Cliffs of Moher Day Trip Itinerary from Dublin: Ireland’s Wild West
By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to the Cliffs of Moher contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Don’t have a lot of time to explore the Cliffs of Moher and Western Ireland? Welcome to your new favorite Cliffs of Moher day trip itinerary from Dublin. This guide is perfect for travelers who want to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Galway area but don’t want to spend the night or figure out logistics. Explore all the must-see sites in a short amount of time!
In this itinerary, we will show you that it is possible to leave Dublin, see the Cliffs of Moher, and return – all in a day’s work. We will take the train to Galway, which will act as our base camp for further adventures. From there, we will discuss a couple of options depending on how you want to get to the cliffs and what other attractions you would like to see in the area.
My mom and I traveled to Ireland last year and did a day trip itinerary from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher (so yes, we know it’s definitely doable!). Even though it’s a long day, it is very worth it.
For a TLDR: we highly recommend Tours By Locals, a perfect mix between an organized group tour and a chaotic rental car situation. Tours By Locals helps pair you with a local guide who will take you in their private car. Therefore, you don’t have to rent a car, and you also don’t have to deal with a 30-person tour group! We loved our time with Elva D., so show her some love and book with her (no affiliate link).
The Cliffs of Moher makes a fantastic add-on to your exploration of Ireland including a 48-hour trip to Dublin or a 3-day trip to London, England.
Happy sampling!
Table of Contents
How to Get To the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The distances are a little bit large so do prepare for a very long day of travel to and from Dublin.
It takes 2.5 hours on the train to get from Dublin to Galway. Make sure you grab an early train to make the most out of your day and book a return train for later in the evening. Today’s tour is a full-day event, but keep in mind that you will be spending 5 hours on the train in total.
Once you’re in Galway, it takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car to get from the city center to the Cliffs of Moher. However, this is only if you are planning to go the most direct and quick route. This is only a good option if you want to see the Cliffs of Moher and nothing else. We highly suggest taking the scenic route along the Wild Atlantic Way. This route does take 1 hour and 45 minutes (30 minutes longer than the direct way), but you get to see so much more of the coastline as opposed to cutting through the peninsula.
We suggest either renting a car or taking a set tour. While renting a car gives you more flexibility as you are not at the mercy of your tour group, it is generally cheaper to join a large group.
Our top choice is Tours by Locals and we absolutely loved Elva D. She is extremely local to the area (having grown up in Kinvarra) and will privately drive you around for the day. Therefore, you skip out on the large tour groups, but you also don’t have to go through the logistics of renting a car. The best part? She knows her stuff and will even take you to her favorite restaurant in the area. You will learn a lot more than if you drive yourself around.
What to Do At the Cliffs of Moher
So you’ve made it to the Cliffs of Moher! Now what? The parking lot of the Cliffs of Moher is located incredibly close to the visitor center, giving you easy access to the Cliffs of Moher Experience. Then, just a 2-minute walk away is the astounding drop of the cliffs.
There are many things to do at this natural site, from looking at the cliffs for only 5 minutes to hiking longer trails that take up to four hours. Your options include:
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The Cliffs of Moher Experience
The Cliffs of Moher Experience is a visitor center right at the entrance of the park. The building features exhibits surrounding the themes of ocean, rock, nature, and man. It takes about 20 minutes to go through and is worth a quick look.
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Coastal Walk North
If you are looking for real hiking options near the cliffs, there are two main routes. The first is to walk between the village of Liscannor and Doolin. This straight shot takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete and is a total of 20 kilometers round trip. It is a beautiful walk, but weather conditions are pretty variable in this area. One second you might experience heavy fog and a bright sun the next.
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Coastal Walk South
The second great walk is the Coastal Walk South, starting at the visitor’s center and taking you down to the Hags Head. This hike is easier thanks to the flat terrain, taking approximately 2 hours to complete the 5.6-kilometer round trip walk. As with the Coastal Walk North, weather can be very variable, and the wind can be incredibly strong. However, you get jaw-dropping views of the cliffs behind you.
Cliffs of Moher Admission Prices
The Cliffs of Moher cost approximately 12 euros for adult tickets and 10 for student, senior, and child tickets. Prices vary depending on the bundles as well as dates and peak times of entry. For the most accurate price, check out the Cliffs of Moher website. Tickets include the following:
- Access to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience with WiFi, bathrooms, water bottle refill machines, phone charging stations, and luggage storage
- Parking
- Loanable binoculars and picnic blankets for use in the picnic areas
- Downloadable app with an audio guide
- 800m of paved pathways which include the ability to climb O’Brien’s Tower
Things to See (Other than the Cliffs of Moher!)
While seeing and experiencing the Cliffs of Moher is breathtaking, there are other things to see once you’re in the area. If you are taking a day trip from Dublin, chances are that you aren’t returning to Ireland’s West Coast. Here are a few other places to stop at and admire, other than the Cliffs of Moher.
(1) Galway
Before or after going to the cliffs, spend some time in Galway, the city you will arrive at via train. The train station is right in the heart of Galway, so as soon as you walk out, you will be in the lively part of town. We highly recommend exploring Eyre Square and then walking down to the Latin Quarter. This neighborhood has a bunch of stores, restaurants, and cafes. Make sure to check out the Spanish Arch landmark, remnants of a 16th-century bastion. It’s right in the heart of Galway, so you will have no trouble finding it.
If you have a bit more time, consider wandering up to the Galway Cathedral or grabbing a quick bite to eat. You will make Ed Sheeran very proud. Lovers of his music will recognize his song Galway Girl. Ladies, this is your chance to be a Galway Girl!
(2) Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a route that stretches along the entire West Coast of the country, beginning in the Inishowen Peninsula and ending in Kinsale, Cork County. This route spans a total of 1600 miles (2600 km), and while you certainly are not going to traverse all of those miles, it is worth a drive.
Instead of taking the direct route from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher that cuts through the peninsula, we highly suggest taking the longer route along the coast. While it does take 30 minutes longer, you are offered fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are many things to do along the Wild Atlantic Way such as relaxing on beaches, admiring cliffs, sailing out to islands, and visiting prehistoric sites such as castles, churches, monasteries, and more. If you are interested in deep diving the Wild Atlantic Way and taking your time, check out the official Wild Atlantic Way website which outlines all of the attractions. Don’t forget to zoom in on the map. As it is a 1600-mile route, you want to make sure you’re not looking at something that is incredibly far away!
(3) Dunguaire Castle
Take a drive past Dunguaire Castle, an impressive structure from the 16th century. It is viewable from the road, where you are also offered a great view of the Galway Bay. Yes, when you search Dunguaire Castle on Google, it says that it is ‘temporarily closed’. This just means that entrance inside is frequently shut off, but you can still take picturesque photos from your car.
(4) Bunratty Castle
History lovers should check out Bunratty Castle, a 15th-century castle built on a Viking trading camp from the 10th. Bunratty offers tours of the fortress along with historical reenactments. If you aren’t interested in going inside and taking a tour, you are more than welcome to view it from the outside.
(5) Burren National Park
Burren National Park is one of six national parks in Ireland. It was established in 1991 and is great for nature lovers and those who want to learn about the history of the area. Entering the grounds is free, but there are a few attractions requiring a small admission fee. One of these is the highly recommended Aillwee Cave. There are many things to do in Burren National Park, so I suggest checking out this guide by Andy Revel of the Irish Road Trip, which includes a lot more information.
Cliffs of Moher Guided Tours
If the thought of joining a private tour is out of your budget, but you also don’t want to rent a car due to logistical reasons, Viator has a few cheap tours that pick you up from your hotel in Dublin. These tours plan all of your logistics so you don’t have to worry about anything, although the group sizes tend to be larger. Note: these are affiliate links.
Option 1 – Cliffs of Moher & Galway City
This tour is incredibly well-rated, with 11,000+ five-star reviews. It starts early in the morning at 7:00 am, with a drop off at approximately 8:00 pm. While it is a long day, the coach tour will take you to and from Dublin.
This particular tour focuses on the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City. It includes premium admission to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, and they give you time to take a walk along the Galway Bay and travel through the Wild Atlantic Way. This tour includes a complimentary 2-hour walking tour of Galway city.
Option 2 – 2 Hours at the Cliffs of Moher & Kilmacduagh Monastery
This is another great tour that arrives and departs from Dublin around the same time as the previous one with a 7:00 am start time and an 8:00 pm end time. This particular excursion is geared more towards the small towns of Ireland, such as Kinvarra.
Your air-conditioned coach will guide you through the Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher. Unlike other tours, this one takes you to the exclusive 1,000-year-old Kilmacduagh Monastery. There is admission to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor experience, but there is also a minimum stay of two hours. Only pick this tour if you are very interested in spending a lot of time at the cliffs.
Option 3 – Aillwee Cave & Burren National Park from Galway
The third top-rated option departs from Galway. This is a great tour if you want to make your way to Galway at your own pace or are already spending time there. The tour start time is at 9:30 am and lasts approximately 8 hours.
On this journey, you are guided to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren region, and a special tour of Dunguaire Castle and Aillwee Cave. The tour is led by a local guide who knows a lot about the area.
Note: for most of these excursions, entrance fees and transportation are included while food and drinks are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do the Cliffs of Moher as a day trip from Dublin?
Yes, you can certainly do the Cliffs of Moher as a day trip from Dublin, although keep in mind that it will be a very long day! Most of the travel time will be spent on the train from Dublin to Galway (2.5 hours each way). To make it a proper day trip and see enough of Galway and the surrounding areas, we highly recommend that you leave Dublin early in the morning and return later in the evening.
How much time do you need at the Cliffs of Moher?
The time you need at the Cliffs of Moher greatly depends on whether you want to go hiking or not. If you are visiting in the winter when the wind bites and you only want to get a good look at the view, you’ll only spend 30 to 45 minutes wandering around until your toes and face get too cold.
However, if you are visiting in the summer and want to get a lot of hiking in, you could easily spend up to five hours in the park. One of the longer hikes called the Coastal Walk North takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete. In all honesty, you can spend anywhere from 10 minutes (just looking at the cliffs and getting back in the car) to 5 hours )if you want to get your blood pumping).
Where do you stop between the Cliffs of Moher and Dublin?
There are no trains that will take you from Dublin directly to the doorstep of the Cliffs of Moher. The best way to get there is to take the train from Dublin to Galway. This journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, and it serves around 14 different stops before reaching its final destination.
Is it better to go to the Cliffs of Moher in the morning or afternoon?
The Cliffs of Moher have a peak time between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Therefore, it is suggested that you visit before or after that time. Of course, this may not be possible for travelers visiting from Dublin, as you have to factor in the 2.5-hour train ride. If you find an early train from Dublin that suits your needs, you may be able to get to the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy your time before 11:00 am. In the winter, walking around the park after 4:00 pm will not be a good idea given the early sunset. Overall, it depends on your train schedule and other attractions you wish to see in the area. Travel should be a priority more than trying to beat the crowds at the park.
I hope you enjoyed this fast-paced Cliffs of Moher day trip itinerary from Dublin. It was tested and loved by my mom and me during our trip in January, where we loved being able to explore the major sites of the Galway and Burren areas. The Cliffs of Moher is a great addition to your trip to Dublin as well as mainland Europe, so don’t forget to check out our other European Travel Guides.
Happy Sampling!