At a glance
- Best for
- Cliffs, walking, wildflowers, caves and trad music
- Nearest airport
- Shannon Airport (SNN), about an hour away
- Time needed
- Two to three days
- Best season
- April to September, May and June for Burren flowers
- Getting around
- Tours, local buses, walking and the coastal path
- Good base for
- Inis Oírr, Galway and Lahinch
Why go
The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's most visited natural sight for good reason. They rise steeply from the ocean for several kilometres, with puffins nesting on the ledges in early summer and views to the Aran Islands on a clear day. Inland, the Burren looks like the surface of the moon until you notice the gentians and orchids growing between the stones. Evenings are spent in Doolin's pubs, where music has drawn players for generations.
The Cliffs of Moher
The **Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience** near Liscannor has an interpretive centre built into the hillside, paved paths and viewing platforms, and O'Brien's Tower. Admission is cheaper online, so check the official site. Go early in the morning or in the evening to avoid tour bus crowds. For a different view, walk the **Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk** from Doolin, a cliff top path with sweeping views. Stay well back from the edge, as there is no fence on much of the trail and winds can be strong. Boat cruises from Doolin pier also sail below the cliffs in season.
The Burren
The **Burren National Park** protects part of this limestone region, with marked walking trails around Mullaghmore. **Poulnabrone Dolmen**, a portal tomb over five thousand years old, stands on bare limestone beside the road. **Aillwee Burren Experience** near Ballyvaughan has show caves and a birds of prey centre, and **Doolin Cave** has an enormous stalactite. Find the **Burren Perfumery** tucked away in a quiet valley, and the **Burren Smokehouse** in Lisdoonvarna for smoked salmon tastings. Corkscrew Hill and the coast road through **Fanore** are beautiful drives.
Doolin
Doolin is a scattered village of a few pubs, guesthouses and shops. **Gus O'Connor's**, **McGann's** and **McDermott's** all have music most nights in season. From Doolin pier, ferries cross to **Inis Oírr**, the smallest Aran Island, only a short trip away.
Nearby towns
**Lahinch** is a surf town with a long beach and beginner lessons. **Ennistymon** has river cascades in its centre. **Lisdoonvarna** hosts the September **Matchmaking Festival**, a lively month of music and dancing. **Ennis**, the county town, has good shops and a medieval friary.
Food
Try seafood chowder, crab claws and local smoked salmon. Pubs serve hearty meals, and Stonecutters Kitchen is a family friendly favourite.
Where to stay
Doolin has guesthouses, a village hotel and hostels. Lahinch and Ennistymon are alternatives with more shops. Many visitors stay in Galway and visit on a day tour, which works well if you are short on time.
Getting there
Bus Éireann coaches run along the coast between Galway and the Cliffs of Moher in season, and many day tours leave from Galway. Shannon Airport is about an hour's drive away.
Tips for a smooth visit
Check the weather before going to the cliffs: on foggy days you may see very little, so keep a flexible plan. Wear sturdy shoes for the Burren, where the limestone is uneven and slippery when wet, and do not remove stones or flowers, as the area is protected. Pubs in Doolin get busy in summer, so arrive early for a seat near the musicians. Phone signal can be patchy, so download maps offline.
Questions about Clare and the Cliffs of Moher
How long do I need at the Cliffs of Moher?
Allow two to three hours at the visitor site, or half a day if you walk part of the coastal path.
When is the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher?
Early morning or evening, from April to September. Puffins nest on the cliffs from roughly April to July.
Is the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk safe?
It is safe with care. Stay on the path, keep well back from the edge, and avoid it in strong winds or heavy rain.
Can I visit from Galway in a day?
Yes. Day tours cover the Burren and the cliffs, and buses run along the coast in season.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
