Visiting The Cliffs of Moher On Your Trip To Ireland

Planning Your Trip To See The Cliffs of Moher

When planning our trip to Ireland, seeing the Cliffs of Moher was very high on the list. We had a good friend who visited this area and told us it was her favourite spot, so we made it a priority. We were glad we did, as this part of the country, a section of the Wild Atlantic Way, is magnificent and should definitely be included on any Irish itinerary.

Based on our experience, this post will provide you with all the details you need for visiting the Cliffs of Moher on your holiday, either on your own or with a tour.

Highlights Of The Cliffs Of Moher

Where Are The Cliffs of Moher Located?

The Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. This area is a small part of the Wild Atlantic Way – a designated coastal area stretching 1600 kms down the entire west side of Ireland.

Depending on your itinerary, the Cliffs can be accessed from various points.  It is easiest to visit from a neighbouring city such as Galway, Limerick, or Killarney. You can also visit from Dublin, but it would make for a very long day.

If you aren’t staying in the area, day tours are by far the simplest way to visit and will avoid having to drive on the fairly narrow and winding roads of this county.

We were driving from Killarney to Galway and planned our stop to break up the drive, but in hindsight, we think that a tour would have been a much better choice and certainly more relaxing.

Here are some tour options to consider:

✅ A great day trip from Galway is this 5-star tour that showcases the area’s highlights (including a castle stop) and provides ample time to explore the Cliffs of Moher.

✅ If you are short on time and can’t visit the West Coast, check out this small group tour from Dublin. It provides transport and several stops along the way to the Cliffs.

How Far Is Dublin To Cliffs Of Moher?

From Dublin, it is approximately 260 kms to the Cliffs of Moher. On average, it will take about 3 1/2 hours to drive there.

Interesting Facts About The Cliffs Of Moher

These towering sea cliffs date back 300 million years ago. Formed on a base of shale and sandstone that contain fossils, many years of river deposits of sand and mud created the numerous horizontal layers which is similar to the sea cliffs we saw when visiting the Twelve Apostles, along the Great Ocean Road.

The wild environment, including the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, blowing winds and seasonal rain, has eroded the escarpment into the striking vertical cliffs that we see today.

The part of the coast that is designated as the Cliffs of Moher is 8kms long and they reach 214 metres at the highest point. This original site housed a fort that was demolished in the early 1800s. And that’s where the name came from, since it is derived from Mothar, which means “the ruins of a fort” in Gaelic.

Over the years, this location has inspired artists, writers, poets, and musicians, and has even been the setting of movies such as The Princess Bride, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Leap Year. 

In 2011, the Cliffs were designated a UNESCO Global GeoPark.  This important designation recognizes locations that work toward sustainable tourism, have a unique geology, landscape, history, and culture.

If birds are your thing, then you will love that more than 30,000 seabirds nest on the cliffs, several of which are rare and endangered. This has led the area to also be designated as a Special Protection Area. There are 20 different species, including Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, and Choughs.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit?

Given that over a million people visit this attraction each year, you can imagine that it can be quite busy. The busiest season is during the summer months of July and August. This period is when the days are longest and the weather is a little more stable.

However, visiting in the shoulder season can also be a great time – this includes April-June and September-October. We visited in September, and it was a comfortable temperature, and we had what turned into a lovely, clear day.

The fog can be heavier in the morning, but often it does burn off, and the views can become completely clear in a matter of minutes. We planned our timed ticket for the 11:00am-4:00pm timeframe to maximize our viewing opportunities, but keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of the day. After 3:00pm, the crowds tend to thin out, so if you prefer fewer people and have some flexibility, then plan accordingly.

How Much Time Do You Need To Visit The Cliffs of Moher?

In our opinion, 2-3 hours is enough time to visit.  This will give you time to walk to both the southern and northern pathways with the viewpoints (currently approximately 800m) and go inside the Visitor Centre. 

If you want to do some of the longer hikes, then you will need to plan for a much longer visit. 

Entrance Fees

If you are driving to the Cliffs on your own, we recommend you pre-book your tickets online. They are slightly discounted if booked in advance. Keep in mind when planning that morning and later afternoon tickets are less expensive. The entrance ticket provides access to the visitor centre and includes the cost of parking. You can see the current prices at the official website.

If you go with a tour, you don’t need to worry about purchasing tickets since they will already be included in the tour price.

Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre is an interesting building built into the ground, so it doesn’t detract from the beauty of the landscape.

Inside, there are interactive exhibits that explain the geological history and wildlife in the area. The exhibits cover four topics: Man, Nature, Rock and Ocean. This is a great place to learn a little about this phenomenal site.

Also inside the Visitor Centre are two cafes, a gift shop and washrooms. And you can borrow binoculars and picnic blankets.

Exploring the Pathways

The main event here is to walk the pathways and ramps that run along the cliffs and enjoy the scenery from various viewpoints.  You can see a good amount on the paved paths without having to invest a lot of effort. 

The site has good accessibility and transport for those needing some additional assistance. They offer golf cart rides to the main viewing points. You can hop on them outside the Visitor Centre.

There are longer hikes, such as the 8 km walk from the Visitor Centre to Doolin, where you can enjoy views of the cliffs and Aran Islands.

Or leading to the south, there is a 2km walk to Hag’s Head.

It is important to note that recently, there have been some issues with the trails related to safety, and some of them have been closed. The popular hike from Doolin has a section that is closed, meaning that you can’t access the Cliffs from that direction. It is best to check the official website to see what is currently open.

Viewpoint From O’Brien’s Tower

Towards the north end, you will see O’Brien’s Tower sitting on one of the points. Situated at the highest point of the Cliffs, this observation tower was built in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien. It was created purely to attract visitors to the Cliffs and allow for a safe way to see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.

It is still open to visitors and provides a wonderful panoramic view of the area. This location reminded us of another observation tower – Castelo Branco in the Azores, which was built by the owner to watch over his land.

Cliffs of Moher Boat Cruise

If you would like to see the cliffs from the water, that option is available too. Taking a boat ride gives a great opportunity to see the seabirds and wildlife in the water. Oftentimes, dolphins and grey seals are spotted in this area. Looking up at the cliffs gives a completely different perspective and shows exactly how grand the sea cliffs really are. We enjoyed this kind of activity while visiting the Tasman Peninsula.

✅ This is a great full day tour from Galway that includes several stops in the region, time at the top of the cliffs and a boat ride to see the cliffs from the water. A perfect day!

Tips For Your Visit

The weather can be very unpredictable (as is expected in all of Ireland). So make sure to wear layers and bring a raincoat. 

While the major pathways are mostly paved and flat, there are areas that consist of loose gravel or dirt, so make sure to wear good walking shoes.

The most important thing is to stay safe. This means staying within the marked boundaries and well back from the edge since there can be sudden gusts of wind.

Where To Stay When Visiting Cliffs of Moher

If you have time, staying in the area can be a good idea to maximize your opportunity to see the cliffs in clear weather. Within 10-20kms there are the towns of Doolin, Ennistymon, Lisdoonvarna and Lahinch. Many small hotels and inns are charming spots to stay. Here are some options to look at:

✦ Located in the heart of Doolin, a boutique hotel with stylish rooms and friendly service: Hotel Doolin

✦ Old world charm in a gorgeous setting with excellent service and onsite spa: Falls Hotel & Spa in Ennistymon

✦ A 4-star hotel with an onsite restaurant and swimming pool: Lahinch Coast Hotel & Suites

The Final Word…Visiting the Cliffs of Moher

This iconic spot is an incredible natural location, and we were so glad we had a perfect day to see its majestic beauty. A visit to the cliffs should be included on every Irish itinerary, whether that is on a day trip or with some additional time staying in County Clare. Be sure to include either a self-driving stop or take a guided tour when you visit Ireland.