One of Ireland’s most enduringly popular attractions is also its finest natural wonder: The Cliffs of Moher. Whipped by the wild Atlantic winds and waves, these comely chunks of rock push up out of the water, forming towering sea cliffs. They reach up to 214 metres (702 feet) high in places and stretch on towards the horizon, playing host to thousands of nesting seabirds during the summer months, including puffins and guillemots. Along with The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher form a geopark that enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Tours from Dublin run daily to the Cliffs of Moher throughout the year. They are located on the west coast in County Clare, which is the opposite side of the island to Dublin. This means tours from the Irish capital city often last a full day and include a couple of other notable sights along the way, including castles, Galway City, which is the European Capital of Culture in 2020, and Kilmacduagh Monastery. Here are three of the best Cliffs of Moher tours from Dublin.
From €45/ per person
This is one of the more comprehensive full-day tours to the Atlantic coast of Ireland from Dublin. The Cliffs of Moher are the focal point of the tour, with time allotted for a short hike along the clifftops, and entry to the Atlantic Edge exhibition there is provided. You will also get to see more of the Atlantic coastline, the lunar landscape of The Burren, and Galway Bay from the comfort of the bus. Additional stops on the day’s itinerary add doses of history and culture to the mix, such as the 15th-century Bunratty Castle in Kinvara fishing village, and lunch in Doolin, a traditional music hub.
From €48/ per person
Another great option for visiting the Cliffs of Moher, this ten-hour tour is shorter but opts for a more minimalist itinerary. This means more time at the cliffs, with around two hours allotted for wandering the clifftop footpaths, taking photos at the various viewpoints, and learning more about relevant Irish history in this region at the visitor centre. The only other stop of the day is at Galway City, the 2020 European Capital of Culture. Here, you will have an hour to explore the city centre at your leisure. As with all tours on this list, sturdy, comfortable footwear and raincoats are strongly recommended.
FROM €55/per person
For a tour that adds in a couple of extra sights along the way, whilst also allowing plenty of time at the Cliffs of Moher, this is a decent 14-hour option. Bearing in mind that around five of those hours are spent travelling to and from Dublin across the country, this is one of the better options for offering on-site time. Side-stops include Kilmacduagh Monastery, with its leaning roundhouse, the unusual landscapes of The Burren, as well as driving along the Wild Atlantic Way route. There will also be time allowed for exploring the cobbled streets of Galway.
