Jaron HunterDiscover The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are among the most popular and scenic natural landmarks in all of Ireland. Located in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher look out over the Atlantic Ocean and provide spectacular, jaw-dropping views to visitors. Although the cliffs are relatively remote, it is worth the journey to see explore the amazing terrain in County Clare.
Getting to the Cliffs of Moher
There are two primary ways that visitors get to the Cliffs of Moher: By car and by bus. If you’re coming by car, which is recommended, you’ll likely be driving in from the nearest big city, Galway. The drive down from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher is about 90 minutes, which means that it can be a day trip or a longer getaway. You can also drive from Limerick to the Cliffs of Moher in about 70 minutes.
Buses also run regularly from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. Keep in mind that there is both an affordable bus route that drops you off near the Visitor’s Center and an actual day trip tour bus from Galway that will be a lot more expensive.
If you drive to the Cliffs of Moher, be prepared to pay €6 for parking. That price is the same whether you stop in for a quick picture or you park all day long and enjoy a hike, so you might as well linger and get your money’s worth! Fortunately, that price also includes entry to the Visitor’s Center.
Before you plan your trip, keep in mind that the Cliffs of Moher are open and free to the public. What you will pay for is parking and entry to the Visitor’s Center as well as access to certain vantage points. However, that doesn’t mean you can visit the Cliffs of Moher 24/7. While the cliffs are open year-round, there are opening hours that it is smart to adhere to. In the summer, feel free to visit between 8 am and 9 pm. In the winter months, hours are between 9 am and 5 pm. During the spring and fall, you can visit between 8 am and 7 pm. Most tours arrive around mid-morning and leave in the middle of the afternoon, so avoiding those peak times will mean fewer crowds.
Whatever the weather, the Cliffs of Moher will be beautiful. That being said, it’s going to be a lot more enjoyable if the weather is nice, but bring along a sweater or rain jacket and you have an enjoyable time no matter what. A lot of fog can obstruct the views, and heavy rain or severe cold might prevent you from hiking along the edge of the cliffs. Whatever the weather, it is smart to bring along a water bottle or even the Stanley Master Vacuum Mug 18 OZ. With double-wall vacuum insulation and a spill-proof cap, this is the ultimate way to stay hydrated whatever the temperature. You can bring along some hot cocoa or coffee during the winter or stay cool with a chilled, refreshing beverage in the summer.
What to See at the Cliffs of Moher
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Cliffs of Moher is that they are just a small section of the coastline. In reality, they run for more than 13 miles in length, and they stand more than 400 feet above the sea. While some visitors come for a single view and then leave, you could easily spend a day or two exploring the area.
A great place to start while at the Cliffs of Moher is at the Visitor’s Center. Not only will it give you a solid foundation for the history and legends surrounding the Cliffs of Moher, but it will also give you a true bird’s eye view in the form of a fascinating video. Travel on foot away from the Visitor’s Center toward the cliffs themselves and you’ll get to O’Brien’s Tower, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century. This is a pretty busy spot where you can climb to the top of the tower and experience a wonderful view. While the vantage point is nice, it does get busy. Nonetheless, it’s worth the cost at a very affordable €2.
The real beauty at the Cliffs of Moher is found the further away you walk from the parking lot. Since there are several miles of coastal paths that you can walk on, come prepared and spend the day exploring the best that Ireland has to offer. As you walk, you’ll see epic views over the water and of the cliffs, not to mention some ancient ruins like Moher Tower. You can even see cliff caverns that played a role in a Harry Potter film!
Knomo Christowe 15″ Backpack
Whether you’re walking for a few minutes or a few hours, the area can be remote, especially in the offseason. Therefore, it’s smart to come prepared. For longer hikes, it’s well worth coming with the Knomo Christowe 15″ Backpack. This front-load nylon backpack is water-resistant, a big plus if the rain rolls in, and it holds a lot more than smaller fashion backpacks might. Although it can easily fit a laptop or a tablet in the mesh sleeve, there is also plenty of room for accessories you’ll need on the hike like a camera, a sweatshirt, a water bottle or a cellphone. Best of all, the backpack boasts comfortable padded straps and an ergonomic back so that you can feel good as you hike along the cliffs.
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Unique Ways to Explore the Cliffs of Moher
The best way to explore the Cliffs of Moher is on your own and on foot. However, you might be limited in how far you can walk, or you might just want a new perspective on the scenery. If that is the case, there are plenty of great options to choose from. For example, you could try a Cliffs of Moher cruise that departs from nearby Doolin Pier. Viewing the cliffs from sea level is brilliant, and it makes for an interesting trip even if you’ve already toured the cliffs on foot. Some cruises even add in additional stops at Inis Mor Island, creating a full day of sightseeing and scenery.
If you are staying in Dublin while in Ireland, another option is to travel to the Cliffs of Moher on an all-day guided bus tour. These typically leave Dublin early in the morning and return late at night, stopping at several national attractions along the way. If you’re short on time but want to see the Cliffs of Moher, this is a brief but exciting option.
Best Pubs and Eateries Near the Cliffs of Moher
If you want to enjoy a meal at the Cliffs of Moher, remember that the area is quite remote. Fortunately, fashion backpacks like the Hobo Blaze Leather Backpack can hold an emergency granola bar or a spare water bottle. It can also store smaller essentials like your camera, your cellphone or a light sweater. The backpack can be worn as a sling or as a classic backpack, helping it transition from hiking to town with ease. It also boasts interior and zip pockets for better organization, brass hardware and a Wanderlust lining.
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If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking, the Cliffs of Moher is home to a single cafe: The Cliffs View Cafe right in the Visitor’s Center. Keep in mind that this can be busy during peak season, especially at midday. Other great options can be found in nearby Doolin. Head to Fisher Street, the main road in the village, and dig into some home-cooked food at O´Connor´s Pub or the Roadford Restaurant. You’ll also find charming coffee shops where you can refuel with some caffeine or just charge your phone and tablet. There are also a handful of smaller pubs where live music happens almost nightly during the summer months.
Doolin is also your best bet if you want to pick up a few groceries or stay the night. There are also plenty of shops where you can pick up handmade Celtic jewelry or a sweatshirt emblazoned with photos of the Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are a true Irish treasure. Whether you plan to spend a week walking every mile of the coastal path along the shoreline or you’re spending a brief afternoon soaking up the views from the Visitor’s Center, this lush, green and scenic spot is one of a kind and is not to be missed.
