Cliffs of Moher

One of the most panoramic tourist attractions on Ireland's west coast, the Cliffs of Moher, extends fourteen kilometres along the ocean. The coastal limestone cliffs reach over 214 metres in height. Atlantic waves crash against the coastline night and day. If the weather permits, one can view the Aran Islands. For many tourists who enjoy wild nature, the Cliffs of Moher is a must-see.

Location

The southwestern edge of County Clare is home to the Cliffs of Moher. They are an hour's drive from Shannon International Airport. The nearest settlements are the villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

Ideal times

Planning your visit during the spring and summer (April to October) is best to catch fine weather. We recommend you not travel in summer to avoid the masses of tourists. As per the information provided by the Visitor Center, it is incredibly crowded during July and August.

For the same reason, the hour of your visit must also be well chosen. The perfect time is early morning, or after 4 p.m. Hopefully, you will witness a breathtaking sundown.

Some incredible facts about the Cliffs of Moher

Films background

Chances are high that you have glimpsed this place in some films and music videos. The sea cliffs have appeared in several renowned hits, including "Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince" (2009) and Irish Wish (2024). In the fantasy film "The Princess Bride," they receive the name Cliffs of Insanity.

A meeting place for puffins

Visitors who adore observing animals can admire the vast numbers of Atlantic puffins nesting there in May and June. The last year's record shows that up to 7,000 puffins nest on the slopes of the cliff during the peak seasons.

The cliffs have been known as the location of a large surfing wave. Its name is Aileens, and many surfers around the globe endeavour to ride it.

Ranks second most famous attraction

The number of visitors reached 1.6 million in 2019, making it the second most visited paid tourist attraction.

Before the common era

Before Moher Tower was erected in 1808, a defensive structure, Mothar or Moher (1st century BC), stood nearby on Hags Head at the southern end of the Cliffs of Moher.

Safety Tips

Pack a rain jacket and weatherproof trekking shoes regardless of the time of year you choose for your trip. Changeable weather conditions can make paths wet and slippery.

The roar of the wind is usual while on the Cliffs of Moher. Rest assured, the Visitor Center notifies tourists in case of dangerous situations. There are three types of signs depending on its colour and weather. The "Status Yellow" sign means you can continue on your visit with extra caution. "Status Orange" or "Status Red" means it is not safe to come closer to the cliffs.

In Ireland, March is regarded as a month of seven weathers, including strong winds, heavy rain, sunshine, and snow. Visitors are always invited to keep it in mind. A sunny day with clear skies can be altered to patchy fog and rain in a few minutes.

If you are travelling with a little child, please stay within the limits of the marked viewing sites. Besides, it is highly recommended that you use the gravel or paved pathways.

Visitor Center

Since opening in 2007, the Cliffs of Moher have joined the list of Ireland's most stunning places of attraction. The Visitor Center building is challenging to find. The facility does not dominate the landscape; it was purposefully designed so to merge entirely with the rugged hills and jagged cliffs. Except for the main entrance, the Center is basically underground.

The team at the Visitor Center offers all the needed information about nearby places of interest, transport, directions, and valuable suggestions for making your visit truly enjoyable. The most helpful tip is to avoid the peak hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customer service representatives and special Cliffs of Moher rangers can also run guided outdoor tours. Visitors are strongly encouraged to book a tour more than a week in advance.

You can start by taking a self-guided tour of the Cliffs Exhibition, which comprises interactive displays and educational showcases. A virtual reality experience is also offered there. It allows visitors to create a digital postcard that features the cliff's ledge.

The visitor centre is home to the Puffins Nest Café and the Cliffs View Café. Choose your perfect seat and grab a hot coffee before a long walk. The restaurant serves traditional Irish meals, including wild Atlantic prawn salads with stout bread and Burren-smoked salmon.

The Cliffs of Moher visitor centre suggests more than an ordinary gift shop. Several on-site shops offer a wide range of locally made knitwear and Celtic souvenirs.

The centre is open from 8 a.m. (March to October) and 9 a.m. (November to February). Closing hours depend on the seasons. During peak season, it may be open until 9 p.m., but during the off-season, it may be closed at 5 p.m. Entry tickets cost €7 for adults. You can purchase it online, at the green booths in the parking lot, or inside. Discounts for students and seniors during peak hours may be provided. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge.

The parking facility is across the road from the visitor centre. Parking is included in your entry ticket.

Day trip options

Experts on travel to Ireland suggest day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, especially if your starting point is Dublin. The round trip from the capital city takes eight hours, which may be exhausting. Therefore, going on an arranged day tour from Dublin, comprising overnight in Galway City, seems reasonable. Thanks to a stop at the late medieval Dunguaire Castle, a day tour from Galway City looks winning. The charming village of Doolin, which is considered a traditional music capital, is also included in the tour program.

Ultimate experience

Luxury travellers preferring a personalized experience are offered a round of golf at the most exclusive site. Adventurous and curious tourists can learn about the region's history and mythology by booking a corresponding trip at a local agency. If you are a yoga fan, do not think twice about joining outdoor classes.

Best ways to reach the location

Rent a car

Consider renting a car if you are eager to enjoy a ride through the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way. Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport provide such an option. You must purchase additional insurance for rental cars in case your car insurance does not cover them. The insurance can be bought at a rental car agency or an independent provider.

Use a public train

Lovely train trips are the best option for admiring Ireland's countryside. At the same time, the Irish Rail network connects many large cities. The closest rail stop to the cliffs is Ennis. You can reach it by direct train from Galway (one hour) or Dublin via Limerick (three to four hours). To get to the Cliffs, take a public bus from Ennis, which runs several times daily.

Take a public bus

Bus Éireann, a public bus system, is an inexpensive and reliable means of transport during your travels to Ireland. The shortest trip is to take a bus from Galway or Ennis rail station. However, if you are up for a few transfers, you can combine bus routes from Dublin or Shannon. We advise you to thoroughly check the schedules, which may vary depending on the time of year.

Catch a ferry

To enhance your experience, take a 45-minute ferry to the Cliffs of Moher. During peak season, the Doolin Ferry departs from Doolin Pier four times daily.