Cliff of Moher from Dublin, Ireland (tips and key stops by a local)

Ireland is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful countries you can visit in Europe! It’s a popular destination among world travelers for its unique combination of countryside appeal and upbeat city atmosphere. There’s just not another place in the world that offers the welcoming warmth of Ireland, so it's easy to see why the Emerald Isle is so captivating for all visitors, regardless of age!

Whether you’re looking for the most dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes, fun hikes or just to make new friends at a pub, Ireland is a must! 

To explore Ireland to its fullest I recommend spending a week in the island, first visiting Dublin and then venturing out into the rest of the country.

Dublin is the capital city of the island, and a place I’ve had the pleasure to call home for the last 4 years. It’s a destination that at times might feel like visiting a small town, but it's definitely lively enough that you’ll always find something quite fun to do. To explore Dublin to its fullest, I recommend spending three days in the city. This will give you time to immerse yourself in some Irish culture and learn about some history. (We have a complete itinerary here)

Among all of the fascinating places that always come to mind when helping family and friends plan their visit to the country beyond Dublin, there are a few magical destinations that are always a good idea. And it all starts with the Cliffs of Moher! 

Possibly the most breathtaking sight in all of Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher. We’ve all seen the pictures, but no words can describe what you feel when you’re actually standing at the edge of these magnificent Irish cliffs. 

The Cliffs of Moher are the most visited destination in Ireland. They are located in the western part of the country in County Clare, and stretch out for approximately 9 miles along the coast. At its highest point the Cliffs drop for 702 ft into the Atlantic Ocean, and for 390 ft at its “lowest.”  

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily accessible from every part of the country, as the island overall is quite small. You can start driving from the eastern side of the country (Dublin city center ) and be at the Cliffs in about 3 hours, or from the south in under 2 and a half hours. 

Since most visitors head to the Cliffs of Moher directly from Dublin and we ourselves have done the trip 3 times, we have decided to share a complete itinerary (plus informational tips) for a road trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. Read on to know how to get there, where to stop along the way, and what sights to enjoy!  

Tips for your Cliff of Moher from Dublin trip

How far are the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin? 

Ireland has several international airports, but most visitors will arrive through Dublin. Here, most people will spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days before visiting the Cliffs. Getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin requires a three and a half hour road trip, if you drive non-stop. There’s a distance of around 167 miles between Dublin and the Cliffs, which is totally doable to drive in one day or even go back and forth on the same day, although we always recommend an overnight stay near the Cliffs. 

 You won’t even notice the time as you stop to sample some good whiskey, befriend locals in a small town, and take in some of the innumerable castles and old ruins that fill Ireland’s beautiful countryside.

If you fly into Shannon instead of Dublin, the Cliffs and the ferries to the Aran Islands are just under an hour away and a lot easier to get to. You can still enjoy a nice road trip (just a shorter one) or take one of the many buses and shuttles from Shannon to the area.

How to get from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher?

When it comes to visiting the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, there are plenty of options for all kinds of travelers. It all depends on your personal choice of means of transportation, your budget, and how you want to spend your time.    

Cliffs of Moher By Car:

We always recommend self-driving, as visitors will have the freedom to choose their own schedule and the driving route of their choice. This will also let you pass through other incredible Irish destinations like Kildare and Galway, so it’s a win-win situation!  

There are plenty of rental car options in Dublin, both in the airport itself and in and around the city center. 

Travelers looking for some more economical services might want to focus on using rental agencies a bit outside of the city center, as those tend to have lower fees. 

There’s also the option of using a Go-Car or Yuko. These are convenient two rental car services that have vehicles parked all throughout Dublin. Anyone with a valid driver's license can book a car through their respective apps, and all you have to do is collect the car from the street where it’s parked. 

Insurance and gas are included in the fee that you pay in the app, which is around 10 euros an hour. We have used both services plenty of times, and they are very reliable and easy to access. 

Something to keep in mind if you're visiting the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip: the round trip from Dublin will take realistically at least 7 hours. That’s why we recommend spending at least one night on the west coast of the country!

Best Cliffs of Moher Tour from Dublin:

Although I’m not a big fan of organized tours myself, as I like to make stops along the way and explore off the beaten paths every time I travel, Ireland actually has some great options for those who want to join a bus tour and sit back and enjoy the ride. 

A few professionally organized tours we recommend are: 

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey, Wild Atlantic Way and Galway, which will take you along some of the most popular West Coast destinations. The tour will pick you and drop you off in a nearby city center location, and will include expert guides and informational brochures. 

Another great tour to join is the Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin. Visitors will be picked and dropped off at their respective hotels, and will get to visit some of the major destinations in the area like The Burren and Galway, all while driving along the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way and famous places like the Bunratty Castle and the Dunguaire Castle!

Trains from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher:

Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin departing from the Heuston Station on Saint John's Road West in Dublin is another great option for those skipping the rental car. The tour will take you to Limerick, Bunratty Castle, The Burren and Eyre Square!

Best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

The peak visiting season in Ireland starts from the beginning of June and runs through early September. Summer months are quite popular among tourists visiting the island. As such, you’ll often see recommendations about visiting the Emerald Isle during this season. However, after living for the last four years in Ireland, I think the Spring and Fall are actually far better options. Temperatures during these months are still nice and enjoyable, but the number of people visiting is far less. April is normally the driest month in Ireland, so you’ll also lower your chances of getting rained on during one of your outdoor adventures (which happens often in Ireland). You’ll also get to experience the blooming flowers or changing colors, and will get more reasonable prices while beating the heavy crowds!

Where to stay 

If you don’t want to rush or you are simply too tired to drive all the way back to Dublin, I highly recommend spending a night or two in the area. You’ll find a range of options in the vicinity that will suit everyone’s desires.

Just under an hour away from the Irish Cliffs is Dromoland Castle, a five star hotel that will transport you into your own fairy tale. It can be pricey (especially in the high season) so either plan for the low season (winter) or make sure Prince Charming is paying!

If instead you want to wake up to the sound of the crashing waves on the seashore, head over to Crag Shore or Coastal View House. For a much more reasonable price, you’ll get a cozy room and a good breakfast. The views and wifi are free!

For an adventurous overnight stay on the Aran Islands themselves, check out Aran Camping & Glamping. It seems like a great option for outdoors lovers, especially in the warm summer months.

Key Stops for a Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin

Two main road routes will take visitors to the Cliff of Moher from Dublin: via the M6 motorway and the M7 motorway. Regardless of the route you take, you’ll find plenty of interesting places along the way. Below, we are sharing some of our top recommendations!

 ALONG THE M6:

Kilbeggan Distillery

A sign announcing Ireland’s oldest distillery along the M6 motorway  welcomes visitors to drive over and stop in. For just 14 euros, you'll get a great tour of the facilities that first opened their doors in 1757 (if you’re there on a weekday, you’ll get to see everything in action!) and of course a taste of the delicious whiskey. Nothing more Irish than that!

Galway

Galway is a beautiful seaside city, and although it is a bit out of the way of the M6 motorway taking you to the Cliff of Moher from Dublin, it's not that far from the Cliffs (about an hour and a half drive). And while you’re in the area, it’s definitely a destination worth stopping by! With its collection of pubs, nightclubs, and live music, Galway definitely lives up to its reputation as one of Ireland’s funnest cities. 

There are many cool things to do and fun places to go in Galway, but if you are just quickly stopping by I recommend spending most of your time in the popular Latin Quarter of the city. You’ll have a great time eating some Spanish tapas and drinking some wine at Cava Bodega, or drinking some coffee at Coffeewerk + Press.

Keanes Garden Center, Florist & Cafe

As you continue down the unique, colorful roads towards the Cliffs, you’ll eventually want to make another stop (or two). While you might not be up for another castle visit, a coffee or tea will probably be perfect...a little caffeine is always welcome!

Seek out Keanes Garden Center, Florist & Cafe on Tyrone Avenue, Co. Galway. Here you’ll find an adorably cozy cafe nestled among the potted plants and flowers. It’s a great place to warm up on a chilly day, and the mint tea is something you won’t want to miss!

Grab a lemon muffin if they are available (side note: I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I have had some of the best lemon muffins of my life in Ireland...don’t miss any opportunities to try one).

If you are feeling a little more hungry (which we definitely  were!) head a bit further towards the Cliffs and stop at The Pier Head Bar & Restaurant in Kinvara village. Try some fresh local seafood (and a beer of course!) while looking out over the beautiful Kinvara Bay. Truly picturesque!

Kinvara

Kinvara is one of the most popular coastal towns on the route to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. It’s the perfect place to spend an hour or two, taking long walks by the Wild Atlantic Way, finding some fresh local food, and exploring one of Ireland’s most visited castles: the 16th-century seaside castle Dunguaire!  

Doolin

Continuing along the scenic route of the Wild Atlantic Way, travelers will find Doolin, a super picturesque seaside town on the West Coast of Ireland. This is also your last stop on the way to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin via the M6. The village isn’t big, but there are plenty of fun things to do while stopping there for a break. Among our top recommendations are the Doolin Cave, the Burren, and the Doonagore Castle. Doolin is also the perfect overnight stay destination for those who are not coming back to Dublin on the same day and decide to stay and explore a bit more of West Ireland.

ALONG THE M7:

Kildare

In true Irish fashion, right off the M7 exit, 13 travelers will find Kildare, which is among the first quaint Irish towns you’ll get to explore along the way to the Cliff of Moher. 

Ireland is known for its long standing tradition of horse breeding and racing, which is one of the local’s favorite social activities and events. Kildare houses one of the most important thoroughbred facilities in the country, The Irish National Stud, which has the perfect garden grounds to stroll around, sit, relax, and enjoy the horses. Beyond the horses and the flowers, visitors to Kildare can head to the town’s 13th-century Cathedral Church of St. Brigid and admire the historic cemetery on its grounds as well as the countryside views from the 105-foot high tower (a 130 steps climb up). Next,  head for a pint of locally produced beer at Lock 13 gastropub and restaurant, or check out a full brewery tour at Kildare Brewery Co. right next door. Reservations for the tour are required.  

 Dunamase

Along the scenic route from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher is Dunamase, another great place to stop for a quick break. A few minutes off the highway you will find the quaint town of Portlaoise and the nearby stunning ruins of a 12th century castle, the Rock of Dunamase.

Climb to the top of the hill to get some beautiful panoramic views and take memory-worthy pics. If you’re on a solo trip, the Rock is a great place for some quiet meditation. You can easily get lost in thought imagining the castle’s fascinating history, which includes a Viking invasion!

With friends and family, grab some food and a bottle of wine beforehand and enjoy a picnic while appreciating the view of the hills and farmlands.

The village and castle are just out the way enough that you won’t likely find other tourists. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy some local culture, and make memories.

Limerick 

Limerick is among the most important cities of Ireland, and it’s a great destination to explore while you are in the area. Head to Limerick and enjoy a smaller and charming Irish city! Some popular things to do while in the city are: a visit to King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, and St John’s Cathedral. One of my favorite areas to explore in the city is Newtown Pery, a neighborhood known for its Georgian architecture and for being one of the more popular city center districts. Be sure not to miss the Milk Market if you’re visiting on the weekend, when you can shop the delicious selection of local dairy and produce! Spending the day/night Limerick is also a great idea. A great overnight stay in this area for travelers planning to visit Limerick for one night is the No.1 Pery Square: Boutique Hotel Limerick. If you book one of the ornate rooms, I highly recommend booking a table at the on site restaurant!

Ennis

is one of the the closest towns to the Cliffs, and the last stop in your route to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin via the M7. The town and surrounding areas are history-rich and boast incredible destinations like O’Dea Castle, the Burren, Ennis Friary. and Clare Abbey. If there’s an area I recommend that travelers explore on their way in or out of the Cliffs, it’s definitely Ennis!

Cliffs of Moher

Ending one of the most magical road trips, one filled with exploration and discovery, travelers will arrive at their final destination: The Cliffs of Moher. 

The sheer scale of the Cliffs of Moher Ireland is possibly the most stunning thing I have ever seen. It’s really somewhere that you NEED to visit! As you are gazing out over the Cliffs and into the Atlantic Ocean far below, I promise you’ll experience the magic all around and will feel like you’re gazing into the infinite.

The entrance of the Cliffs of Moher visitor center is a few steps from the parking area, followed by a set of stairs and a hill that leads to the Cliffs. Once you have climbed up the stairs, be ready to be truly taken aback by the scene, even if you have seen all the pictures online.

The Cliffs stand majestic: to the right you’ll see O’Brien Tower near the highest point of the cliffs, while the left offers a potentially less crowded and touristy path along the Cliffs that will let you be in tune with the surroundings (note: this path is unpaved in parts, and may be a bit more dangerous for younger kids than the right-hand side). 

Once you have walked for a couple of hours alongside the ocean and have taken in all the dramatic scenery, you might want to explore some other nearby destinations in the area. Below we are sharing some of our favorite ones! 

Aran Islands

A true Irish experience awaits you on these three Islands, where hearing the old Irish language and seeing colorful villages will take you back in time.

A very ancient land with rich history and character, the Aran islands are where many Irish families send their children in the summertime to preserve their knowledge of the country’s native language and traditions.

To fully take advantage of your time there, a bicycle tour is something that you won’t regret. For those of us that don’t know how to ride a bike (but will learn really soon!) a horse-drawn carriage is an alternative. You might make friends that way and glean some local knowledge as well.

If you are planning a day trip to the islands, or want a combined Aran islands and Cliffs of Moher Ireland tour, check out Doolin 2 Aran Ferries for info about the boat rides. They offer daily round trips to and from the islands, and their ferries depart just 15 minutes away by car from the cliffs. You’ll also have a chance to add a cruise by the Cliffs on the way back, giving you a different perspective of the magnificent place.

Lahinch Beach Town

Lahinch is a popular beach town and a very well known destination among surfers and beach lovers. Here, you’ll find plenty of ocean related sports and activities to do while in the area. Some super fun things we have tried in the past are: taking surfing lessons, going kayaking, and overnight camping by the ocean.  

Some other beautiful beaches visitors can see on the west coast of Ireland are: Whitestrand, Miltown Malbay and the Spanish point Beach.

Have you ever visited the Cliffs of Moher before? If you have, please let us know in the comments if you enjoyed it and what are your top recommendations for a trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. If you haven’t been before, make sure to Pin this guide so you have it saved for later!

 If you would also like to discover more about Dublin, click here. For more information about our present and future trips, join the list of friends below! 

Besitos from Ireland,

Laura

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