How to get from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher (by car, train, bus and tour!)
How to get from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher (by car, train, bus and tour!)
The Cliffs of Moher are one of my favourite places to visit in The Republic of Ireland. Their raw beauty is awe-inspiring – it’s a totally unmissable stop when visiting Dublin! Want to know how you can experience this incredible place for yourself? Here’s how to get from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher – by car, coach and tour!
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What are the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are a significant geological site and stunning natural wonder located on the western coast of Ireland.
Formed primarily from sedimentary rock layers that have been shaped over millions of years, the cliffs rise to a height of 702 feet at their highest point and stretch for five miles along the Atlantic coast of County Clare.
Fun fact – the name “Moher” is Gaelic for “ruined fort” and pronounced “Mow-huh”. 😉
Why are the Cliffs of Moher so famous?
The Cliffs of Moher are famous due to their combination of natural beauty, geological significance, cultural importance and tourist-friendly trails.
When you see them, you’ll know instantly what I mean! They’re one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks and are deeply ingrained in Irish culture and folklore, featuring in various literary works, poems, songs and films.
The cliffs are also part of the larger Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark which draws millions of tourists every year.
How far is it from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are 134 miles from Dublin but the road distance is about 167 miles.
How long does it take to get to the Cliffs of Moher?
It takes around three and a half hours to drive from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher.
How do I get from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher by tour?
Getting from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher via a day trip tour is the easiest and most convenient way in my opinion!
One of the best things about it is you don’t have to drive or navigate and can have a nap on the way home if you fancy it!
As an inexperienced driver I personally find it a lot less stressful to book a guided tour! It’s also a lot cheaper.
A day trip on a guided tour will cost you around £65 on average. However, renting a car for the day, plus petrol (especially in this economy!) will set you back a lot more.
I also enjoy asking the guides lots of extra questions and meeting new people!
There are several different tours from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher. Here are a couple I would recommend:
–Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour from Dublin: witness the Cliffs of Moher and travel through Ireland’s rich heritage on a scenic drive to the Galway coast. Stopping en route for photo opportunities in Kinvara fishing village and Bunratty Castle.
–Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge & Galway City: with round-trip transportation from Dublin, visit the Cliffs of Moher (two hour stop), Galway City (two hour stop and walking tour included), and travel along the thrilling Burren Coast of County Clare.
How do I get from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher by coach?
There are many nationwide operators offering coach tours from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher. A coach trip usually takes a full day leaving Dublin at 7am and returning at around 7pm.
Although I would pay a little more to go on a guided day tour to the Cliffs of Moher as you’ll get to stop at other cool points of interest along the way.
Plus, you get a guide that will be able to share their expert knowledge and local insight as part of your trip!
How do I get to from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher by car?
Travelling to the Cliffs of Moher by car from Dublin is pretty straightforward, albeit a bit of a long drive! I’d recommend sharing the driving duties, especially if you’re planning to return on the same day.
On average it takes about three hours and 20 minutes to reach the Cliffs of Moher via the M6 motorway. But it’s pretty much a straight line drive until you turn off at Athenry – so simple to navigate!
The main car park is on the opposite side of the road from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. I recommend you book your tickets online in advance to be sure of entry. This will also save you time on the day.
If you’re a disabled driver or passenger with a permit, there are several designated parking bays available near the Visitor Centre in the main coach park.
The attendant at the entry cabin will be able to advise and direct you to the available spaces in the areas designated for disabled parking.
Parking is €8 or €4 if you buy an off-peak ticket online.
How do I get from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher by public transport?
It’s possible to get to the Cliffs of Moher by public transport and takes around four hours.
First take the train from Dublin Heuston Station to Ennis Station, with a change in Limerick (which takes on average three hours). Then take the 350 bus towards Galway from Ennis Bus Station.
The return train journey costs €58.98 and then a further €8.00 for the bus from Ennis Bus Station to the Cliffs of Moher.
Be wary though that the bus only comes every two hours so you’ll need to be organised with your time.
If you choose to use the public transport route, I would recommend staying over night by the Cliffs of Moher and returning the next day. This will also give you chance to explore more of the local area whilst you’re visiting and break up the long journey.
It actually works out cheaper or the same to go by a day trip tour though. The Dublin to Cliffs of Moher day tours cost between €65 to €68 and are far easier journeys!
The tour buses stop at other points of interest en route from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher to break up the journey too. Depending on which tour you choose these can include, the lunar landscapes of The Burren, the city of Galway and the ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery.
Plus, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and just enjoy the scenery from the coach without the worry of missing your transfers.
Can you do the Cliffs of Moher in one day?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to visit the Cliffs of Moher in one day! The cliffs are a popular day-trip destination, and many visitors choose to explore the area within a day.
If you’re making your own way to the Cliffs of Moher, here’s a suggested itinerary for a day trip:
- Morning: Start your day early to make the most of your time. Arrive at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, which is the main access point. The Visitor Centre opens in the morning, and you can learn about the cliffs, get maps and gather information about the trails.
- Late morning to afternoon: Explore the walking trails along the cliffs. The main Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail is about five miles long and offers stunning views. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and make sure to stop at the designated viewing points.
- Lunch: You can bring a packed lunch or explore nearby towns like Doolin or Liscannor for local dining options.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the cliffs and take in the breathtaking landscapes. O’Brien’s Tower near the Visitors Centre will give you a great viewpoint along the cliffs.
- Late Afternoon: If time allows, you can explore the surrounding area or visit the nearby villages for a taste of local culture.
- Evening: Head back to your starting point or continue your journey (depending on your travel plans!).
If you plan to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin as part of a day trip tour, you’ll be given a certain amount of time (usually a couple of hours) to explore the main trails to the edge of the cliffs near the Visitors Centre.
Can you walk the Cliffs of Moher without paying?
Technically, you don’t have to pay to see the cliffs as they are part of the natural landscape. However, there’s a fee for the Cliffs of Moher visitor experience which contributes to the maintenance, safety measures and visitor services at the site.
If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Dublin, you can also visit the cliffs for free by parking in the lovely village of Doolin and walking the Doolin Cliff trail.
It takes around two and half hours up to the visitors centre but you can carry on the path to walk the rest of the cliffs.
If you plan to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin as part of a day trip tour, your entrance fee will be covered as part of your tour.
Can you visit the Cliffs of Moher without a tour?
Yes, you can visit the Cliffs of Moher without taking a guided tour when you get there.
The cliffs are open to the public and you can access the main viewing areas and walking paths without being part of a guided tour.
I actually recommend exploring the cliffs independently. It’s lovely to walk along the cliffs at your own pace and just enjoy the incredible scenery!
How much time should you spend at the Cliffs of Moher?
The amount of time you spend at the Cliffs of Moher is entirely up to you and depends on what you want to do whilst you’re there! Whether that be fly-by visit, hiking or a tour. It also depends on how you’re making your way there:
- Quick visit: If you’re short on time, a quick visit to the main viewpoints and O’Brien’s Tower can take around an hour and a half. This allows you to capture the stunning views and experience the essence of the cliffs.
- Standard visit: For a broader more inclusive experience, including exploring some of the walking trails and taking time for photography, plan for around two to three hours. This allows you to enjoy the scenery, visit the Visitor Centre and get something to eat.
- Hiking and exploration: If you’re interested in hiking along the trails, exploring different vantage points and possibly reaching the southern end of the cliffs, you might want to allocate four to five hours or more. This allows for a more immersive experience of the cliffs and a deeper connection with the surroundings.
- Cultural and educational experience: If you plan to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to learn about the geological and cultural aspects of the wonder, consider allocating additional time on your trip. The Visitor Centre itself can take about an hour to explore.
How long does it take to walk the Cliffs of Moher?
The time it takes to walk the Cliffs of Moher can vary depending on the trail you choose. But also how much time you spend enjoying the views along the way!
On average, the entire Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, which covers around 11 miles from Doolin to Hags Head, can take around four to five hours to complete.
If you’re interested in a shorter walk, there are various marked trails and viewing points at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, such as the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail, which is about five miles long. This shorter trail may take around two to three hours to complete.
Keep in mind that weather conditions can also impact the time it takes to walk the cliffs – this is Ireland after all! I’d double check the weather forecast before you make a final decision.
But if you plan to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin as part of a day trip tour, you will be given a certain amount of time (usually up to two hours) to explore the main trails near the Visitors Centre.
Is there anywhere to eat at the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre has a small cafe you can get a bite to eat at. But I would recommend eating at the nearby Stonecutter’s Kitchen.
It’s a lovely little traditional stone cottage that is more than a century old and is a popular spot for authentic, home-cooked Irish meals.
Was Harry Potter filmed at the Cliffs of Moher?
Yes! The Cliffs of Moher were one of the filming locations in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”.
The cliffs are featured in a scene where Harry and Dumbledore teleport onto the side of the sea cliffs and enter a cave to find a horcrux.
But it’s not just Harry Potter that the backdrop of the cliffs have been used for. They’ve also made appearances in various TV shows, music videos and other films. These include, “The Princess Bride”, “Leap Year” and “Into the West”.
Are the Cliffs Moher worth seeing?
OMG YES! The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see destination in Ireland.
It’s an unforgettable experience and offers you a chance to connect with one of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural beauties!
It was one of my personal favourites whilst I was visiting Dublin and I would definitely go again. Visiting as part of a day trip was so fun too because you get to see so many awesome stops along the way!
Top 10 facts about the Cliffs of Moher
Just incase you weren’t excited enough for your trip, here are my favourite facts about the Cliffs of Moher. Just to give you a little more background on this amazing wonder!
- The cliffs were formed during the Upper Carboniferous period, approximately 319 million years ago through a combination of geological processes, including sedimentation and volcanic activity!
- The foot of the cliffs are made of the oldest rocks and get younger as they build towards the cliff edge. That progression accounts for the varied colours at each layer of rock and sediment.
- The name “Moher” comes from an old fort called “Mothar” that once stood on Hag’s Head, the southernmost point of the cliffs.
- The Cliffs of Moher attract over a million visitors annually, making them one of the most popular natural attractions in Ireland!
- The iconic O’Brien’s Tower, located near the midpoint of the cliffs, was built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien as an observation tower for tourists.
- The cliffs vary in height along their length but the highest point is 702 feet above sea level.
- On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay from the cliffs. The islands are a group of three islands known for their rich cultural and historical heritage.
- The cliffs aren’t just beautiful to look at, they’re also home to a diverse range of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes.
- The cliffs are part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, which aims to promote sustainable development and conservation of the area.
- Besides being a popular tourist destination, the cliffs have been featured in various films and television shows, including “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “The Princess Bride.”
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Have you travelled from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher yet? 😄
Quick FYI guys – this ‘Dublin to Cliffs of Moher’ post contains affiliate links to various tours. I will receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for your support!
