Dublin’s museums and atmospheric pubs are all good and well, but you can’t vacation in Ireland without getting out of the city to see the landscapes the country is world-famous for. You can opt to cross the border into Northern Ireland to see the Giant’s causeway or choose to stay in the Republic and check out its most popular site: the Cliffs of Moher. The dramatic eight-mile-long, 700-foot-tall UNESCO-listed cliffs border the turbulent North Atlantic Ocean and you can walk along the top for the hike of a lifetime.
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You Can Walk Along the Top of These 700-Foot-Tall Cliffs Towering Above the Atlantic Ocean
- Where are the Cliffs of Moher?
- How to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin?
- How to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?
- Do I need a ticket to visit the Cliffs of Moher?
- What is the entrance fee to the Cliffs of Moher?
- Can I access the Cliffs of Moher at any time?
- Can I take a boat tour of the Cliffs of Moher?
- Were the Cliffs of Moher featured in the Harry Potter movies?
- How tall are the Cliffs of Moher?
- How to pronounce “Cliffs of Moher”?
- How many people have died at the Cliffs of Moher?
- Where to stay near the Cliffs of Moher?
Where are the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland, in County Clare. The cliffs are about one hour and 40 minutes away from Galway by car (47 miles), and one hour and 15 minutes away from Limerick (49 miles).
How to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin?
There are several ways you can get from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, but all of them take time so don’t try to make the Cliffs of Moher a day trip. Instead, plan to spend a couple of days in the west of Ireland.
- Driving: The drive from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher is a cross-country trip but it takes only three hours and 20 minutes.
- Taking the bus: Big Green Bus runs between Dublin and the village of Ennis several times per day. From Ennis, take the Bus Eireann #350 to the cliffs. Altogether, the trip takes about 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the bus with CityLink or Bus Éireann from Dublin to Galway and then ride the Bus Eireann #350 for two hours and 15 minutes from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. It’ll take a little longer but will work just as well.
- Taking the train: Taking the train from Dublin to Galway with Irish Rails, followed by riding the Bus Eireann #350 from Galway for a couple of hours will get you to the cliffs. The trip by train and bus takes around 4.5 hours.
How to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?
It is very easy to get from Galway to the cliffs:
- Driving: The drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher takes one hour and 4O minutes (47 miles).
- Taking the bus: Bus Eireann #350 runs between Galway and the Cliffs of Moher several times per day and takes two hours and 15 minutes.
Do I need a ticket to visit the Cliffs of Moher?
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You don’t have to purchase a ticket to see the Cliffs of Moher up close. If you are able-bodied and you think you can handle a hike, then start from the village of Doolin and follow the cliff path all the way to the visitor center, a five-mile, south-bound walk. You can also walk from Doolin all the way to Hag’s Head, stretching the hike for another seven miles. Of course, you can do the reverse trip and start from Hag’s Head heading north towards the visitor center/Doolin. Check out Matador Network’s complete guide to hiking the Cliffs Of Moher to learn more.
If you don’t feel like hiking, then purchase a ticket and start your visit at the visitor center where the bus can drop you off. There, you’ll have access to half a mile of safe paved pathways from where the views of the cliffs are quite spectacular. You’ll also get access to O’Brien’s Tower and the visitor center’s rooftop viewing area.
Make sure to purchase your ticket online in advance rather than at the gates to save money on your visit. Note that the cost of the ticket varies throughout the day according to peak times.
What is the entrance fee to the Cliffs of Moher?
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The cost of a ticket to see the Cliffs of Moher varies throughout the day according to peak times. Online prices range from $7.50 to $10.70 (7€ to 10€) for adults. At the gates, admission for adults is $12.85 (12€). Children under 12 enter for free. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and families.
Can I access the Cliffs of Moher at any time?
If you decide to go the official route, purchase a ticket, and visit via the visitor center, you’ll have to respect the hours of operation which vary according to season. If you’re hiking on your own, the walking path is always open, but make sure to stay safe: Don’t hike in a storm or in the dark on the narrow, uneven trail, it’s much too dangerous.
Can I take a boat tour of the Cliffs of Moher?
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If you have already seen the Cliffs of Moher from land, you may want to book a boat tour and get a different perspective on this spectacular Irish landmark. The Doolin Ferry Company and Cliffs of Moher Cruises, both of which are located in Doolin, offer sailings starting in March until late fall. You’ll see the cliffs from below, the Horcrux cave featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, colonies of nesting birds, and impressive sea stacks.
Were the Cliffs of Moher featured in the Harry Potter movies?
Yes, the Cliffs of Moher were shown in the sixth movie of the Harry Potter franchise: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The Cliffs of Moher were the set of the cave where Harry and Dumbledore look for Salazar Slytherin’s Locket.
How tall are the Cliffs of Moher?
At their highest point, at O’Brien’s Tower, the cliffs are over 700 feet tall.
How to pronounce “Cliffs of Moher”?
To pronounce “Cliffs of Moher” properly, forgo the “h” and replace it with a short-sounding “w”. It’s [mower] not [mohair].
How many people have died at the Cliffs of Moher?
According to research published in the Journal of Travel medicine in March 2018, 66 people have died “on or at the base of the Cliffs of Moher” between 1993 and 2017, a period of 25 years. 18 of the 66 cases of death were international travelers. More people have died at the Cliffs of Moher since then, but exact numbers are not available.
When walking along the cliffs, always stay on the path and be mindful of the terrain, the wind, and your surroundings. Getting close to the edge for a photo op may result in tragedy.
Where to stay near the Cliffs of Moher?
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Cliffs of Moher Hotel
Photo: Cliff of Moher Hotel
Photo: Cliff of Moher Hotel
The Cliffs of Moher Hotel is a luxury boutique property located in the village of Liscannor, the perfect place to stay if you plan on hiking along the cliffs from Hag’s Head. The hotel has only 23 bedrooms in various configurations that would suit couples as well as large families. All the rooms have been renovated in a modern style in 2019/2020, and all feature luxury bedding, unique artwork, high-quality toiletries, and Nespresso machine. Some rooms have a baclony with ocean views. There is a café, a gastrobar, and a restaurant on site for all your dining needs. There is live music every night starting at 7:30 PM.
The Lodges @ Sea View House
The Lodges @ Sea View House consist of four luxurious lodges located in the center of the village of Doolin from where you can easily get on the walking trail to the cliffs. Each lodge is beautifully furnished and decorated, has its own private hot tub, offers views of the surrounding landscape, and has ample space for couples or groups of up to 10 guests. When it’s time to eat, you can have breakfast delivered to your lodge in the morning and even have a chef take over your kitchen if you don’t want to do any cooking during your stay.
Station House Bed & Breakfast
Photo: Station House Bed and Breakfast/Shutterstock
Photo: Station House Bed and Breakfast/Shutterstock
Photo: Station House Bed and Breakfast/Shutterstock
The Station House Bed & Breakfast is an affordable four-star property in the small town of Ennistymon, only 9.3 miles from Hag’s Head where you can walk along the cliffs all the way to Doolin. All the rooms in this family home are modern and well appointed and daily breakfast is included and served daily in the dining room. 