Cliffs Of Moher, The Local In-depth Guide
If you don't know your Hags Head from your O'Brien's Tower, here's an intro guide to Co.Clare's Cliffs of Moher I’m lucky enough to live beside the Cliffs of Moher with our farm on the Cliffs themselves.And I can confirm that even the most fantastic photos of the Cliffs don’t do it justice. There are just no words to describe the feeling and sense of energy you get as you approach the Cliffs and see for the first time the breath and length of the Cliffs stretched out in front of you. The colour is always different, the light is always changing and the size and magic of the wonder of nature will leave you in awe.
The Cliffs rise to 702 feet (214 m) at their highest point and range for 8 kms (5 miles) over the Atlantic ocean so fair to say with the sheer scale there is a lot of Cliff to see. So If you don't know your Hags Head from your O'Brien's Tower, here's an intro guide to Co.Clare's Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most visited Natural Attraction.
Where are the Cliffs
You’ll find the Cliffs of Moher, in the village of Liscannor in County Clare, on the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s West Coast.
The Best ways to see the Cliff of Moher
There are more than one way to visit the Cliffs that some may not realise.
How to Get there
The Cliffs of Moher are easily accessed by road from Galway (1.5 hours), Ennis (40 minutes), Limerick (1.5 hours) and from the ferry which sails from Tarbert in Kerry to Killimer in Clare (45 minutes) Dublin is approximately 4 hours via Limerick.
The closest airport is Shannon International Airport, located 1 hour away. Shannon Airport has direct connections from USA and mainland Europe serving the West Coast of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. See www.shannonairport.ie for all flight information.
Latitude: 52.9714578, Longitude: -9.4247540
Did You Know ... Some Interesting Facts
How Old are the Cliffs of Moher?
The rocks that makeup Clare’s famous cliffs were formed 319 million years ago.
years ago during the Upper Carboniferous period.
Where they get their name
The Cliffs of Moher get their name from an old fort called ‘Mothar’ or ‘Moher’ that used to stand on Hag’s Head. The fort was demolished in the early 1800s during the Napoleonic Wars.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I SEE PUFFINS AT THE CLIFFS OF MOHER?
Puffins arrive at the Cliffs at the end of March and stay till mid July. The best months to see them are May and June. The viewing area to the left (South Platform) is the very best spot to view Puffins as they nest on Goat Island which can be seen from here. They nest in burrows on grassy slopes, just like rabbits.
What other birds can I see?
The Cliffs are a special protected area (SPA) for seabirds with over 20 species represented. The Cliffs have over 30,000 breeding pairs annually including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, peregrine falcons aswell as the ever popular cute puffins. The Cliffs are also home to many rare flora including Cat’s Eat and Sea Pink.
Was Harry Potter Filmed at the Cliffs of Moher?
Yes. A scene from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was filmed at the cliffs. The scene where Dumbledore and Harry travelled to a cave to locate one of Voldemorts Horcruxes was shot in one of the caves at the Cliffs of Moher.
When to is the Best Time to Visit
June-August is peak season for the Cliffs of Moher. Accommodation is plentiful in the county but can both book up in advance during these months, so be sure to make your reservations as early as possible if you are planning on traveling during this time.
Remember though, the Cliffs are open year-round, and Spring and Autumn are often considered the best times to visit. The weather can be lovely, and there are fewer crowds at the visitor centre. And in winter when the days are short the sunsets at the Cliffs can be amazing.
Visitor Centre Opening Hours
Like most tourist attractions in Ireland, the opening hours for the Cliffs of Moher changes depending on the season:
January: 09:00 – 17:00
February: 09:00 – 17:00
March: 08:00 – 19:00
April: 08:00 – 19.00
May to August: 08:00 – 21:00
September: 08:00 – 19:00
October: 08:00 – 19:00
November: 09:00 – 17:00
December: 09:00 – 17:00
Where to Stay
So if you already chosen the Cliffs of Moher as your base for your vacation or are planning on a short weekend trip and looking for recommendations for accommodation, we’ve got you covered. You are simply spoiled for choice of quality accommodation here in north Clare that no matter how long you book for you will be thinking maybe could you “Stay one more night …”
And yes we think you should. So see below some options for you in the various towns starting with the closest to the Cliff’s
Hotels:
Liscannor:
Cliffs of Moher Hotel https://cliffsofmoherhotel.com/
Doolin
Hotel Doolin https://www.hoteldoolin.ie/
Fiddle & Bow https://www.fiddleandbow.ie/
Ballinalacken Castle Hotel https://www.ballinalackencastle.com/
Doolin Inn
Lahinch
Vaughans Lodge https://vaughanlodge.ie/
Atlantic Hotel https://www.atlantichotel.ie/
Lahinch Coast Hotel https://www.lahinchcoasthotel.ie/
Sancta Maria Hotel http://www.sancta-maria.ie/
Ennistymon
Falls Hotel https://www.fallshotel.ie/
Lisdoonvarna
Sheedy’s Hotel https://sheedys.com/
Spanish Point
Armada Hotel
Bellbridge House Hotel Ballyvaughan
Gregan’s Castle Hotel https://www.gregans.ie/
The Wild Atlantic Lodge https://www.thewildatlanticlodge.com/
Hylands Burren Hotel http://www.hylandsburren.com/
Inn’s/Guesthouses / B&B’s
Liscannor
Vaughans Anchor Inn https://www.vaughans.ie/
Atlantic View B&B http://www.accommodation-cliffs-of-moher.com/
Cliff View B&B https://www.cliffview-liscannor.com/index.html
Lahinch
Doolin
Seaview House Doolin https://seaview-doolin.ie/
Daly’s House https://dalyshouse.com/
Doolin Inn https://www.doolininn.ie/
Lisdoonvarna
Wild Honey Inn https://www.wildhoneyinn.com/
Ballinsheen House http://www.ballinsheen.com/
Ennistymon
Byrne’s Ennistymon http://www.byrnes-ennistymon.ie/
Spanish Point
Spanish Point House
Ballyvaughan
Hazelwood Lodge https://www.hazelwoodlodge.ie/
Hostels / Glamping / Camping
Doolin Glamping https://www.doolinglamping.com/
Burren Glamping http://burrenglamping.com/
Places to eat near the Cliffs
Your first port of call as you figure out your next steps is to pop into us in Moher Cottage for a coffee and some of our own handmade fudge and to get the local tips for the area. There are so many great places to eat all around our area here at the Cliffs of Moher.
Some of which are below
Liscannor:
Vaughans Anchor Inn https://www.vaughans.ie/
Cliffs of Moher Hotel https://cliffsofmoherhotel.com/
Joseph McHughs Pub
Doolin
Hotel Doolin https://www.hoteldoolin.ie/
Fiddle & Bow https://www.fiddleandbow.ie/
Doolin Inn https://www.doolininn.ie/
O’Connor’s Pub
McDermot’s Pub
McGann’s Pub
Lahinch
Vaughans Lodge https://vaughanlodge.ie/
Atlantic Hotel https://www.atlantichotel.ie/
Tasty Station
Cornerstone pub
Kenny’s Pub
Joe’s café
Randaddys
O’Looneys
Ennistymon
Falls Hotel https://www.fallshotel.ie/
Byrne’s Ennistymon http://www.byrnes-ennistymon.ie/
Lisdoonvarna
Wild Honey Inn https://www.wildhoneyinn.com/
Sheedy’s Hotel https://sheedys.com/
Spanish Point
Armada Hotel
Bellbridge House Hotel
Ballyvaughan
Gregan’s Castle Hotel https://www.gregans.ie/
Monks Seafood
Other things to Do When Visiting the Cliffs of Moher
There is so much to see and do locally, you will for sure never be bored.
What to Bring
- Gear for all weather. The Cliffs of Moher is in the west of Ireland so possible to get four seasons in one day so check the weather forecast before you head off and pack accordingly The raincoat is always useful around these parts.
- Water, pack a refillable water bottle and forgo the bottled water (it’s better for the environment), especially if you’re planning to hike.
- Hiking boots or trainers. You’ll need some comfortable shoes fit for walking on the Cliff path which can be slippy especially if raining.
- But most important of all your camera, you won’t forget the Cliffs experience but will be fabulous to have captured
How to get there
Driving is one of the easiest ways to get to the Cliffs of Moher
There are also plenty of tour operators doing day trips from Galway, Limerick and Dublin. However currently many of those are on hold due to covid and the preference now being to drive to the Cliffs yourself or with a private driver.
How to get to the Cliffs from Dublin
To get to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, follow R148 and continue on N4. From N4, continue on M6 and follow the signs to Galway. Note that the route from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher entails tolls, so be sure to have some change with you.
At junction 18 on the M6 take the exit N18/M18 towards Ennis. From the M18 take the N85 exit marked Ennis/Ennistymon. (Junction 12)
Follow signs for Ennistymon on the N85 going through the village of Inagh. When you reach Ennistymon you will come to a sharp left turn onto the N67 (sign posted Lahinch). It is quite a tight bend so go slowly.
At Lahinch take a right turn onto the R478 (sign posted Cliffs of Moher)
Continue on this road for approximately 4km until you reach the village of Liscannor. Go through the village and follow the R478. Continue on the R478 for 4km, passing by Moher Cottage. After a further 1.5km, the entrance to the coach park is located on the left hand side and the car park is located on the right hand side.
After getting off the motorway at Ennis, it is approx. 40 mins to the Cliffs of Moher. The route is well signposted but if any doubt having access to Google Maps or a GPS in your car is a big help!!
How to get to the Cliffs from Cork
Coming out of Cork City take the - N20 (signposted Limerick) Blackwater Valley
Continue forward onto the N20 Entering Mallow following the N20 signposted Limerick. Passing through Buttevant, Charleville and after approx. 1.5 hours joining the M20 motorway signposted Limerick
Leave the M20 at junction 1 (Rossbrien Interchange), then merge onto Limerick South Ring Road - N18 (signposted Limerick Tunnel, Shannon, Galway). Staying on the motorway until
How to get to the Cliffs from Galway
Scenic Route: Leave Galway in the direction of Limerick using N67 (N18):
Follow N67 to Kilcolgan. In Kilcolgan take a right onto the N67 sign posted Ballyvaughan & Cliffs of Moher. Go through the village of Kinvara and on towards Ballyvaughan along the N67. See directions from Ballyvaughan.
Via the Motorway: Via M18 Motorway – Leave Galway following R336, R338 and Old Dublin Rd to N67.
Follow N67 and continue straight onto R458. Merge onto M18 following sign for Ennis/Limerick.
At Juction 12, take the N85 Exit to Ennis/Ennistymon/Kilrush.
Follow the N85 to Liscanor Road R478 in Lahinch.
Follow the R478 for 10km and the entrance to the car park will be on your right side.
How to get to the Cliffs from Belfast
Get on A12 from A1 and Grosvenor Rd/B38 and then take M1 to A1 in Lisburn and Castlereagh. Take exit 7 from M1 and continue to Newry, Mourne and Down
Drive from M1, onto the M4 and taking the M6 signposted Galway.
Continue on M6 and follow the signs to Galway. Note that the route from Belfast to the Cliffs of Moher entails tolls, so be sure to have some change with you.
At junction 18 on the M6 take the exit N18/M18 towards Ennis. From the M18 take the N85 exit marked Ennis/Ennistymon. (Junction 12)
Follow signs for Ennistymon on the N85 going through the village of Inagh. When you reach Ennistymon you will come to a sharp left turn onto the N67 (sign posted Lahinch). It is quite a tight bend so go slowly.
At Lahinch take a right turn onto the R478 (sign posted Cliffs of Moher)
Continue on this road for approximately 4km until you reach the village of Liscannor. Go through the village and follow the R478. Continue on the R478 for 4km, passing by Moher Cottage. After a further 1.5km, the entrance to the coach park is located on the left hand side and the car park is located on the right hand side.
After getting off the motorway at Ennis, it is approx. 40 mins to the Cliffs of Moher. The route is well signposted but if any doubt having access to Google Maps or a GPS in your car is a big help!!
How to get to the Cliffs from Limerick
Take the N18/M18 towards Ennis. From the M18 take the N85 exit marked Ennis/Ennistymon. (Junction 12)
Follow signs for Ennistymon on the N85 going through the village of Inagh. When you reach Ennistymon you will come to a sharp left turn onto the N67 (sign posted Lahinch). It is quite a tight bend so go slowly.
At Lahinch take a right turn onto the R478 (sign posted Cliffs of Moher)
Continue on this road for approximately 4km until you reach the village of Liscannor. Go through the village and follow the R478. Continue on the R478 for 4km, passing by Moher Cottage. After a further 1.5km, the entrance to the coach park is located on the left hand side and the car park is located on the right hand side.
