Cliffs of Moher

Castle, Viewing Point and Walk in Galway

Cliffs-of-moher

At the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare lie the stunning Cliffs of Moher. These jaw-droppingly beautiful cliffs stretch for about 14 kilometers (9 miles) along the North Clare coastline, extending into the mist and offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland. The cliffs rise from the village of Doolin, reaching their maximum height of 214 meters (702 feet) just north of O’Brien’s Tower, a historic stone tower built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien.

The Cliffs of Moher are a well-known haven for seabirds, with their sheer drop into the Atlantic Ocean providing a dramatic backdrop for birdwatching. Waves crash below, while seabirds whirl above, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Paths wind along the cliff edge, offering ample photo opportunities between the nearby villages.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the dramatic cliff edges and feel the blasts of fresh sea air along the Cliff Trails. From atop the cliffs and O’Brien’s Tower, there are stunning views of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges in County Galway to the north, and Loop Head to the south.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s premier tourist attractions, drawing around 1.5 million visitors annually. The area boasts exhilarating coastal scenery and unmissable experiences, such as grabbing a fireside seat at a traditional music session in the picturesque village of Doolin. Whether walking along the cliff trails or simply taking in the views, the Cliffs of Moher provide an unforgettable experience on Ireland’s west coast.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center

Since its opening in 2007, the Cliffs of Moher Experience has become a highlight of Ireland’s tourism industry. The visitor center is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, making it almost invisible except for the main entrance, as most of the building is situated underground to preserve the stunning surroundings.

The team at the Cliffs of Moher Experience provides valuable information about nearby attractions, directions, and tips for an ideal visit. Additionally, customer service staff and designated Cliffs of Moher rangers are available to lead guided nature walks and tours.

Upon arrival, you can take a self-guided tour of the Cliffs Exhibition, which features interactive displays and educational showcases about the Cliffs of Moher. Visitors can enjoy a virtual reality experience on the cliff’s ledge or create a digital postcard for family and friends.

O’Brien’s Tower

O’Brien’s Tower stands prominently on a headland at the Cliffs of Moher, offering magnificent views south towards Hag’s Head and north towards Doolin. Built in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, the first High King of Ireland, the tower was constructed as an observation point for the hundreds of visitors who came annually to witness the breathtaking scenery. Cornelius, a forward-thinking local landowner, believed that tourism development would boost the local economy and help lift people out of poverty.

OBriens-Tower-Cliffs-of-Moher

From the tower, on a clear day, you can see across to the Aran Islands: Inis Oírr, Inis Méain, and Inis Mór. Looking to the left, you can capture the entire span of Liscannor Bay, with Lahinch in the distance and Liscannor village in the foreground. To the right, you are met with stunning views of Galway Bay. O’Brien’s Tower continues to be a favorite spot for visitors to take in the expansive and picturesque landscape of the Cliffs of Moher.

Moher Tower at Hag’s Head

Moher Tower stands at Hag’s Head, the southernmost point of the Cliffs of Moher. This historic structure marks the starting (or ending) point of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. The tower, a Napoleonic signal tower built in the early 19th century, offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands, and the rugged Clare coastline.

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is a 20 km cliff-edge trail offering breathtaking views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, and the Atlantic Ocean. This linear route starts from Liscannor and ends in Doolin (or vice versa) and takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete. The exposed cliff-top path is strenuous, requiring a high level of fitness due to its narrow, steep ascents and descents.

Walkers will traverse a variety of terrains, including flagstone steps, farm tracks, and local roads. Given the demanding nature of the trail, safety precautions are necessary, including wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. This challenging trail, with its stunning Atlantic seascapes, is perfect for seasoned walkers seeking a rewarding adventure.

You can park at the visitor centre and catch the bus to Doolin and walk back. The bus will help if you want to take the full Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin to Liscannor (Cliffs of Moher Hotel).

How to get to the Cliffs of Moher

Car Rental

For travelers interested in a Wild Atlantic Way road trip or those looking to avoid organized group tours and rigid itineraries, renting a car is a great option. Rental vehicles can easily be picked up from Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport. Be aware that car insurance provided by your credit card usually excludes rentals in Ireland, so you’ll need to purchase insurance through the rental agency or an independent provider. Additionally, while not required, obtaining an International Driving Permit from AAA can provide extra peace of mind.

We recommend to rent a car in Ireland through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Public Train

Train travel offers a delightful way to see Ireland’s countryside, with the Irish Rail network connecting many major cities. The closest rail stop to the Cliffs of Moher is Ennis, which is about an hour-long direct train ride from Galway or a three- to four-hour journey from Dublin via Limerick. From Ennis, travelers can take a public bus that makes several trips daily to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.

Public Bus

Ireland’s public bus system, Bus Éireann, is an affordable and reliable way to travel around the country. For the quickest trip to the Cliffs of Moher, take a bus from Galway station or Ennis. Alternatively, if you don’t mind making a few transfers, you can also piece together bus routes from Dublin or Shannon. Be sure to check the timetables carefully, as service frequency can vary depending on the time of year.

Day Trip Options

According to Jonathan Epstein, an expert on travel to Ireland, day trips to the Cliffs of Moher are quite feasible.

  • From Dublin: Expect to spend up to four hours each way by car or bus. Organized day tours from Dublin often include stops in Galway City and a scenic walk along the Atlantic Ledge.
  • From Galway: The car or coach ride to the Cliffs of Moher can take less than two hours each way. Day tours from Galway City may also include a brief stop at the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle and the charming village of Doolin, known as the music capital of Ireland.

Cruises and Ferries

For a unique experience, consider taking a ferry or boat to the Cliffs of Moher. There are single day-trips departing from Galway which visit Cliffs of Moher Cruise, Aran Islands, Connemara, and the Burren.

The Cliffs of Moher appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Galway!

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Visiting Cliffs of Moher

Hours:

Nov – Feb: 09:00–17:00

Mar,Apr, Sep Oct : 09:00–19:00

May – August: 08:00 – 21:00


Price:

Adults €12.00 (€7.00 if you book online)

Address: Cliffs of Moher Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor, County Clare, Ireland
Duration: 1 hours
Official Website

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