You Cliffs of Moher in Ireland are an impressive rock formation located on the west coast of the country in the region of County Clare.
It is one of the most visited and famous natural destinations in the world, attracting more than 1 million tourists annually! Its cliffs are 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and cover a length of 8 km. Legend has it that the name comes from an old fort called “Mothar”, destroyed during the wars against Napoleon for the construction of a lighthouse.
In this article I will show you how the Cliffs of Moher tour is, prices, how to get there and trails!
Cliffs of Moher in Ireland: how to get there, prices and travel guide
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the west coast of Ireland, opposite Dublin. To get there it’s a trip of 3 hours or so, so you need to dedicate a whole day to discover the famous cliffs.
It’s a natural destination, so you need to dress for any type of weather. I recommend spending at least 2 hours there. You can even spend more time if you want to visit the center with historical and geological information.
When is the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher?
The weather in Ireland is unpredictable. In the weather forecast it may show rain, but when you get there it may be sunny kkkk That’s what happened to me!
However, I recommend visiting during the summer between June and August, when the chances of rain are lower.
Anyway, I recommend taking a windbreaker and waterproof jacket. Better be prepared for rain, wind and cold.
How much does it cost to visit Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher tour has a different price depending on the city you are in. Normally the tour from Dublin costs 80 euros and from Cork 50 euros. Galway and Limerick are closer together so the cost will be lower.
If you’re not on an excursion (which already includes the ticket for the full price), you’ll need to pay a ticket to the exclusive Cliffs area where there’s a restaurant, museum, restrooms, shops, wifi, picnic areas and even a place to fill up your bottle of water. water or recharge your cell phone.
I suggest purchasing this ticket in advance at official site
Prices are:
- Adult €12.00
- Student €10.00
- Senior €10.00
- Family €24.00
You can visit the other side of the cliffs, where you don’t have to pay, but there is no structure. You can take your dog if you wish, just remember that the trails are very narrow and can be muddy.
How to get to the Cliffs of Moher?
The best way is a tour from Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway. The journey from Dublin takes around 3:30 hours, which is why the tour is more inviting as you don’t have to drive.
For those who go by car, I suggest adding another city to know and rest, so you will have a safer trip.
Tour to Cliffs of Moher from Cork
I took the tour from Cork and found it very tiring, but very rewarding. The path itself is not as beautiful as the Ring of Kerry, so I took the opportunity to sleep.
The price is very good for what it offers and for the service, the driver/guide tells stories along the way and you also get to know other places.
This was the tour I booked: Cliffs of Moher and More: 1 Day Tour from Cork. We left Cork early at 8am, arrived at the cliffs at 11am. We stayed around 2h, had lunch and hit the road again. We stopped at an area called The Burren, a place with several rocks that were formerly submerged.
Then we head south, stopping at Bunratty Castle and a small area with little shops. Unfortunately we couldn’t stop in Limerick due to traffic congestion and went straight to Cork.
Tours from Dublin or Galway
There are also these other tours that leave from Dublin or Galway and have other stops at strategic tourist points. I thought it was great value for money and the reviews are very good! Click to see more details:
Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey and Galway
From Galway: Aran Islands Day Tour and Cliffs of Moher Cruise
How is visiting Cliffs of Moher
When you arrive at the cliff parking lot, you will see that there is a structure on the right covered by the hill. Yes, they built the restaurant, shops, restrooms in such a way that they were “hidden” and did not disturb the landscape.
There is a visitor center that offers information about the history, geology and wildlife of the area. You can learn more about the ecological importance of the cliffs and watch interactive exhibits. The ticket is already included in the entrance fee.
There are two trail options that offer incredible views of the cliffs and the sea.
The trail on the right takes you to the highest point of the cliffs, where there is a structure called O’Brien’s Tower built in 1835. It was built as a tea house that would receive English tourists who watched the birds in the region. On this side is a small climb with a ramp, but you can hitch a ride in one of the golf carts that circulate there.
The trail on the left is longer but not steep. This has incredible views of the cliffs, as it has a wider angle that “takes the little turn” of the cliff. There are relatively fewer people. On the way there is even a food truck.
On a clear day, you can see up to loop head, on the southern tip of Clare and beyond the Kerry Mountains. Looking north are the Twelve Bens in Connemara (also known as the Twelve Pins), the Galway Bay and the Aran Islands to the west.
In the video below I show both trails, give travel tips and talk more about the Cliffs of Moher! click to watch
Attention!
It is important to point out that a part of the trail has smaller protection stones, which people go over to take pictures near the cliff. If you want to do this, stay close to the rocks (staying 3 to 4m away from the edge of the cliff), it’s not worth risking your life for a photo!
Remember that the closer you get to the edge, the more unstable it gets! Watch out for strong wind gusts!
It is recommended not to leave the marked area, especially if it is windy, raining and the ground is flat. Respect the safety signs!
Return with the tour
After lunch, we hit the road and stopped at an area called The Burren, a place with several stones that were formerly submerged. It is a very different place, the cliffs are a little smaller but the place is very beautiful. We passed several farms full of sheep!
Then we headed south, stopping at the Bunratty Castle and a small area with shops selling products from Ireland, as well as coffee, ice cream and even açaí! Unfortunately we couldn’t stop in Limerick due to traffic congestion and went straight to Cork.
Is it worth visiting the Cliffs of Moher?
I liked it sooo much! It’s a long way to go just to see the cliffs, but I really liked what I saw. The experience with the tour was very good (in fact, I had taken a tour with the same driver the day before).
Don’t be afraid to take the tour because of bad weather. Ireland is a country that rains a lot, and the rain and fog also make the landscape unique. Just remember that you need to dedicate a whole day to this tour and I think that the round trip tour is the most comfortable and least tiring option.
Take the opportunity to book your tour here Cliffs of Moher and More: 1 Day Tour from Cork
Did you like these tips for visiting the Cliffs of Moher?
See also: 14 curiosities about Ireland
