The Cliffs of Moher

I was lucky enough to visit The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland recently, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. There’s something magical about being surrounded by such raw, untouched beauty. Standing on the 700-foot cliffs, with the vast Atlantic ahead, it’s one of those surreal moments that remind you how small you are.

If you ever find yourself in Ireland, The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see! Here is my day guide and some helpful tips.

Where to Stay

The drive is approx. 3 hours from Dublin, so we opted to stay in Galway which would cut the drive time in half when we explored the following day.

Galway is about 1.5 hours from the Cliffs, but it has many options to grab a great meal, shops to explore, and overall soak in the local culture. This worked out as a great base location for us. If you end up staying in Galway, we highly recommend Dough Bros pizza (gluten-free crust available!) and Ard Bia (make reservations in advance). We even stumbled upon a cute local maker’s market with pastries, handmade goods, and live music.

Doolin and Lahinch are other popular towns to stay in if you want something quieter/laid back and only a 10-15 min drive from the cliffs.

The Journey There: A Scenic Drive

The Irish countryside is a dream! I highly recommend renting a car as It allows you to explore at your own pace. Of course, tour services and buses are available if you prefer.

The drive to the Cliffs of Moher is an adventure in itself and was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. If you’re starting from Galway, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive through the picturesque Irish countryside. Expect narrow, winding roads flanked by rolling green hills dotted with sheep, ancient stone walls, remnants of old castles, and the occasional charming village. It’s the kind of drive where you’ll want to take your time, pull over for photos, and just soak in the scenery.

Parking/Amenities

Parking: Parking at the Cliffs of Moher is straightforward. There’s a large car park right next to the visitor center, and for a small fee, you can park all day. If you purchase online in advance, it’s cheaper- here’s the link. Just a tip: if you plan to visit during peak times in the summer, try to arrive early to snag a good spot, or go later in the day. We went in August at about 2 pm, and we spent about 30 minutes circling the lot waiting for someone to leave, it was packed!

Gift Shops: There is a main gift shop inside the visitor center and a few smaller gift shops outside. They offer typical souvenirs like postcards, small trinkets, and local crafts.

Cliffs View Cafe: There is an on-site café inside the visitor center that offers a variety of meal options. It wasn’t the best meal we had in Ireland, but the stew warmed us up after a windy cool day on the cliffs. You can expect to find hearty soups, sandwiches, salads, and even hot meals like traditional Irish stews. There’s also a big selection of baked goods, so if you’re just in the mood for coffee and a pastry, you’ll be covered.

At the Cliffs

As you explore the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll notice that safety barriers are placed along more popular areas, especially near the visitor center and the central area around O’Brien’s Tower. But as you travel farther from the visitor center, the barriers start to disappear, and the path becomes more rugged. We went North toward O’Brien’s Tower and ventured a bit further past the end of the “coastal walk”. It was less busy here with no barriers, so we were able to enjoy the raw beauty of the cliffs.

Each direction offers its own unique experience, here’s some info on what you can expect:

North: Toward O’Brien’s Tower

For the classic Cliffs of Moher experience, head north toward O’Brien’s Tower. This route is more popular as it offers some of the most iconic views of the cliffs. It has well-maintained paths and barriers until the “coastal walk” portion is over (about a 30-minute walk). Once you see the sign that you are leaving the coastal walk, you’ll see a flight of stairs going down- this is where our favorite photo spots were!

South: Toward Hag’s Head

For a quieter, more rugged adventure, head south to Hag’s Head. This less crowded route offers great views, wild terrain, and fewer barriers. The walk is approx. two hours, with the ruins of a Napoleonic signal tower, adding a bit of history.

What to Wear

The weather can be unpredictable throughout the year, so layering is key. Start with a comfortable base layer, and add something warm like fleece as a mid-layer. Bring a waterproof jacket, as the rain can be unpredictable at all times of the year! The weather can change on a dime, sunny one minute and rainy the next. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher is just a glimpse of the beauty Ireland has to offer. The entire country feels like something out of a storybook, with its rolling green hills, historic castles, and quaint villages. I barely scratched the surface here and I can’t wait to go back!

with love, bre