An Amazing Cliffs of Moher Day Trip
Take a day trip to the incredible Cliffs of Moher, the most-visited natural attraction in Ireland! Towering high above the Atlantic Ocean, these sea cliffs will give you a glimpse of a breathtaking and rugged Ireland.
The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see for any trip to Ireland, and if you’re staying in Galway then the Cliffs are just a quick day trip away. And you’ll see so much more on this day trip than just the cliffs; Ireland may be a small country, but there is plenty to see!
You can book a guided day trip, or you can use my itinerary below to create your own!
Cliffs of Moher Day Trip Itinerary
Stop #1: The Burren
Your first stop of this tour of Ireland is the Burren, a rocky landscape with an incredibly unique ecosystem. This region’s unusual environment supports supports Arctic and mountain plants as well as Mediterranean plants.
My favorite part of the Burren is the Aillwee Cave — ancient bear caves! You probably never thought of Ireland for bear-related tourism, but here we are! A 45 minute tour of the cave system and teaches you about the ancient bear bones found here (they’re over 10,400 years old!).
You’ll also want to see Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb located in the Burren that is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland.
A Quick Photo Opp at Leamaneh Castle
Just outside of the Burren sits Leamaneh Castle. This four-story tower house dates back to the 15th century, but it has sat in ruins since the 18th century. The castle is said to be haunted by a fiery red-headed woman of the castle, Red Mary.
Since Leamaneh Castle is privately owned, you can’t actually enter the property, but you can take a quick photo opp outside.
Stop #2: The Cliffs of Moher
This is what you’re here for, the amazing Cliffs of Moher! I recommend spending about 2 hours admiring the Cliffs. There are three viewing platforms where you can safely take in the views.
There are no railings on the pathways at the Cliffs of Moher, so walking the pathways can be a little nerve-wracking. But the pathways are far enough away from the edge that even when it gets crowded you can still safely walk the cliffs.
The weather at the Cliffs is notoriously unpredictable. You can have fog and rain one minute and completely clear skies the next. Check the weather forecast before you head out, and come prepared for any type of weather. Here’s hoping for a completely clear view of the cliffs!
Stop #3: Lunch in Doolin
The village of Doolin is considered the traditional music capital of Ireland. All the buildings in Doolin are painted in colorful, happy hues. It’s situated perfectly between the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, making this little village a great place to stop for lunch.
All of Doolin’s pubs feature year-round music sessions where you can experience traditional Irish music while you enjoy locally inspired pub food. Fitzpatrick’s Bar, McGann’s Pub, and Gus O’Conner’s Pub are a few of the local favorite restaurants.
A Quick Photo Opp at Black Head
Partway between Doolin and Galway along the Wilde Atlantic Way is Black Head. This headland at the edge of the Burren holds a lighthouse, but what’s more interesting is the bizarre rocky coast and steep limestone cliffs that make this scenery look out-of-this-world.
The views across the water are also spectacular, giving you a glimpse of the Aran Islands and the Galway City coastline on a clear day.
Stop #4: Dunguaire Castle
The final stop of your Cliffs of Moher day trip is Dunguaire Castle. This beautiful 16th century castle on the shores of Galway Bay is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland.
In the 1920s, the castle was a popular meeting place for Ireland’s literary elite, making this a must-see for my fellow literary travelers.
Read next: A Magical Connemara Day Trip
Ready to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Galway using Booking.com.
- Get a Guide Book: Check out the guide books from Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, or Rick Steves for in depth info about traveling to Ireland.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you taken a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher? Let me know in the comments!
