Travel

The Cliffs of Moher

June 4, 2017

The Perfect Day Trip to The Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic and Galway City

One of Ireland’s most iconic sites are The Cliffs of Moher, which are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region. I knew while visiting Ireland this was a place we had to see so we dedicated one of our days in Dublin to a take a day tour out to the Cliffs of Moher, including a visit to Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City with Wild Rover Tours.

We met our tour guide at one of the suggested pick up locations in Dublin’s city centre and boarded our lovely bus around 7:15am. We stopped for a chance to grab breakfast and use the restrooms at Barack Obama Plaza. Yes, like Barack Obama, the 45th President of the United States of America. He actually has Irish roots dating back to 1850 and a plaza has been opened in his honor. Following our stop at the plaza, we were on route to see the Cliffs of Moher. It took about 2.5 hours to reach the Cliffs, however our tour guide did an amazing job pointing out various points of interest along the way and giving a mini history lesson.

Once we arrived to the Cliffs of Moher it was pretty obvious we had reached our destination. The cliffs are about 700 feet (214m) high at the highest point and run for 5 miles (8 kilometers) along the western seaboard of County Clare. Pretty hard to miss right? At this point, we were free to visit the Cliffs and its grounds for about 2 hours. With 2 hours time, we were able to walk along the trail of the cliffs for about a mile and explore the opposite end where a tower stands. We stopped to take plenty of photos in this time and admire the views. If you don’t want to walk as far you could also explore their visitor center, gift shops or grab a bite in the restaurant. I wouldn’t suggest this tour to anyone who wants to explore beyond the cliffs, as it could take up to 7 hours to explore the cliffs in their entirety.

The tower is located near the highest point of the Cliffs, Knockardakin and stands about 700 feet above sea level – from here you can pay 1 euro to head up on the O’Brien’s tower and see marvellous views, north, south, east and west from an elevated point. We unfortunately did not head up on the tower as it was extremely windy and cold, however you can still capture beautiful photos from this side of the cliffs without the elevated view.

After experiencing the south views from the tower area, we walked to the opposite side. Not only did I enjoy the trail and views from this side, but I also enjoyed the weather. There was a significant change when walking on this side as it became much warmer. I was able to take off my jacket and scarf, where as on the side of the tower it was really windy and cold! I am assuming this was due to the height difference, but I am no expert, so don’t quote me on that!

On this route things were a little more dangerous, if you will. Like most of the walk along the cliffs, there are rock barriers to prevent people from getting too close to the edge, however I like to live on the dangerous side so I climbed over and walked the trail closer to the cliffs. I do not recommend this by any means, but I did this for a portion of the trail making sure not to get too close to any edges and I managed to survive! Many tourists were doing the same and it seemed to be safe, however there have been people who have gotten a little too close for comfort and you know how the rest of that story goes. The whole point is, just be extra careful if you cross the rock barrier.

I found the views from this side absolutely breathtaking! I feel you could spend an entire day here just admiring the Cliffs of Moher. It’s amazing how you see sites like this in movies, yet once you lay eyes on them in person you are just overcome with emotion. You almost can’t believe you are there and have to pinch yourself!

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most beautiful and unique views I have ever seen! A completely stunning and impressive natural site that is worth seeing.

Following our exploration at the Cliffs of Moher and the visitor center, we boarded our bus and headed to stop number 2 – The Wild Atlantic Way! Our journey continued into the Burren National Park and stopping in the Burren where we enjoyed a walk along the Atlantic edge.

At this point, the weather began to change, winds picked up and even began to rain sporadically. This type of weather is actually pretty normal for Ireland. We were very lucky and happy to have experienced sunshine and beautiful skies at the cliffs, so we weren’t too disappointed with the change along the Atlantic. Despite the weather, the view was spectacular as we watched the waves crash against the rocks. We spent about 20 minutes here before beginning our journey to Galway city, our final stop!

On our way to Galway city, I had no idea what to except, but I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived! We only had 2 hours in this adorable city, but I could have spent 2 days here! It was the cutest little town. The streets were so lively, fun and vibrant. You could hear Irish music flooding the streets from some of the local pubs. As you walk between all the narrow side streets, lined with cobble stone, you will find shopping, restaurants, pubs, live music and more. A perfect place to grab a pint of Guinness, listen to some traditional Irish music and even browse through some of the local shops. I’m already looking forward to planning a trip back to the city of Galway!

After a full day of touring the West Atlantic, I can say that it was a complete success! We couldn’t have been more fortunate with the weather and the tour company, Wild Rover Tours! Wild Rover tours did an amazing job throughout the course of the day. They were professional, knowledgeable and even helpful with giving recommendations once we were back in Dublin. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who plans to see the Cliffs of Moher and more on their trip to Ireland! (This is not a paid advertisement, I’m just being completely honest, as I always am on my blog posts).


Are you planning a trip to Ireland? What is on your bucket list?

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    1. I love all the green! Most people think of Ireland as being green and it is true! Everything I imagined!

  1. I’ve never been to Ireland but I have heard of these cliffs! Your pics are beautiful. I’d be too scared to get that close, honestly. I also love that there was a Barak Obama plaza!

  2. This is so awesome! I’ve always wanted to see this place but didn’t have time to venture outside of Dublin. Next time I am definitely renting a car and going to this place!

  3. The Cliffs of Moher are so impressive. Gorgeous pictures and amazing landscapes. Galway city looks like a fun place to explore. Love the colors and your description of the place. Have not made it to Ireland yet, but seriously need to!!

  4. Going to Ireland in 2 weeks, perfect timing on this post! This is on our list, although we will be driving ourselves around the country. Can’t wait to see the cliffs!

  5. Wow! These are some gorgeous photos. Though I had never seen or heard of these cliffs, I’ll remember to visit them when I visit Ireland.

  6. Though I have never seen or heard about these cliffs before, I found them to be gorgeous–partly thanks to the wonderful photography. I will remember to visit.

  7. This post is amazing. I am Irish-American with ancestry in Galway and I have never been. I have only been to Dublin. Thank you for sharing such breathtaking photos.

    And I need to follow your blog. I love Miami. And I know there is more to your culture than coffee, but I love, love, love Cuban coffee.

  8. Ah Ireland one of my favourite places in the world. Love the Cliffs of Moher and if you get a chance go around and visit Loop Head just as spectacular with virtually no tourists no overpriced visitors centre the Wild Atlantic Way at its very best.

  9. Lovely photos! I have always wanted to get to this part of Ireland – the cliffs of Moher look very picturesque and Galway sounds great too. I have no excuse really as I only live in England!

  10. Your pictures of cliff of Moher are beautiful. I agree with you that one can spend whole day admiring these and enjoying the surroundings.

  11. I’ve never been to Ireland but I’m dying to visit! The Cliffs of Moher look incredible, and Galway sounds like such a great and authentic Irish city as well!

  12. Wow, I didn’t know that Ireland was such a gem. I don’t feel like I’ve given it enough thought. Galway sounds lovely and those cliffs look stunning. Sounds like I’d prefer the sunny side 🙂 The tour sounds fab!

    1. Rosie, I thought the same about Ireland too, but so happy I visited! I underestimated it! Beautiful country.

  13. THE CLIFFS OF MOHER were a highlight for my mom and me during our Irish Road Trip. I knew I had to get us there, and we were lucky to catch it at the sunset hours which made it all the more special 🙂

  14. The cliffs are stunning! I’ve lived in Ireland and got a chance to visit them on my own right before the sunset, when the crowds were gone. It is such an incredible experience to see the sun setting down on the Atlantic ocean! I’d do it again in a heartbeat. There are also higher cliffs farther up north – Slieve League, I highly recommend visiting them as well.

    1. I will have to visit Slieve League on my next trip! You must have had a nice opportunity of really enjoying the Cliffs with no tourists!

  15. Isn’t it the most amazing place ever? We also took a boat to the islands, and they drove up close to the cliffs. This was a great way to see them from a different angle. Haha and I had to laugh about the Barack Obama Plaza. We stopped there too and took a picture because we couldn’t believe it! We never had a chance to see Galway, but would love to go back someday! Looks like you were lucky and had a beautiful day to visit!

    1. Wow the boat ride along the Cliffs sounds awesome! Wish I could have experienced that. The Barack Obama Plaza was too funny. Still can’t believe it. Lol

  16. Your tour from Dublin sounds EXACTLY like what my husband and I want to do when we’re there. We go next weekend, is that too late to book? Also, what tour group did you use? I would love to book the same one because it just sounds wonderful.

    1. That’s awesome! It was a wonderful tour and you will love it. I have linked the company directly in the post, Wild Rover Tours. Let me know if you need any further assistance.

  17. One of my absolute favorite parts of Ireland! I believe I did the same tour actually, onlynwe had slightly less time in Galway due to traffic. Looks like you had great weather for the cliffs, excellent shots 🙂

  18. Thank you for writing such a detailed and informative post about visiting the Cliffs of Moher. They are absolutely breathtaking and I would love to see them in person one day! I like how this tour also took you to places beyond the cliffs too.

    1. The Cliffs are stunning! Wild Rover Tours did an awesome job guiding us on our tour! I hope you have the chance to visit one day.

  19. Your outfit was perfect! I love standing on the edge there with the Irish wind in your hair… one of my favorite places on earth and it looks like you got the weather to really enjoy it!

    1. Aw thank you so much! We were SO lucky with the weather. It was windy up there too! A lot of Irish wind blew through my hair. Haha!

  20. I went to Ireland in 2015, but didn’t make it to the Cliffs of Moher. Your pictures look so beautiful! Great job!

  21. I’m heading to Ireland for the first time in October – you’ve given me some ideas on what to do now!

  22. Absolutely stunning! I’m so bummed that I didn’t get to make it to the Cliffs of Moher when I went to Ireland! I guess that just means I need to trot back there some day :-).

  23. Your outfit is super cute and the photos are beautiful. Looks like you had a great time. I would love to visit here on a trip to Ireland.

  24. Girl, that green skirt fits right with the beautiful scenery. Isn’t Ireland such a beautiful country? PS: I love, love your writing style. You make it seem like I was there with you. Also, good thing you were safe while on the hike. I have seen things go south for other tourists before. Like you said, its best to be extra careful.

    Great post.

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