Cliffs of Moher: Day Trips and Tours from Galway

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's main attractions and are a must-visit destination on most people's itineraries. With ocean views that stretch for miles, lively dolphins swimming past and puffins nestled into the rock face, you'll understand why the cliffs are popular.

Day trips to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway are easily arranged and you can see a variety of other attractions in the area.

How to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?

The Cliffs of Moher are located just under 80 kilometers south of Galway city in County Clare, Ireland. The closest village is Doolin and the journey to the Cliffs of Moher takes under 2.5 hours by car or public transport.

From Galway to the Cliffs of Moher by car

The jaunt to the Cliffs of Moher is easy by car and the journey takes around 1.5 hours. It travels east out of the city, following the N67 for most of the route. At Lisdoonvarna, you'll switch onto the R478 which takes you all the way to the cliffs.

From Galway to the Cliffs of Moher by bus

You can catch a direct bus from Galway bus station to the Cliffs of Moher. The number of the bus is 350 and the route takes just over two hours. When you reach the bus stop for the cliffs, you'll continue on foot for around six minutes before you reach the natural attraction.

Buses run regularly throughout the day and tickets cost between €11 and €17.

Guided tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway

While some Cliffs of Moher excursions include hotel pickup and drop-off, it's more common to travel independently to a meeting point in the city. This is often the Kinlay Hotel. Full-day tours last eight to 10 hours and leave Galway between 9 AM and 10 AM. Half-day tours are five hours long and start at 12 PM.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Cliffs of Moher cost?

Cliffs of Moher entrance fees include the visitor center, the 800-meter walk and an audio guide. You can also ask for binoculars and picnic blankets which are complimentary for ticket holders. You can refill your water for free and store your luggage if needs be.

The Cliffs of Moher rates differ depending on what time of day you visit.

Off-Peak AM (8 AM- 11 AM)

• Adults (13 and above): €7
• Children under 12: Free
• Students: €7
• Seniors (65 and over): €7
• Families  (2 adults and 2 children under 12): €14

Peak (11 AM- 4 PM)

• Adults (13 and above): €10
• Children under 12: Free
• Students: €9
• Seniors (65 and over): €9
• Families (2 adults and 2 children under 12): €20

Off-Peak PM (4 PM- close)

• Adults (13 and above): €8
• Children under 12: Free
• Students: €7
• Seniors (65 and over): €7
• Families (2 adults and 2 children under 12): €16

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?

Cliffs of Moher day tours vary depending on the other sights you wish to see. It's common to meet your guide at a designated starting point in the city and travel to Dunguaire Castle.

You may also visit The Burren along the way, before reaching the coastal village of Doolin, where the cliffs are located. Here, you may enjoy a local lunch or, depending on your tour, you might take a boat ride to the Aran Islands.

Finally, it's on to the main attraction. You'll have free time to enjoy a hiking excursion along the Cliffs of Moher and feel the fresh Irish air fill your lungs, before heading back to Galway.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Cliffs of Moher?

There are several different Cliffs of Moher day tours that showcase a variety of incredible sites in the area.

Guided tours to the Cliffs of Moher plus The Burren from Galway

You'll start your Cliffs of Moher and Burren day trip with a visit to the enchanting Dunguaire Castle which dates back to medieval times. Next, it's on to the rocky Burren. There are several sights to see in the limestone paradise, including the Ballyalban Fairy Fort and Kilfenora.

After working up an appetite exploring The Burren, you'll enjoy a local lunch in the village of Doolin. Finally, you'll visit the towering Cliffs of Moher which were formed over 300 million years ago.

Half-day tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway

Half-day tours to the Cliffs of Moher are perfect for anyone who only wants to see the geological phenomenon. You'll travel directly to the cliffs from Galway where you'll enjoy two hours of free time.

This gives you the chance to have a windswept walk looking out to sea and check out the visitor center, which hosts interactive displays and virtual reality experiences.

Day trip to the Cliffs of Moher plus the Aran Islands from Galway

This day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands starts with a spectacular drive through the Irish countryside, passing through charming traditional villages. You'll arrive at Doolin and enjoy a scenic boat ride to Inisheer Island, the smallest of the three Aran Islands.

You'll have free time to stretch your legs and stroll around the island, visit the castle or explore the shipwreck. You'll sail back to the mainland with a stunning view from the bottom of the Cliffs of Moher, before changing your perspective and viewing them from the top.

On the way back to Galway, you'll discover The Burren and Lisdoonvarna. You'll also pay a visit to Dunguaire Castle and Aillwee Cave on your excursion.

How much does a tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway cost?

Cliffs of Moher day trips that pay a visit to The Burren include a driver guide, round-trip transportation from Galway and entrance fees. You can expect to pay around €45.

Half-day tours last five hours and include entrance fees for the Cliffs of Moher visitor experience and round-trip transportation from the center of Galway. You'll pay approximately €40 for this type of tour.

Tours that include the Aran Islands cost €60 and provide all transportation, a driver guide who gives live commentary, and a pickup from your accommodation. You'll also have a local guide to show you around.

What will you see and do at the Cliffs of Moher?

The Cliffs of Moher have formed over 300 million years and rise steeply from the Atlantic Ocean, reaching a height of over 200 meters. On a clear day, you'll have a brilliant view, stretching for miles out to sea and across the verdant Irish countryside.

The cliffs are also home to a variety of wildlife, including more than 20 species of seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills. Dolphin pods can often be seen diving in and out of the water playfully, and you may even spot the occasional whale.

During your walk, you'll come across O'Brien's tower which was built in the 19th century and serves as the perfect observation point.

While at the cliffs, you can enjoy a guided stroll along the cliff edge, go birdwatching or set up a picnic. There is also a visitor center with interactive exhibitions on the history and geology of the cliffs. The center has won many awards, including "Best Public/Cultural Building" for its hobbit-hole design.

What are the opening times?

• March - April: 8 AM - 7 PM
• May - August: 8 AM - 9 PM
• September - October: 8 AM - 7 PM
• November - February: 9 AM - 5 PM

When is the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher?

Visiting in the summer will provide you with the most enjoyable weather conditions for your Cliffs of Moher visit. However, this is the peak tourist season and you can expect there to be plenty of other tourists there.

There is ample room for all at the natural attraction, but if you'd rather visit at a quieter time, consider planning your excursion during May or September.

Are there any tours to the Cliffs of Moher from other cities in Ireland?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Ireland:

• Day trips to Cliffs of Moher from Cork
• Cliffs of Moher day tours from Doolin
• Day tours to Cliffs of Moher from Dublin
• Cliffs of Moher day trips from Killarney

Travel tips

• The clifftop can get extremely windy at times. If you're someone who feels the cold, ensure you bring an extra layer with you.
• Cliffs of Moher day trips are extremely popular, so you should book your excursion in advance.
• If you have time in your itinerary, book a full-day tour that includes other remarkable destinations in the vicinity, such as the Aran Islands.