Cliffs of Moher: Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on what to expect, top activities, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go.
A truly iconic Irish landmark, the Cliffs of Moher are 200 meters tall and dominate a 14-kilometer stretch of the coastline in County Clare.
Whether you see them for the first time or the hundredth, they are a true sight to behold.
Situated in Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, this destination is a top attraction in Ireland and one of the main highlights of every Ireland road trip itinerary.
Even though it may seem that a visit to the Cliffs of Moher is quite straightforward, this area can be a bit confusing, at least for first-time visitors.
Before we arrived in County Clare, we were in the same shoes.
That was also one of the main reasons behind creating this guide. To help you plan your trip to Cliffs of Moher better.
So without any further ado, here's everything you should know about the Cliffs of Moher before you go.
Things to Know Before You Go
We already established that the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most stunning places in Ireland, which pretty much every traveler has on a bucket list.
Before diving into it, we must introduce Cliffs of Moher to get a better overall view of the area.
Where are the Cliffs of Moher
As mentioned above, the Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare, in the west of Ireland.
It's one of the most visited places in Ireland, so it's very easy to get there, whether it's by car, bus, or with a tour.
Facts
Cliffs of Moher has a maximum height of 214 meters at the Cliffs of Moher Experience area.
On the southern end, near Hag's Head, they rise 120 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. The village of Doolin in the north sits at the sea level.
The cliffs are visited by more than 1.5 million tourists each year.
History and Geology
One of the most staggering facts we learned about the Cliffs of Moher is that they were formed over 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period.
As you can see today, the cliffs have many layers with different colors. Sandstone represents the lighter-colored layers, while the darker layers are made of siltstone and shale.
The sandstone is heavier than other layers, pushing down and forcing the cliffs to crumble under its own weight.
And that's what makes them so dangerous because, on the top, everything seems fine, calm, and safe. But underneath, the erosion is doing its neverending job.
That's why you can also see sea stacks, sea stumps, and even entire caves down below.
If you're interested in the geology of Cliffs of Moher, you should visit the museum in the visitor center to learn more about this topic.
The story involves rivers, mountains, fossils, mud, and entire continents and is far more interesting than our basic description.
Starting Points
The cliffs stretch along the coast for over 14 kilometers, so it's essential to plan your trip right to maximize your time there.
There are technically three main entrances, so we will briefly introduce them in this section to help you understand this area better.
A small village of Doolin marks the north entry point to the Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs of Moher Visitors' Center (known as Cliffs of Moher Experience) is roughly in the middle and is by far the most popular entrance.
Hag's Head marks the south entrance to the cliffs. It's where the cliffs and the coastal walk end.
Near Hag's Head is the small village of Liscannor, where you can find some accommodations or catch a bus back to Doolin.
You will find more information about each place down below.
Crowds
Due to their beauty and easy access, they are Ireland's most visited tourist site. Therefore, don't expect to have them just for yourself.
However, there are always ways to get away from the crowds, even at Cliffs of Moher.
A general travel tip is to start early or arrive late.
For instance, our first stop in this area was Hag's Head, and there were no people around as it was still early in the morning.
Even the area around the visitor center was pretty much empty early in the morning during the shoulder season.
Simply put, the visitors' center area is the busiest, so you either need to mentally prepare for the crowds or arrive before them.
Also, the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin to Hag's Head gives you a great opportunity to find some quiet moments along the way.
Filming Location
It comes without a surprise that the dramatic cliffs were a dramatic backdrop in movies and TV series.
For instance, Cliffs of Moher and one of its sea caves were featured in the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Some other notable films were The Princess Bride, Leap Year, The Mackintosh Man, Into the West, and Father Ted.
Entrance Fee
One of the most common questions is whether you need to pay to see the Cliffs of Moher or not.
And as we hinted at the beginning of this post, the answer to this question is not as straightforward as you would expect.
In fact, it's quite confusing for those visiting this area for the first time, so we'll try to explain it as best we can.
So technically, Cliffs of Moher are free to visit, so you don't need to pay to see them, which is great if you're traveling around Ireland on a budget.
However, you need to access them either from Doolin or Hag's Head if you want to see them for free.
And if you have a car, you still need to leave it somewhere, right?
So, for instance, there is private parking near Hag's Head. It's relatively cheap, but it's not free. So technically, you pay for the parking, not the cliffs in this area.
However, the majority of people stop at the huge parking lot by the visitor center. It's the most popular entrance, but it's not free.
The entry fee to this area called Cliffs of Moher Experience is €7-€10 per adult (they have peak and off-peak rates) if you book your ticket online.
Basically, it includes secure parking, a visitor center experience, an 800-meter paved walkway, and restroom facilities.
Furthermore, access to O'Brien's Tower, Wi-Fi, a water-filling station, binoculars on loan, or an electric vehicle driven by experienced guides to help less mobile visitors see the cliffs are also included.
You can often hear that it's too much to pay just for the parking, but once again, it's not just the parking.
What to See and Do
The Cliffs of Moher is a dynamic landscape, battered by the constant waves of the Atlantic Ocean, affected by erosion and extreme weather conditions.
It's one of the most incredible places to visit in Ireland. So what is there to see and do at Cliffs of Moher?
Doolin
The tiny village of Doolin is often known as a gateway to the Cliffs of Moher.
There is not much to see and do in the village itself, but it's a perfect base for exploring the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Island, and the entire Burren area.
From here, you can easily drive to the Cliffs of Moher Experience or even start the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.
In case you're looking for an amazing day trip, check out the nearby Aran Islands.
A ferry leaves for Aran Islands from Doolin Pier every day, and the journey to the closest island takes only 15 minutes.
To make things a bit more complicated, you need to decide whether you want to visit Inishmore (Inis Mor), Inishmaan (Inis Meain), or Inisheer (Inis Oirr).
Regardless of your choice, this journey will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
Lastly, places such as Burren National Park, Doolin Cave, Fanore Beach, or Poulnabrone Dolmen can also be easily explored from Doolin.
Cliffs of Moher Experience
Situated halfway between Doolin and Hag's Head, the Cliffs of Moher Experience is the main and most popular entrance to the Cliffs of Moher.
It features unlimited parking, a modern and informative visitor center, and a well-maintained trail along the cliffs.
As mentioned, it's not free, but we believe it's worth the money, especially if you're short on time.
While you can see Cliffs of Moher for free, this offers a very accessible and straightforward experience for all first-time visitors.
Furthermore, you will find the highest point of Cliffs of Moher and the iconic O'Brien's Tower here.
Arguably, this is the most spectacular area you can find along the coastline.
This parking is about 500 meters from the main viewpoint area.
Visitor Center
If you decide to explore the cliffs at Cliffs of Moher Experience, make sure you have extra time also to see the modern visitor center.
The visitor center itself is dug into one of the small hills on the top of the cliffs, only a short walk from the parking lot.
Except for a few windows and the main entrance, it's barely visible and represents a fine example of a clever design.
It also offers refreshments and a store selling gifts and souvenirs.
The museum has a good layout, with informative and interactive displays, photos, models, and maps.
It's also a great place to visit when visiting the Cliffs of Moher on a rainy day.
Branaunmore
Standing 67 meters high, Branaunmore is the finest example of a sea stack at Cliffs of Moher.
In the past, it used to be a part of the 200 meters high cliffs but was eventually separated from the main mass by erosion.
If you're looking for more inspiration, don't forget to visit Dun Briste sea stack at Downpatrick Head.
O'Brien's Tower
Marking the highest point along the Cliffs of Moher, O'Brien's Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ireland.
The tower was built by a local landowner Cornelius O'Brien in 1835, who believed in tourism and its important role in the future (another version mentions that he built it to impress a woman he liked).
Anyway, the structure was used as an observation tower and a teahouse for the tourists visiting this area in the 19th century.
Surprisingly, there is no need to climb O'Brien's Tower as the views from the top are not as spectacular as you would expect, so it's perfectly fine to enjoy the scenery from the path below.
Hag's Head
The cliffs of Moher are one of the most incredible places you can visit in Ireland for many reasons.
We've already mentioned the spectacular scenery and epic views are among the main ones, but there is also plenty of history and folklore legends.
Together with The Leap of the Foals, Hag's Head is the finest example of the local myths and tales.
According to the legend, the unusual rock formation at the southern end of the cliffs known as Hag's Head is actually a witch silently observing the surroundings.
A long time ago, Mal fell in love with Cuchulainn, a legendary Irish warrior. He didn't reciprocate her feelings, so she pursued him across Ireland.
When they reached the edge of the cliffs, they both made spectacular leaps over the sea to a nearby island.
However, when he jumped back on the mainland, she followed, but without the help of the wind, crashed into the cliffs.
At this point, you will also find a tower that is fenced off and not accessible.
Unlike the Doolin area, you will get spectacular views from the start here.
You can explore the area, and if you have time, consider walking to Cliffs of Moher Experience and back.
This part of the Coastal Walk is absolutely breathtaking.
The easiest way to see Hag's Head is by leaving your vehicle at Kilconnel private parking (which charges a small fee).
From here, you will need to walk one kilometer along the rural road/path (and back).
Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
Arguably, the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is the best way to explore this area.
The 14-kilometer well-marked trail along the entire stretch of coastline starts in Doolin, ends in Hag's Head, and eventually in the nearby village of Liscannor.
Obviously, it also features the trail at the Cliffs of Moher Experience area.
The path is well-maintained and moderately difficult, so the hike takes about five hours.
Don't forget that the entire trail is exposed for the entire duration of the hike.
On a picture-perfect day, this is one of the best things to do at Cliffs of Moher. On the other hand, this will probably be a miserable experience on a foggy and rainy day.
While you can walk along the Cliffs of Moher without a guide, you can also hire a local guide in Doolin to learn more about the cliffs.
To get back to Doolin, you need to take a shuttle bus from Liscannor (or vice versa).
For clarification, this is the only trail that leads along the Cliffs of Moher.
Coastal Walk South, Coastal Walk North (also known as Doolin Cliff Walk), and Cliffs of Moher Experience Trail are part of this trail.
Coastal Walk South and North
Obviously, you can also decide to start at Cliffs of Moher Experience and walk either north to Doolin or south to Hag's Head (and back).
In this case, we would probably opt for the Coastal Walk South. This 4.5-kilometer out-and-back trail connects the Cliffs of Moher Experience with Hag's Head.
It's still relatively short, mostly flat, and features amazing views along the way.
Coastal Walk North leads between Cliffs of Moher Experience and Doolin.
With an elevation gain and loss of about 450 meters, this 6.5-kilometer trail is more challenging and arguably less scenic.
Obviously, you can hike as far as you want or as time permits and then return via the same path.
Cruise
Exploring the cliffs from the top is a fantastic experience.
Seeing Cliffs of Moher on a boat trip from sea level is a completely different adventure.
From the sea, you will be able to see the cliffs from a new perspective, marvel at the sheer height of this giant rock wall, admire the horizontal layers with different colors, and even spot puffins, dolphins, seals, or basking sharks.
Unlike some other organized trips, the Cliffs of Moher cruises are relatively affordable.
You can reserve the Cliffs of Moher Boat Cruise in the visitor center, Doolin, or online.
By the way, if you're a serious bird watcher, joining a cruise along the cliffs is recommended to get even closer and see as many seabird species as possible.
Bird Watching
The Cliffs of Moher has one of the largest cliff-nesting bird colonies in Ireland, including more than 20 bird species and more than 30.000 pairs of nesting seabirds during the months of May and June.
Not surprisingly, this is one of the best spots for bird-watching in Ireland.
Depending on the time of the year, you visit the Cliffs of Moher and expect to see Atlantic puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, herring gulls, razorbills, peregrine falcons, and much more.
So if bird-watching is your thing, then you will definitely feel at home here.
Watching the sheer number of birds soaring in the sky above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean was a stunning experience.
Just make sure to bring your own pair of binoculars (you can loan them in the visitor center) or even a telephoto lens.
The cliffs are massive, and the birds are often pretty far from the trail.
As we visited the cliffs early in the morning, there were barely any people around.
At some point, we met a lonely person from the staff along the trail who lent us his pair of binoculars and even told us something about the species we could spot in that place. That was really cool.
The best time of the year to see birds at Cliffs of Moher is usually from early May to late August.
While it's easy to focus primarily on bird watching, don't forget that the local flora is also pretty impressive.
Due to extreme weather conditions, expect to find mostly mosses, lichens, seaweed, liverworts, and different grasses here.
However, some beautiful wildflowers survive here as well.
Opening Hours
Cliffs of Moher Experience is open from 8 AM to 9 PM from May to August.
During March, April, September, and October, the opening times are 8 AM to 7 PM.
Between November and February, it's open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Don't forget to check the current opening times before you go, as they are seasonal and may change.
Otherwise, the Cliffs of Moher are a natural attraction that is technically open 24/7.
How Much Time Do I Need
As usual, one of the hardest things about this trip is to determine how long you should plan for Cliffs of Moher.
There is no easy answer, as it depends on your preferences and the activities you want to do.
If you're pressed for time, allow yourself about an hour for Cliffs of Moher. You can easily spend another hour in the Visitor Center if time allows.
Therefore, we would say that you will need about two hours for the whole Cliffs of Moher Experience.
However, you can easily spend an entire day here.
For instance, take your time if you decide to walk from Doolin to Hag's Head (and then take a bus back to Doolin) on a beautiful sunny day.
There is no point in rushing.
You don't get a chance to visit such an incredible place every day, and you might later regret that you didn't stay longer.
When to Go
Cliffs of Moher is an all-year-round destination, though each season has pros and cons.
Don't forget that the weather is unpredictable in the coastal areas, and the cliffs are often covered in fog.
It means that the weather forecast is often not as precise as you might think in this area.
Another super important thing to consider is that the actual temperature is often way lower than what you see in the weather forecast due to strong winds.
Summer
Summer is often considered to be the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher due to pleasant temperatures, plenty of daylight, and fewer rainy days.
Unsurprisingly, it's also the best time of the year to visit Ireland.
The main disadvantages are the crowds in the visitors' center area and expensive accommodation.
Spring and Autumn
Being said that the shoulder season very well might be an even better alternative.
The main reason is that the summer crowds are gone, resulting in a more relaxed atmosphere, lower prices, and an overall better experience.
However, the weather gets more unpredictable during this period.
We visited the Cliffs of Moher at the beginning of May, and the weather was absolutely brilliant.
The rain finally ceased after a couple of days, and we could enjoy a sunny day.
Winter
You can visit the Cliffs of Moher in winter, though be prepared for cold temperatures, short days, and strong wind gusts.
If the weather is good, you will have a blast here. If the weather is bad, this will most likely be a miserable experience, but that can be said pretty much every place, regardless of the season.
The rule of thumb is to bring proper gear, check the weather forecast, and hope for the best.
Time of the Day
Generally, it's recommended to visit the Cliffs of Moher outside the peak hours, which are between 11 AM to 4 PM.
Knowing that the Cliffs of Moher get busy during the day, we planned our arrival for the morning to avoid the crowds.
It worked better than expected, but it was still a shoulder season.
Sunrise and sunset are also great times to visit the Cliffs of Moher, but you will need to plan your itinerary carefully, plus you will most likely need a car.
What to Pack
The general rule of thumb is to come prepared for any type of weather.
We believe every Cliffs of Moher packing list should include sturdy shoes, a comfortable daypack, a quality rain jacket, and a camera, regardless of the season.
In summer, the sun can be pretty strong here, so you should also bring good sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or some sort of headwear, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Whenever possible, we use these trusty water bottles.
In the off-season, you will need an extra layer or two, depending on your rain jacket's warmth.
For longer hikes in Ireland, we always brought our trusty rain pants.
The weather on the island was pretty unpredictable, and this area was no exception. As usual, it's better to be safe than sorry.
If you plan to visit just the main area around the visitor center, regular jeans (or even shorts in the summer) will probably work as well.
Again, if you want to walk further, wear regular hiking pants instead.
Similarly, basic runners are fine for the paved trail, but the natural path is often muddy, so you should have proper walking shoes.
For bird-watching, it's good to bring your own pair of binoculars, though you can loan them in the visitor center for free.
For more tips, check out our Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
The cliffs are situated on the west edge of County Clare, and there are several ways how to get there.
To make things easy, we use Cliffs of Moher Experience as a reference point for directions.
Doolin is only seven kilometers north of here, while Liscannor is six kilometers south of this area.
Car
The quickest and easiest way to get to Cliffs of Moher is by car. The R478, connecting Lahinch with Lisdoonvarna, is a regular two-lane road.
Therefore, it's very easy to get to Cliffs of Moher Experience, even if you're not the most confident driver in the world.
However, some of the rural roads are very narrow (basically single-lane roads), so drive safely (for instance, if you want to see Hag's Head or even Doolin).
Here you will find more tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Don't forget that having your own car allows you to explore new places at your own pace and make as many stops along the way as you want.
Not just here but during the entire time of your trip.
Furthermore, you will be able to plan your visit as you want, which means you can see the cliffs before the tour buses reach this area (or after they leave).
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Directions
Limerick is about 80 kilometers southeast of Cliffs of Moher, while Galway sits about 80 kilometers northeast of here.
Whether you leave from Galway or Limerick, you will spend over an hour on the road.
Dublin is 270 kilometers east of the Cliffs of Moher, and the journey takes at least three and a half hours.
However, there are some great places to see along the way, such as Clonmacnoise, Kilbeggan, or Birr Castle, so be prepared that the journey usually takes longer.
It takes about two and a half hours to get to Cliffs of Moher from Cork.
Driving from Killarney requires about three hours of your time.
Parking
As we already mentioned, Cliffs of Moher Experience has a large paid parking lot.
You will also find parking in Doolin near the pier (also paid) or in the village on Fisher Street.
When visiting Hag's Head, you can leave your vehicle on the private parking lot for a small fee (there is an honesty box).
We used the parking lot in Kilconnel near Liscannor. It's named Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk on Google Maps.
Public Transport
If you want to visit Cliffs of Moher without a car, you can always hop on the bus 350 run by Bus Eireann, which connects Galway, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, and Ennis.
The bus runs several times a day, so getting to Cliffs of Moher is fairly easy and relatively affordable.
Don't forget to check the current bus timetable before you go.
Train
There is no direct train to the Cliffs of Moher.
However, you can go as far as Galway or Limerick by train and then use other modes of transport.
Plane
Shannon Airport is the nearest airport to the Cliffs of Moher.
It's situated near Shannon and Limerick, and you can rent a car here.
Tours
The most convenient way to see the Cliffs of Moher is on a guided tour. In this case, you don't need to worry about transport, itinerary, parking, and stops along the way.
Guided tours are often your best bet if you want to see the cliffs without a car.
Dublin | Cliffs of Moher and Galway - This is one of the most popular tours from Dublin. It also includes Kilmacduagh Abbey and Galway.
Galway | Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands - This popular tour allows you to explore the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands on a boat trip from Galway.
Cork | Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle - This popular organized trip from Cork features the Cliffs of Moher and stops in Limerick and Bunratty Castle.
Where to Stay
There are tons of great places to stay near the Cliffs of Moher, such as Lahinch, Doolin, Liscannor, Ennistimon, Shannon, etc.
Limerick and Galway offer the best selection of hotels as they are the largest cities in the area.
Even some nice little bed and breakfast in the countryside along the way will do just fine.
Our trip was quite spontaneous, so we had a flexible itinerary and decided to stay in Lahinch.
The village had a convenient location, and we found a nice and relatively affordable room in one of the bed and breakfasts there.
However, this was still in the shoulder season, so I guess we were a bit lucky.
Don't forget that this is a top tourist destination in Ireland, so the accommodations fill up quickly, and prices skyrocket during the summer season.
If you don't want to overpay for some mediocre accommodation or if you want to stay close to the cliffs, book your room early.
Here are our tips on the best hotels near the Cliffs of Moher.
Lahinch | Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites - Situated in the heart of Lahinch, only a short drive from the cliffs, this hotel offers beautiful rooms, great food, easy parking, a seasonal sauna, spa bath, and a steam room.
Spanish Point | Armada Hotel - With beautiful rooms overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel is a perfect retreat from your adventures in the County Clare. Free parking is available at the hotel.
Doolin | Aille River Hostel - If you're looking for budget accommodation close to the Cliffs of Moher, check out this basic hostel in Doolin. It has a range of dorms, private rooms, and family rooms; a shared kitchen and free on-site parking are also available.
Limerick | George Limerick Hotel - Limerick is the largest city south of the Cliffs of Moher. With clean and cozy rooms, a great restaurant, and a fantastic location, this boutique hotel is one of the best choices in Limerick.
Galway | Imperial Hotel Galway - The iconic Galway, located north of here, is a great place to stay overnight before or after visiting the Cliffs of Moher. This hotel has contemporary decor, spacious and bright rooms, comfortable beds, welcoming staff, and a hard-to-beat location.
Staying Safe
Despite the dangerous nature of the cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher are generally a safe place to visit, at least if you follow your common sense and general safety advice.
Over one and a half million tourists visit the cliffs each year and return home safely.
However, people still die here every year, despite the efforts and warnings from the local authorities.
There are a few essential things to look out for.
Firstly and most importantly, always stay on the designated trail.
While it's tempting to get close to the edge of the cliffs as possible, it's never worth the risk.
The cliffs are prone to erosion and have the potential to fall at any time, and what's even worse, without any warning.
If you're not sure, stay only on the paved pathways, which should be safer than the natural paths.
The strong wind gusts are another major reason to stay away from the cliffs' edge, especially in the areas without the stone barriers.
Due to high and strong crosswinds, it's easy to lose balance here.
Obviously, this is not just the case of the Cliffs of Moher but also places such as Slieve League, Mizen, or Kerry Cliffs.
Secondly, the coastal weather can be quite harsh, so always make sure to come prepared.
Always bring proper clothes, according to the current weather, and don't forget to have some extra layers in your daypack.
And lastly, don't leave your valuables in the car, as opportunist thieves exist everywhere.
For more tips, read our post on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Are Cliffs of Moher Worth Visiting?
There can be no doubt that the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular natural features.
Therefore, the Cliffs of Moher are worth seeing. For starters, this is one of the most spectacular places not just in Ireland but in the world.
The cliffs are simply breathtaking.
Secondly, they are easily accessible to people of all ages and levels of activity, especially if you use the main visitors' center entrance.
And while it may sound like a cliche, we believe that no Ireland road trip would be complete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
