Know Before You Go: Visiting the Cliffs of Moher

Technically, you can get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway on public transport, but the bus makes multiple stops and takes a while to reach the destination. It’s far simpler to hop on one of the numerous coach tours that depart from Dublin or Galway on a day trip.

If you want to take a longer hike at the cliffs, a tour from Galway is probably a safer bet, as it’ll give you more time to explore. You can also take a tour from Limerick or Cork, and most day trips incorporate other sights nearby, like Doolin or Dunguaire Castle.

If you were driving from Dublin, it would take you around four hours to make the 167-mile (268-kilometer) journey. The long drive means people often opt for a coach trip to see the Cliffs of Moher in one day and to avoid spending eight total hours behind the wheel.

As it’s a relatively long trip from Dublin, most people choose to visit when they’re in the city of Galway, a lively spot on the west coast. The Cliffs of Moher are just under 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Galway, with the drive taking less than two hours.

Opening hours vary according to the season (the visitor center typically closes an hour before sunset), which means you have longer to explore in the summer. However, this is generally the busiest time to visit. April, May, September, and October are great times to see the Cliffs of Moher when the weather should be more favorable, but the summer crowds aren’t in full throttle.

If you want to see the cliffs at their quietest, try to visit in the morning or late afternoon. Bear in mind that even during the busiest hours, most visitors stick to the central viewing platform. The crowds will dissipate if you hike even a few minutes further along the cliffs.

To make the most out of the experience, it’s best to allow for at least 1.5–2 hours at the cliffs themselves. This means you’ll be able to walk along the cliffs, explore the visitor center, and grab a coffee, too. If you know that you’ll want to hike for a longer period, it’s best to allow 3–4 hours, and if you’re planning on hiking from Doolin, then expect the walk to take around four hours.

The Cliffs of Moher are part of Ireland’s coastal landscape and are technically open to the public to see for free—if you hike the 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Doolin or 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Liscannor, you can see them without paying. However, the easiest way to see the cliffs is by heading straight to the visitor center, which charges an admission fee. As well as viewing points and hiking trails, there’s a café, restrooms, and an interesting exhibition on the formation and history of the cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher can get exceptionally busy, particularly in the summer months and at weekends, so buying a ticket in advance is essential to ensure entry. If you’re visiting on a guided tour or day trip, tickets are included.

When you’re ready to see the cliffs, head up to the central viewing platform, where you can see the south cliffs and Hag’s Head, two of the most impressive spots. The view is even better at O’Brien’s Tower, a 19th-century observation point that you can still climb today—borrow a pair of binoculars from the visitor center to see some local wildlife, like the puffins diving in and around the cliffs.

While the view from the top of the cliffs is fantastic, you can appreciate the sense of scale when you see them from the water. Several boat trips will bring you along the base of the cliffs, many of which depart from Galway and also include a stop in the Aran Islands.

The Irish climate is famed for its unpredictability—and it’s not a myth that you can experience all four seasons in a day (or even in a few hours). The position of the Cliffs of Moher means that the breeze coming in from the Atlantic Ocean can be particularly strong, so wear a good windbreaker and rain jacket. If you’re interested in hiking away from the main areas, you’ll need good hiking or walking shoes—sneakers won’t suffice on the loose track, and don’t even think about hiking in flip-flops or heels.

Given the changeable weather in Ireland generally and at the Cliffs of Moher specifically, you should always pack for all eventualities. That means that, while you'll want a cap or hat (plus sunscreen) in summer, you should probably also tuck away an extra layer too, whatever time of year you visit. This is because the winds can change, even on good days, and you might find yourself feeling chilly. Aside from clothing, bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, as well as a good camera to snap some shots of the impressive Irish scenery.

Insider tip: Skip the umbrella, as it's far too windy to use one. Just make sure you have a hooded raincoat instead.

While the terrain is fairly uneven at the cliffs, the areas and viewpoints around the visitor center are surprisingly accessible. Two electric-powered buggies transport those with accessibility issues to the viewing platforms and O’Brien’s Tower and wheelchairs are available for use on-site. The main path is solid and wheelchair-friendly, but it can also be steep in places, so that’s something to bear in mind. Hearing aid amplifiers are in place at various locations, too.

• How tall are the Cliffs of Moher? At their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher are 702 feet (213 meters) tall.
• What movies were made at the Cliffs of Moher? Loads of films have featured the Cliffs of Moher, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Ryan’s Daughter, The Princess Bride, and Leap Year.
• How old are the Cliffs of Moher? The cliffs started to form 320 million years ago.
• When are the Cliffs of Moher open? The cliffs are open year-round except for Dec 24, 25, and 26.
• Can I use my drone at the Cliffs of Moher? No, you cannot use your drone at the Cliffs of Moher Experience.