities: Visitor Centre, Cliffs View Café, Puffins Nest Café, Craft stores, restrooms & first aid room

A Cliffs of Moher Day Trip: How to Visit Ireland’s Iconic Attraction

First of all, there are several different ways in which you can visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. If you’re on a budget, then you can visit the cliffs for free. The best way to do this is by walking the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail, which can be accessed at a couple of different locations.

You’ve also got the Cliffs of Moher Experience which is the visitor and interpretive centre. It’s been named the winner of ‘Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction’ for 2023 by The Irish Independent and it’s the best way to learn about the cliff’s origin.

You can also head out on a Cliffs of Moher cruise if you’d prefer to see them from a different angle. However, we’d definitely recommend admiring the views from the clifftop too. Lastly, if you’re short of time there are several awesome guided tours that visit the Cliffs of Moher. Many of these depart from Dublin and Galway.

Things to do at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

1. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk

When visiting the Cliffs of Moher, you need to hike part of the coastal walk (or all of it if you wish). The walk runs between the two villages of Doolin and Liscannor and covers a linear route of 12.4 miles (20 km).

On average, it takes around 4.5 hours to walk the whole thing. However, if you’re short of time, you can start at either end and just walk half of it. This way, you’ll finish at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, and then catch the bus back (depending on where you’re staying).

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is of medium-high difficulty, but the views are 100% worth it!

2. Look out for wildlife

While at the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll want to spend some time looking out for wildlife. For starters, you can find a variety of birdlife here including puffins, peregrine falcons, guillemots, and razorbill among others. In fact, up to 30,000 breeding pairs of birds are found here every year!

After looking up at the sky, check out the waters below. Depending on the time of year, you might catch a glimpse of sunfish, basking sharks, seals, and dolphins in the ocean. If you decide to see the cliffs on a cruise then you’ve got an even better chance of spotting marine life.

3. Climb O’Briens Tower

O’Briens Tower was built in 1835 and now serves as an observation tower for the many tourists that frequent the cliffs. It’s been restored several times throughout the years, and now, you can walk right up to the top of it.

From the top of O’Briens Tower, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding area. If it’s a clear day, you’ll get to see the Aran Islands and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. To reach O’Briens Tower, it’s just a short walk from the visitor centre. It can get pretty busy here, so you’re best getting to the tower as early as you can.

4. Head to the many viewpoints

Honestly, the vistas from the Cliffs of Moher will take your breath away. No matter where you visit along the cliffs you’ll be treated to spectacular views. However, there are a few viewpoints that stand out above the rest.

After visiting O’Briens Tower, head to the main viewing platform. You’ve also got the North and South Platforms which are often much quieter. Visiting these viewpoints is one of the best ways to see the Cliffs of Moher, so take your time and admire the stunning landscapes.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, then continue along the coastal trail past the viewing platforms.

5. Wander around the Visitor Centre

There are plenty of things to do around the Cliffs of Moher but don’t miss out on the visitor centre. Also known as the Cliffs of Moher Experience, this centre offers you the chance to learn all about the cliffs’ origins.

The visitor centre is nestled into the hillside and the facilities are located underground. While here, you should head to the interactive exhibition, as you’ll get to learn about the cliff’s geology. As you’re exploring this centre, you’ll get to see how the Cliffs of Moher have changed over the past millions of years.

You won’t need a lot of time here either, so it’s worth the visit.

6. Admire the views from a Cliffs of Moher cruise

For a more unique experience, head on a Cliffs of Moher cruise. You’ll get to listen to commentary as you head along the coastline and see the cliffs towering above you. Not only that, but you’ve got a great chance of spotting marine life too including dolphins.

The cruises last for between 50 minutes to 1 hour and the crew members will be there to answer any questions you may have! This 10-hour tour from Galway includes a visit to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. With your tour, you’ll also get to go on a Cliffs of Moher cruise and explore the visitor centre.

7. Walk to Hag’s Head

If you’ve got some extra time then why not walk along the cliffs to Hag’s Head? It’s the Southernmost point of the cliffs and you can either start or end the coastal walk here. The car park for the hike is just an 11-minute drive from the village of Liscannor.

What’s great about Hag’s Head is that you’ll be away from all the crowds. As it’s such a distance from the visitor centre, not many people venture this far. This means you can enjoy the epic vistas in peace. If you’re lucky, you may even have this part of the cliffs all to yourself.

8. Listen to the Cliffs of Moher audio guide

While exploring the Cliffs, you can download the official Cliffs of Moher app. This app includes key information that will come in handy both before and during your visit. You’ll find plenty of tips on here including when to visit and things to do.

The audio guide on the app features 13 chapters and they will teach you everything you need to know about this iconic site. With photographs, a map locater, and a route calculator, this app is extremely easy to use. Just make sure your Bluetooth is turned on so you can make the most of the audio guide.

9. Spot filming locations

Thanks to its breathtaking beauty, it’s unsurprising that several movies have been filmed here over the years. The most famous of which is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where you see Harry and Dumbledore apparate in order to find Horcruxes.

Other movies that have been filmed at the Cliffs of Moher include Leap Year, Into the West, The Princess Pride, and The Mackintosh Man. This beautiful place is also a favourite for music videos and it’s not hard to see why.

While here, you can take a look around and see if you can spot any of these iconic filming locations!

10. Admire the views at sunset

Finally, if you have the time you should admire a sunset while at the cliffs. Although the visitor centre shuts at 9 pm latest (depending on the time of year), there are plenty of other places where you can watch the sun go down.

From Doolin village, it’s just a short walk to the start of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail. That way, you can admire the views and epic sunsets (hopefully) without all the crowds.

Afterwards, finish up the perfect day by grabbing something to eat in Doolin. There are several awesome eateries and pubs, and you can try some delicious Irish cuisine.

Helpful Information for Visiting the Cliffs of Moher

How to get to the Cliffs of Moher

Thanks to their popularity, the Cliffs of Moher are very easy to reach. The best way to get there is by car, with Galway being just a 1.5-hour drive away. Along the way, you can stop off at several other destinations including Dunguaire Castle and Burren National Park.

From Dublin, it’s a 3.5-hour drive so it’s not a journey we’d recommend doing in one day. However, if you’re short on time, then it’s also not a place that you want to miss out on either.

For those who don’t have a car, you can catch the Route 350 Bus Éireann service. It travels from Galway to Ennis and stops at the Cliffs of Moher. Another popular way to get here is by bicycle, as this area is known to be one of the best cycling destinations in the world.

If you’re staying close by, then you can also reach the cliffs via a coastal walk that runs from Doolin to Liscannor.

The best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher

The first thing to note when visiting the Cliffs of Moher is that they can get extremely busy. These cliffs are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, so you’ll want to time your visit wisely.

During the summer months, the cliffs can be full of both tourists and locals alike. For the best experience, try to visit on a weekday and out of peak season, namely the summer holidays.

Otherwise, your best bet is to avoid visiting between 11 am – 4 pm as this is when the Cliffs of Moher are at their busiest. This is when the tour buses tend to arrive, and they are full of people. The best time of day to visit the Cliffs of Moher is early morning or late afternoon.

Another thing to note is that you’ll want to pick a clear day, as the views from here are pretty spectacular.

Tips for visiting the Cliffs of Moher

Here are some top tips to ensure you make the most of your visit:

• The coastal trail has several high-risk areas so only wander along the main walkway. This is due to other areas being unstable, and susceptible to rockslides.

• Along the trail, there’s an electric fence to keep livestock in their fields. Be careful not to walk into it, or mind that people don’t push you into it (unfortunately, this does happen).

• The weather in Ireland is very unpredictable and up here, it can get extremely windy. For the best experience, make sure you wear layers so you’re covered for all weather conditions.

• If you’ve got the time, you can grab something to eat from one of the cafes. In fact, one of the cafes offers spectacular cliff views, but tables tend to fill up quickly.

• Make sure you take plenty of photographs as the beauty of this place is unparalleled!

Cliffs of Moher Day Tours

If you’d prefer all the logistics to be covered when visiting the Cliffs of Moher then you can always opt for a tour. There are plenty of options, but the majority of tours either depart from Dublin or Galway.

Here are some of the best tour options:

• Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey & Galway Day Tour – This 13-hour tour will take you to a variety of places aside from the cliffs including Galway, the Burren, and Kilmacduagh Abbey.

• Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour from Dublin – On the way to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, you’ll head to Kinvarra, Doolin, the Burren, and Bunratty Castle.

• From Galway: Full-Day Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour – This 8.5-hour tour offers excellent value for money, as you’ll also get to visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, Lisdoonvarna, and the Burren.

• From Galway: Aran Islands Day Trip & Cliffs of Moher Cruise – On this tour, you’ll get to visit the Cliffs of Moher, take a trip to Inisheer (Inis Oirr), and walk along the Baby Cliffs in Ballyreen.

Where to Stay when Visiting the Cliffs of Moher

If you’re not visiting the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip, then you’ll need somewhere to stay. Doolin is the closest option as you can walk right to the cliffs from the village. Your other main option is the city of Galway, which is a 1.5-hour drive from the cliffs.

Doolin

Doolin is a fantastic place to stay as it’s often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cliffs of Moher’. Aside from its charm, you’ll benefit from a variety of things to do in and around the town. Not only that but there are accommodation options for every budget, and several restaurants and pubs.

One of the best reasons to stay in Doolin is that you’ll be just a short walk from The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. That means you’ll be able to walk right to the trail from your accommodation, which is really convenient.

The best places to stay in Doolin

Budget: Aille River Tourist Hostel and Camping

Mid-range: The Lodge Doolin

Luxury: Cahermaclanchy House B&B

Galway

Just a 1.5-hour drive from the Cliffs of Moher is the city of Galway. Whether you’re looking for a party or a relaxed evening, Galway is the perfect place to stay as a base. Thanks to its location, you’ll be within a short drive from a variety of other destinations including Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and Clifden.

As Galway is a city, you won’t be short of accommodation options. Better yet, there are tons of awesome attractions here including the Galway City Museum, the Salthill Promenade, and the Latin Quarter. Don’t forget to hit up some of the traditional Irish pubs too!

The best places to stay in Galway

Budget: The Nest Boutique Hostel

Mid-range: The Snug Townhouse

Luxury: The g Hotel

Things to do Near the Cliffs of Moher

Although you’ll find plenty of things to do at the Cliffs of Moher itself, there are some incredible destinations nearby. If you’ve got the time, here are some other places that you should include on your Ireland road trip!

1. Spend some time in Doolin

Doolin is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cliffs of Moher’ and is the country’s capital for traditional Irish music. This charming village is located along the Wild Atlantic Way, so naturally, the views are breathtaking.

You’ll find several fantastic eateries and local stores, making it the perfect place to relax. While here, you can take a walk along the clifftop or spend some time in a traditional pub.

2. Explore Burren National Park

As the Cliffs of Moher are located within the Burren region, it’s only fitting to explore some of the national park. Covering 1,800 hectares, Burren National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes and woodland plants.

There are a couple of great hiking trails here including Knockaunroe Turlough, Mullaghmore Loop, Slieve Carran, and the Nature Trail.

3. Visit Doolin Cave

Doolin Cave is home to the largest stalactite in Europe. It weighs around 10 tons and is 24 feet (7.3 metres long), and reaches down from the cave roof. To get there, you’ll need to walk down 125 steps.

The cave dates back around 350 million years and the formations here are breathtaking to see. You’ll get to go on a guided tour that will teach you all about this place’s history and discovery.

4. Take a trip to the Aran Islands

The Aran Islands have to be one of our favourite places in Ireland. They’re a group of islands located off the west coast, and there are three of them in total; Inis Mor, Inis Oirr, and Inis Meain.

In our opinion, the best island to visit is Inishmore (Inis Mor) as there’s so much to do here. While you’re on the island, you should visit the seal colony, relax on Kilmurvey Beach, and explore Dún Aonghasa.

5. Tour Aillwee Cave

Aillwee Cave is one of the oldest caves in Ireland as it dates back over a million years. One of the highlights of this place has to be the bear bones that were found here, as they’re over 10,000 years old.

Today, you can go on a 45-minute tour of the cave where you’ll get to admire spectacular geological formations and witness a frozen waterfall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Cliffs of Moher

How much time do you need at the Cliffs of Moher?

You’ll want to allow a minimum of two hours at the Cliffs of Moher. This will give you enough time to hike part of the coastal walk, visit O’Briens Tower, and head to the viewing platforms.

However, we’d recommend allowing longer than this so you can walk around the visitor centre. Trust us, this isn’t a place that you want to rush.

Is it worth visiting the Cliffs of Moher?

100% yes! These spectacular cliffs are a highlight of any Irish road trip, so don’t leave them off your itinerary. Boasting dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the chance to spot marine life, this place has so much to offer.

It’s no wonder the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions!

How do you spend a day at the Cliffs of Moher?

The best way to experience the Cliffs of Moher is by hiking part of the coastal walk. This will allow you to take in the views, and experience Ireland’s beautiful scenery. Make sure you spend some time at the viewing points here too.

For the best experience, pay for the Cliffs of Moher Experience ticket as this will allow you access to the visitor centre.

Was Harry Potter filmed at the Cliffs of Moher?

If you’re big Harry Potter fans like us then you’ll certainly want to visit the Cliffs of Moher. There’s a large cave here that features in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It’s the scene where Harry and Dumbledore apparate in order to find Horcruxes.

To see this cave, you’ll just need to look South from the central platform.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Cliffs of Moher

Whether you’re visiting the Cliffs of Moher from Galway or Dublin, you need to allow plenty of time at this iconic destination. For the best experience, you’ll want to stay nearby if you can. This way, you’ll be just a short walk from the cliffs and you’ll have time to hike part of the Doolin cliff walk.

Aside from admiring the views, there are so many other awesome things to do here. Whatever you do, just don’t leave this place off your Ireland itinerary! If you have any further questions about visiting the Cliffs of Moher then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below.

Here are some more Ireland posts that you may be interested in:

• Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary (30 Stops For The Ultimate Trip)

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