Experience Ireland's Breathtaking Cliffs of Moher from Dublin
*Disclosure: I only recommend products/services that I would use myself & all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission which in turn helps fund my next adventure! Please read the Privacy Policy for more information.
What’s the first thing you think of when someone says Ireland? Is it Dublin? Guinness? For me, it’s Cliffs of Moher, and the first activity I booked for my Ireland adventure was a tour to see the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the Emerald Isle's most splendid natural wonders. They’re located in County Clare in the west of Ireland, about a 3.5-4 hour drive from Dublin. Towering an impressive 702 feet (214 meters) at their highest point, these cliffs stretch across 8 miles (about 14 kilometers) of County Clare's coastline, offering dramatic, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cliffs of Moher were formed over 300 million years ago during the Upper Carboniferous period, a time when the area was subject to a river delta and was located near the equator. The cliffs consist mainly of layers of Namurian shale and sandstone, with the oldest rocks located at the bottom. These sedimentary rocks were deposited in a deep sea environment, which over millions of years, were compressed and solidified. Erosion played a significant role in sculpting the Cliffs of Moher into their current shape. The relentless force of the Atlantic Ocean has eroded the base of the cliffs, while the ancient rivers contributed to shaping the landscape that we see today. This natural masterpiece is a testimony to the power of the Earth's geological processes, standing as a beacon of beauty and history on Ireland's rugged western coast.
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher on a Tour with The Tour Guy
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher was at the top of my activity list for my trip to Dublin. Although it’s an easy drive from Dublin and I typically don’t mind renting a car while traveling, the fact that they drive on the opposite side of the road in Ireland was a big deterrent for me and that's why I knew a full day tour was the perfect option.
An organized tour from Dublin is a convenient and relaxing way to experience these awe-inspiring sea cliffs. Guided bus tours take you directly from central Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, eliminating the need to arrange transportation on your own. The tour guides handle all the logistics, allowing you to simply sit back and soak in the incredible views along the way.
Tour guides are also knowledgeable about the history, geology, and folklore surrounding the Cliffs of Moher. They share fascinating facts and stories that bring the place to life versus you wandering around on your own. Having an expert guide enhances your understanding and appreciation of this natural wonder and it’s one of the main reasons why I absolutely love booking guided tours when I travel.
Overview of Cliffs Of Moher and Galway City Day Trip From Dublin
First of all, I can’t say enough great things about this Cliffs of Moher from Dublin tour! We departed Dublin on time, our guide, Rachel, was hands down the best guide I’ve ever had, and on top of that, we were among the first to arrive at Cliffs of Moher so we avoided the crowds. One thing that makes this tour so amazing is that it also stops at Burren National Park and Galway before making your way back to Dublin. It was an action-packed day, but it ended up being one of the best day trips of our time in Ireland.
Your day kicks off in central Dublin, where you’ll meet your local guide and friendly fellow travelers outside Hugh Lane Gallery. Board a luxury coach and let the cityscapes give way to the verdant countryside, complete with stunning scenes of grazing sheep and rolling hills, and the occasional village and historical site. Among these, the ancient Kilmacduagh Monastery stands out as a poignant reminder of Ireland’s rich monastic history, dating back to the 7th century.
The Magic of the Cliffs of Moher
The first stop is Cliffs of Moher which rise some 700 feet above the untamed Atlantic Ocean. Here, you’ll have about 2 hours of free time to explore the cliffs on your own. Make your way up the path to O'Brien's Tower and continue onward for breathtaking views from all angles. As you make your way back towards the entrance, step into the visitor center. Inside you’ll find an interactive exhibit, museum, restrooms, and a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat or get a hot tea to warm you up.
The Burren and the Wild Atlantic Way
After taking in the sweeping views of the Cliffs of Moher, your tour group will make its way to Burren National Park. Venturing through the Burren National Park, you're transported to a landscape that feels otherworldly. This "lunar" park, a product of glacial movements, is a botanical marvel where plant species from contrasting climates thrive side by side. The drive from Cliffs of Moher to Burren National Park is less than 40 minutes. After a quick stop, the journey continues through the Wild Atlantic Way, with its picturesque villages and historical landmarks like Dunguaire Castle. This route rivals the most scenic drives globally and leads you through the heart of Ireland's rugged western coastline. One of my favorite things we saw along this drive was the thatched houses along the road.
The Charm of Galway
No visit to the west coast would be complete without stepping into the vibrant city of Galway. This is the last stop of the day before returning to Dublin and is where you’ll grab an early dinner. Here, you'll enjoy some free time to delve into the local culture. Galway's cobbled streets, lined with musicians and bustling pubs, invite you to sample delicious food, or perhaps to shop for the famous Claddagh ring. Walk around this small town and see sites like The Long Walk, Quay Street, and the Spanish Arch. If you’re hungry, I highly recommend getting pizza at The Dough Bros. And yes, I know, you’re probably thinking there’s no way there’s good pizza in Ireland but this place shocked me. They’re ranked #19 for the best pizza in all of Europe! Afterward, walk down the street to Murphy’s Ice Cream for delicious scoops handmade in Dingle. Galway blends the warmth of Irish hospitality with a rich history, making it the perfect end to your day before heading back to Dublin.
Why This Tour?
Comprehensive: This 13-hour journey is meticulously planned to showcase the best of the West, from major landmarks to lesser-known gems.
Convenience: With luxury coach transportation from Dublin and all admissions included, the tour offers a seamless, worry-free experience.
Local Expertise: Rather than navigating the sights on your own, you benefit from the insights and anecdotes of an engaging local guide, enhancing the significance and enjoyment of each stop.
Tips for Visiting the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top attractions, drawing over 1.5 million visitors per year. To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly - The cliffs are exposed to the elements, so check the forecast before your visit. Bring layers, windproof and waterproof jackets, hats, and gloves to account for changing weather. It gets very windy at times!
Wear good walking shoes - The cliff paths can be uneven, muddy, or slippery in areas, so wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Avoid heels, sandals, or dress shoes.
Walk along the cliff paths for the best views - Don't just view the cliffs from the visitor center. Walk north or south along the paths to take in the cliffs from different vantage points. The views are spectacular!
Visit early or late to avoid crowds - Summer crowds can be intense. Arrive when the visitor center opens, or in the late afternoon before closing, to beat the masses. Off-season visits also mean fewer people. This tour with The Tour Guy typically gets you to the cliffs as soon as they open.
Allow 2-3 hours to explore fully - It takes time to walk the paths, visit the exhibition, take photos, and soak in the views. Give yourself ample time to experience the cliffs rather than rushing.
Things to Do at Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is located just before you reach the cliffs themselves. This state-of-the-art facility is built seamlessly into a rolling hill and is an essential stop to fully appreciate the wonder of the cliffs.
The visitor center contains several interactive exhibits that delve into the captivating geology, archaeology, flora, and fauna of the cliffs. Learn about the 350 million-year journey that formed these majestic sea cliffs through animated displays and rock samples. Discover the bountiful wildlife that calls the cliffs home, from birds to marine life to the goats that roam the cliffs.
Fuel up at the visitor center's cafe with hot drinks and light snacks before venturing out or before you leave for the day. Across from the cafe, you’ll also find a gift shop full of cliff-themed souvenirs, including t-shirts, prints, jewelry, and more. I was thrilled to find handcrafted items from local artisans and found the perfect tiny ceramic thatched roof house that came home with me.
O'Brien's Tower
O'Brien's Tower is a stone observation tower located near the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher. It stands 23 feet tall and was built in 1835 by Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland.
The tower provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the cliffs, the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and Loop Head Peninsula. On a clear day, views can extend as far as the mountains of Kerry. The vantage point allows visitors to fully take in the scale and majesty of the towering cliffs and rugged coastline.
O’Brien’s Tower is open daily but it will close in extreme weather conditions or due to staffing conflicts. I visited in February which is off-season for Ireland and the tower was closed due to the weather conditions. It was very windy in areas of the cliffs that day, so much so that you could lean into the wind and it would stop you from falling!
Cliffs of Moher Geology
The Cliffs of Moher showcase over 300 million years of the Earth's history through their distinct rock layers. As you walk along the Cliffs, you can clearly see the stratified layers of rock in shades of gray, brown, and black. Seeing this made me feel like I was in school all over again but in a very exciting way. The bottom layers are the oldest and consist of shale and sandstone rich in fossils from the flora and fauna that existed at the time.
Higher up, the rock layers get progressively younger. The Namurian shale at the base of the Cliffs contains fossil corals, brachiopods, and sea lilies. The Clare shale above it displays ripple marks from an ancient seabed.
Moving up in time, the Glenomra Wood slate and quartzite layers formed around 60 million years ago and contain plant fossils. Finally, the youngest rock is the Tubber Formation, a crumbly shale at the top of the Cliffs.
This geology showcases the environmental changes in the region over time. The shifting of seas and sediments built up the layered Cliffs we see today. For geologists, it's a living textbook showcasing the history of the land.
Wildlife at the Cliffs
The Cliffs of Moher are home to a wide variety of wildlife, both on land and in the waters below. Some of the most notable creatures found here include:
Seabirds - The cliffs are home to one of the major seabird colonies in Ireland, with an estimated 30,000 birds nesting on the cliffs during summer. Some of the species that nest here include Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Black Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, and Herring Gulls. The best time to spot puffins is in late spring and early summer.
Marine Mammals - Keep an eye out for dolphins and grey seals offshore as you walk along the cliffs. The waters below provide an abundant food source for these creatures. Early morning and evening are often the best times for dolphin sightings.
Flora - The cliffs host diverse vegetation and wildflowers. In spring and summer, the cliffs come alive with blooms of sea pinks, bluebells, orchids, foxgloves, and more. Rare species found here include the Irish eyebright and pyramidal saxifrage. The cliffs also contain ferns and mosses that thrive in the misty sea air.
Wrapping up our group tour at the Cliffs of Moher, I must say, there's something magical about sharing the experience with others. I had the best time with one of my close friends and we now have memories that will last a lifetime from that day. With every gasp at the sheer drop and every chuckle at each giant gust of wind, the sense of wonder is contagious. It's not just about ticking off a bucket list spot; it's the collective vibe, the jokes that spark on the bus ride, and the shared delight in a perfect snapshot. If you're on the fence about a solo trip or joining a group tour for this, I'd lean towards the latter. You gain a ready-made group of pals to enjoy it with and memories that feel all the warmer for being shared. So, group tour to the Cliffs of Moher? It's a strong yes from me – it's as much about the people you're with as the epic views you're looking at
Happy travels!
-Tess
TRAVEL TIPS
🏘️Book your accommodation
Booking.com will help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability
✈️Book your flight in advance
To find the cheapest flight options, you can use WayAway and find the most suitable option for you
🧾Get your tickets and tours
with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
