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Jul 14, 2021

Dublin, Ireland: Cliffs of Moher Day Trip

Updated: Oct 21

These towering cliffs are arguably one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland. They have been featured in movies such as Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, Leap Year and countless others. Stretching roughly 5 miles long with heights just over 700 feet, the Cliffs of Moher is home to many flora, fauna, and numerous birds species. Cliffs of Moher makes for an easy day trip from Dublin (just over 3 hours one way by car) and is best paired with seeing some of the quaint country-side towns that surround County Clare on the west side of Ireland.

The below itinerary was completed by purchasing the Cliffs of Moher Irish Day Tour. Check their website for the most up-to-date pricing, however, rest assured this is likely the best deal in the area compared to renting a car and driving yourself. In addition to four amazing stops, the day trip includes a professional driver with entertaining and educational commentary, comfortable couch transportation with Wi-Fi on board, and entry into the Cliffs of Moher visitors center.

The Irish Day Tour to Cliffs of Moher begins at 6:50am a the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street (see map below). You will board a coach bus and travel 3 hours to the western side of the country (plus a rest stop), passing through rolling hills, countryside, and castle ruins. We recommend bringing a rain/windproof jacket, camera, packed lunch or money to purchase lunch, sunglasses, and a good pair of walking shoes.

Also Read: Dublin Ireland Complete Guide

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First Stop: Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are comprised of family-friendly walking paths and footpaths that take you up close to the cliffs (stay safe and keep your distance from the edge). Take in the breathtaking scenery and panoramic views as you gaze out into the awe-inspiring sea. Included in the Irish Day Tour is entrance to the Cliffs of Moher and visitors center.

The tour allows roughly 1.5 hours to explore the grounds, which is plenty of time to walk on both the northern and southern trails. Be sure to experience both the northern and southern trails as the spectacular views change with every step and vantage point. On a clear day, look for the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, and Maum Turk Mountains.

Make your way north along the Cliffs of Moher to the 1835 observation tower used to overlook the sea and Aran Islands, O'Brien's Tower. This tower was built by Cornelius O'Brien in order to provide an observation deck for tourists visiting County Clare and the Wild Atlantic Way. Tickets to the tower can be bought on-site at the visitors center. However, we found the views from the ground to be more than satisfactory. Just past O'Brien's tower, gaze out into the immaculate green pastures and wave to the local cattle. A picture-perfect Irish backdrop.

Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do in Dublin

Double back and head on the southern trail to take in even more astonishing views. If you make the mile trek up to the Southern Cliffs of Moher Viewpoint, you will be rewarded with a delightful side-profile of the cliffs with crashing water on the rocks below. However you spend your time at the Cliffs of Moher, be sure to spend time appreciating its natural beauty.

Second Stop: Doolin

The tour then takes you to the charming village of Doolin to grab a bite for lunch and appreciate the relaxing atmosphere of this quaint countryside town. Stop for a cup of tea or a local Dooliner Irish red beer (pictured below) in one of the quaint pubs of Doolin, Fitzpatrick's. You may even have time to pet one of the locals.

Also Read: Top Craft Brews of Europe

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Third Stop: The Burren National Park

After lunch, the tour takes you to the rocky limestone landscape of "The Burren" or what some people call the "mini Cliffs of Moher". Take a stroll on this rocky cliffside landscape and see if you can spot the gentian blue flowers or orchids that only grow in this part of Ireland. Enjoy roughly 30 minutes of exploring the area, views of the sea, and discovering new natural wonders.

Fourth Stop: Galway City

Galway City is known for its brightly painted pubs, cafés, live music, and of course, Ed Sheeran's song Galway Girl. Galway is also known as "the festival capital of Ireland" hosting an average of 122 events per year. A notable place to add to your visit in Galway City is the St. Nicholas Collegiate Church. Founded in 1320, St Nicholas Collegiate Church is the largest medieval church in Ireland that is still in use today.

In addition, you may consider visiting Lynch's Castle, the oldest building in Ireland that is still in use today (now a bank). Enjoy your time exploring this beautiful, historic, and vibrant city situated on the Wild Atlantic of Ireland.

Also Read: Edinburgh Scotland Complete Guide

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The tour departs from Galway City at 5:00pm and arrives back in Dublin around 7:30pm. Spend the time traveling back to Dublin reminiscing on the day's experiences and sharing stories with fellow travelers you've met throughout the day.

Special thanks to Irish Day Tours for providing us with an incredible day filled with magical experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Planning Your Trip

Are the Cliffs of Moher dangerous?

As with any tourist attractions, if you use common sense and stay on the designated walking paths, Cliffs of Moher is completely safe. There are small footpaths that trail very close to the cliffs and you may see people taking these paths to get up-close pictures. If you are traveling with children or have a fear of heights, we recommend staying on the paved, family-friendly pathways.

When is the best time to visit Cliffs of Moher?

Peak tourists season for the Cliffs of Moher is from April to September with the highest foot traffic generally from 11am-4pm. We recommend getting to the Cliffs of Moher as early in the morning as you can to avoid crowds and afternoon clouds that could impair your views. Although the Cliffs of Moher have beauty throughout any season and weather, ideal conditions for viewing panoramic views of the far-stretching cliffside is on a clear, sunny day.

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Do the Cliffs of Moher cost money to visit?

There is a small entrance fee that includes parking, walking the family-friendly pathways, and climbing O'Brien's Tower. Check here for current pricing and plan to buy online ahead of your trip to save some money.

Admission: Starting at €7

How do I make Cliffs of Moher a day trip from Dublin?

Although you could rent a car, our recommendation is to book a tour. With limited time on your travels, the last thing you want to worry about are the uncertainties associated with renting a car and driving through a foreign country. Our personal recommendation is to book with Irish Day Tours. We had an incredible, knowledgeable tour guide who taught us the history of these breathtaking rolling cliffs and the surrounding villages. Not only will Irish Day Tours take you to the Wild Atlantic to witness one of Irelands 7 Wonders, Cliffs of Moher, but your day will continue as you tour the village of Doolin, Burren National Park, and Galway City.