The second most visited tourist attraction in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are most likely to be high up on your list of things to do while spending time in County Clare. There are several ways to take in this experience and here we have some recommendations for you.
The Best Times To Visit The Cliffs
One of the advantages of staying at our selected accommodation in Doolin is that you have the chance to experience the Cliffs of Moher at the best time of day, namely the evening. Being one of the most visited attractions in the country, it can get quite crowded during the day, especially at peak season, so we recommend that you visit after most of the bus tours have vacated the scene to be able to enjoy this magnificent spectacle at its best. Not forgetting that you are on the west coast, so it is possible to experience some spectacular sunsets if you get your timing right.
Whether you drive up and park at one of the car parks close to the cliffs or whether you are more adventurous and decide to hike along the coast from Doolin to Liscannor or vice versa, the entire stretch of this coastline affords breath-taking views.
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher by Car – Visitors Centre
When parking at the visitors centre car park you will be charged per person in the vehicle on entry to the car park, but it is worth bearing in mind that your ticket does include entry into the visitors centre which includes a wonderful interactive exhibition and a virtual reality cliff face adventure in the purpose built on site theatre.
Great for adults and children alike, the visitors centre is built into the cliffs so as not to intrude on the landscape and is a perfect place to dodge a shower or simply to spend a couple of hours learning about the cliffs, their history and the wildlife that lives there. There are also ample gift shopping opportunities and places to grab a bite. If you are happy to stick to an arrival time or visit outside of the busy periods, there are deals to be had by pre-booking online.
Visiting By Car – Guerin’s Path
Guerin’s Path at the Cliffs of Moher is located south of the visitor centre (52.96416649478283, -9.430469364651456) at one of the highest and most spectacular viewing platforms on all of the Cliffs. Simply put Guerin’s Path has the easiest access to one of the best locations on the Cliffs of Moher.
Shuttle Bus – Cliffs of Moher park and ride
This shuttle bus will take you from Doolin (it stops just a few meters from the Pipers Rest) to various stops along the Cliff Walk Route, so that you can decide how far you would like to walk or you can simply visit the Cliffs of Moher at the Visitors Centre and return from the same spot.
Public Bus
The Galway to Ennis Bus Eireann Service (Route 350) stops at the Visitors Centre. In summer there are 5 services a day in each direction and 3 per day at other times of the year. Please see the service timetable for further details as times may vary depending on the time of year.
On Foot
By far the best way to experience these majestic cliffs, if you are able for it, is on foot. The coastal walk along the Cliffs of Moher covers the entire stretch and will not leave you disappointed. The trail runs 18.3 Km trail from Doolin to Liscannor. Shorter hikes are possible, for example by walking from Doolin to the Visitors Centre or Guerins Path Car Park and picking up a bus back down to Doolin.
From Below by Boat
The Doolin Ferry Companies both offer trips to view the Cliffs of Moher from below. Ferries leave Doolin Pier several times a day (in season and weather permitting). The trip offers a fresh perspective of the cliffs and the wildlife that makes it’s home there. Marvel at the sheer height of the cliffs and view the stacks and their seabird colonies up close.