The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular tourist spots in Ireland and one of my highlights of our trip to Ireland. It’s a great place for a day trip with walks, boat rides and beautiful scenery all around it. First things first according to my research it’s pronounced Mow-her. The Cliffs are quite incredible at 14 kilometres long and the highest point being 214 metres tall.
Location
The Cliffs are on the west coast of Ireland in County Clare on the southern coast of The Burren (pronounced Burn) region. The cliffs look out over the Atlantic Ocean, one of the first spots that I saw the Atlantic from.
Getting there
Car
Travelling by car is probably the most versatile and user-friendly way to get to the cliffs, you can go at your own time and at your own pace.
From Galway
To get to the cliffs from Galway, exit the south of the city and get onto the N67, which goes all the way to Doolin and the Cliffs in about an hour and a half. We came from this direction but we took a slightly more scenic route through The Burren National Park, which in my opinion is totally worth it. This diversion took us a couple of hours, with a few stops along the way.
From Limerick
Exit the city going West along the R527 which then turns into the N18. Continue to the M18 and north until the N85 which will take you to the Cliffs via R478. We left the Cliffs along this route, lovely and scenic at times and also motorway at other times. The journey will take about an hour and fifteen minutes.
From Dublin
For a longer drive, take the M4 out of Dublin, continue along to the M6 almost to Galway, then take the M18 towards Limerick. Follow along the R460, R476 and R478 to get to the Cliffs. A much longer trip at about 3 hours 10 each way. The small amount of west coast Ireland I saw, was worth taking a night or two out of Dublin to see some more of Ireland and have a shorter journey to the cliffs.
Bus
Depending on where you’re staying, there are public buses that go to the Cliffs from these three cities. 720 from Dublin to Galway, then 350 from Galway Bus Station and the 343 then 350 from Limerick. Each bus ride adds 1-2 hours onto the aforementioned car journeys.
Group Trip
Like any tourist attraction, the Cliff of Moher has pre-planned day trip and bus trips that you can book. Multiple different companies offer different deals for day trips from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, which will include various pit stops along the way as well as the Cliffs themselves. If you don’t have a lot of time or would rather avoid the hassle of driving then it’s a good easy option for you.
Viewing points
Walking
Walking along the top of the Cliffs can be pretty incredible and a great achievement. The full distance from Doolin to Liscannor is 20km, but of course, you can walk as far or as little as you like, depending on your time and ability. We didn’t walk much along the Cliffs and the views were still incredible, so go at your own pace and enjoy the view.
PLEASE BE SAFE! The areas of the cliffs that we went to do not have any barriers or signs or anything. They let the general public use their common sense and not go right to the edge of the cliffs. Please, please, please be careful, it’s a long drop to the bottom and there’s a lot of people around to be wary of yourself and others as you admire the views and take photos. Please don’t be silly and “do it for the gram”, it’s not worth the risk. Please enjoy the cliffs but be sensible as well.
Parking the car is a bit of an issue as the cliffs are such a popular spot. There is a Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, which is €4 each if pre-booking or €8 per adult on entry. They offer virtual tours, audio guides and is in close proximity to O’Brien’s tower. We were advised by a local to skip the Visitors Centre and park further down the cliffs for ease of parking and fewer people. If you’re coming from the north pass by the main visitors’ carpark and take the next road on your right. From my understanding of the situation, there was a farmer who had a wee car park that you could park in and access the cliffs through there. It appeared safe and we had no problems there.
Ferry
There are a few different ferries that leave from Doolin Pier, north of the Cliffs. We booked literally five minutes before our ferry departed through the information centre at Doolin, well prepared I know! Last minute tickets cost us €20 each, usually if pre-booked tickets are €15 per adult. We took the Doolin ferry which departed and returned to Doolin. The boat cruised up the coast along to the cliffs, watched puffins fly all around us, and took in the magnificent view of the cliffs. The hour went fast but it didn’t feel like it needed to be longer.
Photos Ideas
If you hadn’t already noticed, I love taking photos as I travel. Here are a few classic photos ideas that I’m always guilty of.
Nature only
A classic, especially at a natural wonder like the Cliffs of Moher capturing the pure nature of the view is vital.
Posing
Classic tourist shot, smiling looking at the camera; “here’s me at some super cool cliffs!”
Taking in the view
An increasingly popular shot, especially for Instagram; the back of your head as you look at the amazing view you’ve got.
Candid
It’s always important to include the odd natural reaction shot.
I hope you enjoy your day at the Cliffs of Moher. Be safe around the edges and enjoy the view, however you choose to see it.
References
Cliff of Moher Experience: https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/
Cliffs of Moher Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliffs_of_Moher
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