The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland should be at the top of your Ireland bucket list. An icon of Ireland, the cliffs have so much to offer visitors. The first time I saw the Cliffs of Moher I was literally speechless. The straight shot down to the ocean was terrifying and I couldn’t look away! I was also surprised at how many things there are to do other than the cliffs!
You can visit as a day trip from Galway or Dublin, or rent a car and drive to it yourself! So here’s my Ultimate Guide to visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
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Where are the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. While many people visit from Dublin, it’s actually a 3.5-4 hour drive. Visiting the Cliffs of Moher is easier from Galway or Limerick (about 1.5 hours). While County Clare is famous for the cliffs, there are a lot of places nearby that you can enjoy traditional Irish music and culture.
When should I visit the Cliffs of Moher?
Sunset is an ideal time to visit. There isn’t the fog of the morning and you can watch the sun glisten off of the water and cliffs. The day-trippers typically leave around 3 so the crowds thin out.
What is there to do at the Cliffs of Moher?
Visit Hog’s Head
This watchtower is located at the Southernmost point of the Cliffs of Moher. Local legend is that a woman killed herself trying to follow her lover across the Cliffs (okay, it’s not the happiest tale). The crowds don’t seem to make their way to the tower, so it offers you some peace and quiet. The walk is about an hour-long each way, but it includes some impressive views.
Walk the Coastal Trail
Opened in 2013, the Moher Coastal Trail is great for outdoorsy travelers with a full day to explore. The 18km trail stretches from Doolin to Liscannor. If you don’t have a full day to spare, you could do parts of it instead. For example, the Cliffs of Moher to Doolin is a two-hour walk each way.
Fun Fact: Cliffs of Moher is a nature spotting haven. It’s protected by Irish & EU legislation. The cliffs are a breeding site for over 30,000 seabirds – including the endangered Chough. Around the end of March, you can even spot the Atlantic Puffin!
O’Brien’s Tower
Designed to look like a mini-medieval castle, O’Briens’ tower was actually built in the 19th century. It was built so the Irish could keep an eye out for the French army. Now it gives visitors more of a bird-eye view. During peak times, admission is 8 Euro for adults, 7 Euro for students, and 5 Euro for seniors, children under 16 are free. If you visit during off-peak hours, it’s a little cheaper. Check the site for more information.
Note: This is one of the most popular viewpoints, so be ready to deal with crowds.
Fun Fact: The sea cave from Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows was filmed near O’Brien’s Tower.
O’Brien’s Tower is located where Fort Moher was. Moher actually means “ruined fort” so it should be named The Cliffs of the Ruined Fort (doesn’t have the same ring to it). The fort stood until around 1780 and in the 19th century, Cornelius O’Brien built a viewing area for visiting tourists to see the cliffs. It’s been delighting visitors ever since.
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is a wealth of information and has some of the most iconic views of the cliffs. If you don’t have a lot of time at the cliffs – the visitor center is the best way to see it quickly. However, it is important to know that the cliffs expand further than just this area.
Travel Tip: Mid-day is the most crowded time to visit the cliffs. The parking lot will fill completely and then close. If you’re making a day trip from Dublin, it may be better to book a tour instead of driving yourself.
See the Cliffs of Moher from below
A great way to see the cliffs in a new way is to take a Cliffs of Moher cruise. The cruises are inexpensive and full of wonderful views.
Safety at the Cliffs of Moher
When you combine steep cliffs, high winds, and tourist crowds, you get a recipe for disaster. There is an official path at the cliffs, but if you stray from that you do so at your own risk. People have died taking selfies at the cliffs. You never know when the wind will pick up, or if you’ll miss a step – so stay safe. For the photo below, I was army crawling to the cliff – on my stomach and approached very slowly.
How long do I need at the Cliffs of Moher?
The short answer: One Day
The long answer: It depends. I know, not helpful. Let me explain. If you’re coming from Dublin, it’s about three and a half hours one way – meaning a day trip may not be the best option. However, a day trip from Galway, Limerick or Killarney would be a good option. Ideally, spending a night in the area would give you the best views of the Cliffs of Moher. This option gives you more chances to see the cliffs throughout the day. The weather in Ireland is finicky at best. Staying a night nearby gives you time in case you get a cloudy day. Of course, there is plenty to explore in County Clare other than the cliffs – so spend a few days nearby!
Where can I stay at the Cliffs of Moher?
There are a variety of family-run cottages, bed & breakfasts, and hotels nearby. Doolin and Liscannor are also nearby (about a ten-minute drive to North or South respectively). I always recommend Booking.com for accommodations – so find your hotel below.
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This was my favorite place in Ireland, and I always wanted to go there ever since I saw the princess bride.
I did not know that part of Harry Potter was filmed there! Last time I went I didn’t get to spend much time there, so i’m keen to give these ideas a go for next time. Thank you!
Awesome! Yes, all around the UK and Ireland are Harry Potter filming locations. I remember watching the film and thinking I knew that spot, so I had to look it up!
Great article and pictures! I can see how doing a cruise would give you a different view and perspective. Great advice!
Thank you for your post! Ireland is on my bucket list – loved all your advice and your photos are amazing! Cheers to you and your future adventures!
Thank you! And Ireland is a wonderful place to visit and typically isn’t too expensive (outside of Dublin!) Hopefully you get to visit soon!
Considering how close I live to Ireland, it’s bonkers how I haven’t been yet! These places seem stunning, I definitely need to go!
love the army crawl for the photo! i’ve never been to county clare, is it popular?
It is popular, but not as popular as you’d think. Most people just visit the cliffs and leave, but the towns are your stereotypical quaint Irish towns and definitely worth a stop!
Due to the current quarantine situation, my feet have never been itchier and this post is putting me in meltdown mode haha. I haven’t ventured past Dublin as far as exploring Ireland so I really want to do a proper road trip and see the rest of the country. Would you recommend staying locally or spending a day while driving through?
Argh I know, it’s so hard to write during this time! We were supposed to be in India in a few days, so I totally understand. I would spend a day near the cliffs, it gives you a better chance of seeing them clearly. Driving around Ireland is all it’s talked up to be – small towns, friendly people, great pubs! I’ve been three times and would go back tomorrow if possible, that’s how much I love it!
Great guide! I agree that it is worth spending at least a day in County Clare. The cliffs are incredible, but I also really enjoyed the nearby Burren for it’s short hikes. Thanks for sharing!
Ireland is definitely on my bucket list! Your post just made me realize how much I would like to visit it sooner rather than later!
Great post! The cliffs really are wonderful. Good advice on a sunset visit, as the crowds can be overwhelming.
Ahh, It’s my dream to go here! 🙂 Gorgeous photos.
I hope you get to go soon! It’s a great destination. & Thank you!
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Wow — it looks like a wonderful place to visit!
Seeing that the path is a bit tricky, is there a season that is best to visit — perhaps when there is less fog or rain, or less wind? Thanks!
Great question – unfortunately in Ireland, it’s always rainy haha. I always suggest spending a night near the cliffs, so you have plenty of time to see it rather than just a day trip for a few hours. That way you have opportunity for the clouds/fog to move out of the way!
Totally taking the cruise!!
I loved seeing the cliffs! I also was happy that they are relatively accessible to where users.
I’ve not been to Dublin yet, but I am eager to go! And the Cliffs of Moher is also on my list. Thanks for all this great information.
Ireland is so high on my bucket list, and when I get there, I definitely want to see the Cliffs of Moher.
Love to see that you went to the southernmost point! I chose to do this in March and it was such a good decision — we were the only ones there! Such a great little hike too. Thank you for sharing!
I am visiting early next month and I appreciate this complete and comprehensive guide. I took notes! Thank you for the helpful information that I will definitely use for trip planning.
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, so I loved learning the sea cave was filmed near O’Brien’s Tower! Now I have to visit 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
The cliffs are spectacular! We’s love to do the walk and watch the seabirds 🙂
The Cliffs of Moher are still on my bucket list! Last time we were in Dublin we didn’t have time to go on a road trip, but we hope to next time. Your photos are stunning!
I’ve been to the cliffs of moher a couple times. It’s definitely well worth it! I give you props for getting that close to the edge (and doing an army crawl!). I never was going to experience it that close up.