Cliffs of Moher Day Trip
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy see our Terms & Conditions page. Thank you.
At Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, the earth abruptly ends and vertical rock spanning 700 feet (214 meters) above the sea is battered by the surf of the Atlantic Ocean. The sheer and stunning 5-mile (8km) stretch of coast never fails to inspire wonder. Our Cliffs of Moher Day Trip guide contains information about how to navigate this spectacular County Clare attraction.
The Cliffs of Moher are the most visited natural attraction in Ireland. The area is full of brilliant landscapes, marine life, and colonies of nesting sea birds. On a clear day there are views the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the Dingle Peninsula.
A modern Visitor Center offers guests educational exhibits and services. In the park, there is a network of paved, fully accessible walkways and platforms to enhance the viewing experience. Use our Cliffs of Moher day trip guide to learn how to get to the site, where to enter, things to do, and tips to make the most of this tremendous environment.
For more information on Ireland travel read our blog posts on:
WHERE ARE THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the western edge of Europe in County Clare Ireland along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. The park is roughly mid-way between the villages of Doolin and Liscannor.
The Cliffs of Moher are part of The Burren. In this region, haunting rock landscapes are the result of limestone that has eroded over millions of years. Within this terrain there are fossils, rare arctic flowers, and ancient tombs waiting to be discovered. The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher are designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
WAYS TO SEE THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
The Burren is a hiking region and there are many trails that include access to the Cliffs of Moher. The four most common routes to view the site are:
Entering via the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. This location has the best visitor services, educational exhibits, accessibility, parking, and safety features. It is also the most crowded with daily tour buses coming in from Dublin, Galway, and other locations. The Visitor Center is a great option for visitors with mobility issues, children, limited time, and no personal vehicle.
Hiking from Hags Head (by Liscannor) to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. This 3-mile (5 km) route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours one-way.
Hiking from the village of Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. This 5-mile (8km) route takes about 3-4 hours one-way.
Taking a boat tour to view the cliffs from the sea.
This article will focus on a visit to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center.
CLIFFS OF MOHER MAP
CLIFFS OF MOHER VISITOR CENTER OPENING HOURS AND DAYS
Opening Days: Open every day except for December 24, 25, and 26th.
Opening Hours: Hours vary seasonably. The park generally opens between 8-9am; it closes at either 5, 7, or 9pm. Opening hours are longer in the summer and shorter in the winter.
CLIFFS OF MOHER ADMISSION
Ticket prices: Cliffs of Moher ticket prices vary seasonally. There are separate ticket prices for adults, seniors, families, children, groups, and whether you purchase tickets online or in-person. Tickets are generally between $7-12 per person.
What’s Included in Admission: Admission to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center includes use of the free app and audio guide, parking, wi-fi, Visitor Center exhibits, the cliff walks, access to O’Briens Tower, restrooms, two cafes, a gift store, water re-fill stations, information, and baggage storage.
Parking at Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center: Parking is included in the admission price. The main parking lot is across the street from the Visitor Center and cliffs.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
Peak visiting hours are between 11am and 4pm when most tour buses are onsite. If you have a choice, plan to visit at an off-peak hours from 8-11am and 4pm to closing. Many people feel that the most beautiful time of day is sunset.
July and August are the most crowded months and during the winter the viewing platforms can be wet and icy, April, May, June, September, October, and November are good months to visit.
THINGS TO DO AT THE CLIFFS OF MOHER VISITOR CENTER
See the Visitor Center and its exhibits. The modern structure is built into a sloping hillside. There are exhibits on the site’s history, geology, sustainability, biodiversity, special protection, and more.
Follow the app and audio guide around the site.
Pre-book a 45-minute guided tour.
Visit the Main Platform: See the cliffs heading toward Hags Head.
Visit the South Platform: Try to spy the puffin colony on Goat Island. TIP: Binoculars are available for sign out at the Visitor Center.
Visit the North Platform: See the cliffs at their highest point and enjoy panoramic vistas in all directions.
Climb O’Briens Tower: Near the North Platform, O’Briens Tower can be toured. On a sunny day there are views of the Aran Islands, Liscannor Bay to the south, and Galway Bay to the north.
CLIFFS OF MOHER WEATHER
The weather in County Clare changes quickly. In the winter temperatures hover around 50’F (10’C). In the summer temperatures average around 64’F (18’C).
Monitor the weather and plan to visit on a clear day with good visibility. However, no matter what the forecast be prepared for sun, wind, rain, and fog. Sturdy shoes with a good sole are a must for this destination. Also, bring rain gear, a jacket, sun screen, bug spray, and a hat.
Extreme weather conditions occasionally will cause the site to close. If poor weather conditions are expected, visit the site’s website or check the national weather forecast before making the trip.
CLIFFS OF MOHER SAFETY
While trekking between platforms be sure to stay on the designated path. Do not cross fences to get closer to the edge of the cliff. The bluffs are subject to erosion and rock/mud slides are common. It is easy to slip especially in rainy or windy conditions. Supervise children at all times (pets are not allowed).
Be aware that as you hike further away from the Visitor Center, you will leave the grounds of the park and hike onto private property. As safety fences disappear, it is even more important to remain on the path. High winds and precipitation can make the venturing too close to cliff's edge fatal.
CLIFFS OF MOHER ACCESSIBILITY
Car Park: Look for designated disabled parking spaces in the main car park.
Hearing aid amplifiers are available at the front desk.
Wheelchairs are available at the car park office and at the Visitor Center main desk.
Within the park there is good wheelchair accessibility at the Visitor Center building, picnic grounds, paved viewing platforms, and O’Briens Tower.
A “Lifts of Moher” buggy is available for disabled and elderly visitors to help with transport around the site.
HOW TO GET TO THE CLIFFS OF MOHER VISITOR CENTER
Motor Vehicle: Most visitors will arrive at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center by car or tour bus. A Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin will be about a 3.5-hour ride; from Galway a 90-minute ride; and from Limerick a 75-minute ride.
Bus: The most direct bus route to the Cliffs of Moher is the 350 Bus Eireann from Galway (there are several stops along the route).
Boat: A number of sea excursion companies in nearby towns and cities offer boat rides along the Cliffs of Moher coast. The Doolin Ferry sunset tour is a popular choice.
Have fun and stay on the path, Laura and Randy
For more information on Ireland travel read our blog posts on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
