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This Travel Guide about the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare is part of the series of blog posts and video guides exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Blog Series
This blog explores the Cliffs of Moher as part of my Galway to Clare itinerary from Clifden to Derrygimlagh in County Galway and on to the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin in County Clare. Click here for an overview of the entire route.
Summary: The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500km (>1,550 mile) tourist route along Ireland’s Western coastline, from Malin Head in Donegal in the North to Kinsale in the South. It connects significant historic, cultural and geographic features into a manageable road trip from staggering clifftop vistas to golden strands and stunning lighthouses.
VIDEO GUIDE for this itinerary
Cliffs of Moher | Part of the Galway – Clare Itinerary (One Day)
Cliffs of Moher Travel Guide
I have visited the Cliffs of Moher quite a few times since I was a small child. I know how lucky I am! My aunt and uncle lived in Shannon, County Clare and the Cliffs made a fantastic day out for small children! In my earliest memory of the Cliffs, there was no Visitor Centre (built in the 1990s), nor much in the way of protection (that I can recall). Everything is much better organised nowadays and this is now a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Location & Details
The Cliffs of Moher are high sea cliffs on the coast of County Clare, in the area known as the Burren. They stretch from the area called the Hag's Head in the South to their highest point (702 feet / 214 metres) near the stone tower called O'Brien's Tower (see below). The Centre is about 6km from Liscannor and 7km from Doolin (where I stayed).
Cliffs of Moher Travel Guide | Parking & Tourist Facilities
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most visited tourist locations in Ireland (over 1.5 million visits a year).
There is a large parking lot on the left when heading south along the coast road towards the Cliffs. It is a short walk from the carpark (across the road) to the Centre and main viewing points.
PARKING TICKET
Admission costs require a bit of calculation! Visitors pay at the entrance to the parking lot. It can cost between €7 and €10 per adult (depending on the time of day). Kids go free, but students are charged. Group tours will have a different entrance price. To make this easy, use the calculator on the online booking tool here.
Included:
- Parking
- Access to the Visitor Centre
- 800m of safely paved walkways along the Cliffs
- Access to shops, toilets, food
Hikes & Walking
Your ticket buys access to 800m of safe walking/viewing platforms along the most popular part of the Cliffs. For most visitors, this will be enough. There are flat access portions suitable for wheelchair users, and steps and steep footpaths to reach higher viewpoints.
The Cliffs are part of a popular coastal walk and hikes can start from and end here. The traditional Coastal Hike from the Cliffs of Moher to Doolin has been closed due to its danger. However, the hike from the Cliffs to Hag's Head is open – learn more here.
O'Brien's Tower | Brief History
At the top of a steep slope (or stairs), lies the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher complex, O'Brien's Tower.
It was built by a local landlord, Cornellius O'Brien, in 1835 for English tourists to observe the cliffs, and it is believed to have served tea to its visitors. From the Tower there are wonderful views to the Twelve Bens in North, or across the ocean to the Aran Islands.
Cliffs of Moher: Photo Star
For budding photographers, Instagrammers, TikTokers and film-makers, the Cliffs of Moher provides an astonishing backdrop. During my visit, the weather went from torrential to sunny within 30 minutes. It had people running for cover or taking off their cagoules!! All of this makes for great photo opportunities.
Gallery | Cliffs of Moher
Your Cliffs of Moher trip will offer the chance to take a LOT of photographs! I took way more than shown here, but these were some pictures that I wanted to share.
What to Do at the Cliffs of Moher
- PHOTOGRAPHS | As I've said, there are a lot of great angles. If you can, go to the highest point to get a better wide angle view of the Cliffs.
- VISITOR CENTRE | The Centre contains lots of useful information and exhibits and is worth a look. It has access to the toilets.
- EAT | There are two cafes in the Centre: the Puffin’s Nest Café and Cliffs View Café.
- SHOP | There are a range of shops tucked under the earth beside the Visitor Centre.
Next Stop
After a long day trip, this was the last place in my itinerary for the day, and I made my way to my campsite at Doolin ahead of the next day's big trip to the Aran Islands.
Video Link
Find the accompanying video for this article below:
where can i stay?
I camped at Doolin, County Clare in my campervan the Cliffs of Moher. Not tempted to camp? There are multiple options to stay nearby.
Check out options in Doolin if heading South, OR around Clifden if you're heading North on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Further recommendations are below.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
Cliffs of Moher Area
Excursions in the Connemara Area
Unmissable Experiences
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