Cliffs of Moher Visitor Attractions

The Cliffs of Moher

Ireland’s top visitor attraction

The extraordinary Cliffs of Moher, undoubtedly Ireland’s top visitor attraction, tower high over West Clare’s wild Atlantic coastline. Standing 214 metres above the raging ocean at their highest point, the cliffs stretch for 8 jagged kilometres along the Clare coastline. And from them, you can see astonishing vistas. To the north and west are the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Bens Mountains, and the Maam Turk Mountain Range. And to the south there is beautiful impressive Loop Head with the Kerry coast lurking in the mist beyond it. And atop the iconic Cliffs of Moher sits O’Brien’s Tower, yet another of Ireland’s most photographed landmarks, and it holds steadfast against the winds and the relentless Atlantic onslaught to guard the coast from Spanish galleons and warring tribes.

But even more mesmerizing than the panoramic views from the Cliffs of Moher, are the views down onto the raging Atlantic Ocean so far below. Massive waves hurl themselves against the Cliffs over and over again, tearing at the rock, sending out a distinctive booming sound wave, and throwing salt spray high into the air. And the next day the sea is flat calm and blue, and the only ripples on the water are those caused by tourist boats sidling close into the cliff face.

The Cliffs of Moher are truly extraordinary, a feast of vistas, sounds, and wildlife, all thown wonderfully together to produce one of the great natural wonders of the world. A remarkable sight which will be remembered forever!


How to get to the Cliffs of Moher

By bus, or car. Bus Eireann Route 350 provides a service from Galway to The Cliffs of Moher (see timetable). Alternatively follow the N6 from Galway to Kilcolgan, and then the N67 and R478 to The Cliffs of Moher.


Where to stay near Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher has lots of great accommodation options nearby including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B’s.

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Things to do in Cliffs of Moher

  • Remember that you do not have to pay to see the Cliffs of Moher. They have been free for millions of years and always will be.
  • Pay a visit to quirky St Brigid’s Well and you will see the important place that religious veneration still has in Irish society. St Brigid’s well about 2 miles south of the cliffs on the right beside the O’Brien monument is a very famous holy well, and a revered place of local pilgrimage.
  • Drop in to Doolin Cave and see the largest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. Savour a mini “Indiana Jones” style adventure, but note that tours are limited to 15 at a time, so book early online.
  • The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland. The area was designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds under the EU Birds Directive in 1986, and as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988. Included within the designated site are the cliffs, the cliff-top maritime grassland and heath, and a 200 metre zone of open water, directly in front of the cliffs to protect part of the birds’ feeding area. The designation covers 200 hectares and highlights the area’s importance for wildlife.

Video guide to visiting the Cliffs of Moher


Cliffs of Moher coastal walk


Cliffs of Moher FAQs

Do you have to pay to see the Cliffs of Moher?
The cliffs are technically free to view because they are a naturally occurring part of the west Clare landscape. The visitor centre at the Cliffs of Moher, however has an admission fee. In fact, the entrance cost is included in the parking fee if you’re driving.

Ticket prices (at peak times 11am – 4pm)
Adult: €10
Child under 12: free
Student: €9
Senior: €9
Family: €20

Reduced prices available if visiting before 11am or after 4pm.

However if you take the stunning cliff walk from either Liscannor or Doolin access is free.

Why is the Cliffs of Moher famous?
The Cliffs of Moher have a wonderful variety of flora and fauna with up to 20 different species of birds to be seen. The cliffs have also formed the backdrop to many famous movies such as Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, Leap Year and many more.
What does Moher mean in Irish?
The name Moher derives from Gaelic words meaning “ruined fort”. The Cliffs of Moher name in fact means the cliffs of the ruined fort.
What town is closest to the Cliffs of Moher?
The closest villages to the Cliffs of Moher are Liscannor 6km south and Doolin 7km north. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk connects Liscannor and Doolin, via the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. This scenic route, it takes approx 5 hours to walk and includes remote, exposed cliff-top sections so extra care and high level of fitness is required throughout.

Cliffs of Moher Location Map

 

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