8 Best Day Trips to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

Of all the activities and plans available near Dublin, I never tire of recommending a trip to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's top tourist attractions. Knowing this, you're bound to be curious about this landscape of nature, heights and sea; in that case, the best thing to do is book an organised tour.

There are several alternatives and different types of tours depending on your budget and the type of trip you want to take. Bear in mind that you'll need a whole day to visit the cliffs, but you can extend the trip by a few hours (or even a few days) if you want to add other stops to your visit. As I know that so many options can be overwhelming, I've taken care of selecting the best ones to make your choice easier.

Although the cliffs are the destination, you've probably read that the journey is well worth it. If you want to take advantage of the trip to see the places in between, I recommend booking a tour that includes stops along the Atlantic coast. You'll travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in historic sites such as Dunguaire Castle, Kilmacduagh Monastery and the Irish countryside.

The big advantage is that, as you'll be with a guide, they'll tell you about the towns and places you pass through, which is impossible to do if you're travelling alone on public transport.

However, these tours are not so direct, as there are stops along the way. If this suits you, it is your best option, but bear in mind that the three-hour bus journey will become four or five hours (one way) and can be very long and tedious if you want to get to the cliffs as soon as possible.

Main stops on this type of tour

The main stop, and the one where you will spend the most time, is obviously the Cliffs of Moher. Not only because the spectacular landscape is worth it, but also because admission is included. Before arriving, you will have the opportunity to take some photos of Bunratty Castle, which was occupied by Vikings and kings.

At the cliffs, you can go for a walk, learn about the history and nature of this place at the Visitor Centre or grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants.

Once in County Galway, you'll be glad you stopped at Kilmacduagh Monastery, which is actually a monastic complex that is free to visit. You can feel its more than a thousand years of history as soon as you set foot in these ruins. Although everything catches your eye, if one thing stands out, it is the tower, which is leaning and one of the tallest in Ireland!

You may think that spending three hours on a bus to get to the Cliffs of Moher is more worthwhile if you also include Ailwee Caves in the excursion.

This is always an option and a great way to see two of Ireland's most beautiful places, as well as the surrounding area. The total visit will take around fourteen hours, of which 7-8 will be spent on the bus.

The first stop is usually the Ailwee Caves. You may have heard of them, as they are the largest and most famous cave system in the country. Remember to bring a jacket because it can get quite cool in this underground paradise of stalagmites and stalactites. With a specialist guide, you will get first-hand information about the geology of the area.

Before heading to the Cliffs of Moher, you'll have time to recharge your batteries at a restaurant in Doolin, which is halfway there.

Of course, as both visits are included, you may have less time to spend at each one. My advice is to listen carefully to the guide's instructions so that you can make the most of your time there.

Would you like to get closer to the Irish countryside? If so, book one of the excursions that combine admission to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park. This place is home to approximately 70% of Ireland's plant species.

While you enjoy the views from the cliffs, the waves breaking against the rocky walls and the many birds flying overhead, in the Burren you will have the opportunity to see a landscape that is completely different and unique in the world. Why? Because its grey limestone soil, close to the Atlantic, allows all kinds of species to coexist, from native plants to others originating in Arctic or Mediterranean climates.

Please note that the Burren Park is a protected area, so please respect the flora and fauna, as well as the ancient monuments found there. For example, you can see Celtic crosses and megalithic tombs; if you don't know what they mean, don't worry, as the guide will give you a historical introduction.

As you head towards the Cliffs of Moher, you'll notice that you're leaving behind a big city like Dublin and entering a much more rustic and traditional part of Ireland.

To get closer to this world, I recommend visiting Doolin, a fishing village and home to Irish music. Some excursions include this stop on the day's itinerary.

And although discovering a city like Dublin is a great plan, my advice is always to get to know the more "authentic" side of a country, which is why I recommend going to Moher and then to Doolin. On the cliffs, you'll have time to hike along some of the trails and watch birds, while in Doolin you can stroll among the colourful houses with thatched roofs, so typical of the Irish countryside.

One of the things you absolutely must do in Doolin, and which will be great for relaxing after the cliff walk, is to go for a meal and a beer in a pub. This village is famous for its music, so if you're lucky, your meal will be accompanied by the songs of a local band.

If you're thinking of going to the Cliffs of Moher by train, you should know that there is no direct route, so you'll have to go to Limerick and then take a bus (or several) to get to the cliffs or get around the area. My advice is to save time (and money) by booking a tour that includes train tickets (with reserved seats) and a private bus to take you from one place to another.

Not only is it better value for money to go with a tour, but they also usually include a tour guide who will accompany you on the train journey and during the stop in Limerick. This city, located on the banks of the River Shannon, has a lot of history and is also very artistic.

Do you prefer to travel independently? In that case, you may not like the idea of a group excursion because you have to adjust to the schedule and departure times. However, you always have the option of booking a private tour, just for you.

The price is obviously a little higher, but your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Dublin and take you straight to the Cliffs of Moher, unless you want to make any stops along the way. In that case, just let them know and they will adapt the route to suit you. In total, you will have 12 hours to explore at your own pace.

Not sure where you want to stop? Don't worry, as you'll be travelling with a guide, they can advise you on where to stop. The best thing is that you don't have to worry about timetables or getting from one place to another, as the car will always be at your disposal, whether you want to spend two hours at the cliffs, as is usual, or extend your visit and go from Dublin to Galway, for example.

I'm not going to lie to you, the three hours between Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher can be long, especially if you want to make more than one stop along the way. If that's the case and you're worried that the lack of time will mean you have to rush through everything, I recommend signing up for a tour that lasts more than one day, so you don't feel like you're spending the whole day on the bus.

The big advantage is that once you've extended your stay, you'll have more time to visit the Cliffs of Moher, but also to see other places, such as the city of Cork (where you can shop at the local markets) and the Atlantic beaches.

The views from the Cliffs of Moher are quite impressive, but if you want to get a panoramic view of them and how they cut into the coastline, there's nothing like a boat trip. Some excursions from Dublin include this cruise option.

What is so special about seeing the cliffs from the water? Think about it: although from above you can see the birds that inhabit the area and the natural landscape they form, with the cruise you will be able to appreciate their immensity much better.

In total, there are about 8 kilometres of large, high rock walls with waves breaking against them. You can contemplate this spectacle from the immensity of the ocean. You won't regret it!

The boat usually leaves from the pier in Doolin, the nearest village to the cliffs. If you're lucky, you might have a dolphin as a travelling companion. In any case, there will be a guide on board explaining how they were formed and the value of the unspoilt landscape of Ireland's Atlantic coast.

Harry Potter fans may recognise one of the sea caves seen on the tour, as it is where scenes from the film The Half-Blood Prince were filmed.

The route from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher is neither direct nor the smoothest, so I recommend that your first option be to book a tour from Dublin. But if you still prefer to travel at your own pace and arrange everything yourself, here are some options to consider:

Public transport

Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. So if you decide to make the trip this way, you will have to make a few connections, the simplest being a transfer in Galway.

You will first need to take the X20 bus to Galway and then the 350 bus, which will drop you off at the entrance to the Cliffs of Moher. The journey will take around 5 hours, but bear in mind that there are not many buses per day, so it may take longer than estimated.

The total price for both journeys is around €30-€40, depending on the time of day you travel, but it may be a good option if you plan to spend the night in Galway and visit the city.

If you decide on this option, I recommend visiting the bus company's website to check timetables, organise your itinerary and avoid any surprises.

Car hire

Another good option if you want to visit the Cliffs of Moher on your own is to hire a car. If you're travelling from Dublin, it will take approximately 3 hours, not including any extra stops.

Hiring a car will not only allow you to do the route at your own pace, but also to explore the cliffs at your leisure without having to worry about the timetable of a tour.

However, if your idea is to do this in one day, it's not worth it. In that case, don't hesitate to book a trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin and forget about stories and unexpected events.

Also, remember that in Ireland they drive on the other side of the road, so the narrow, winding roads leading to the cliffs can be more complicated and therefore take longer to reach.

There are clearly many options for visiting the Cliffs of Moher and enjoying a day trip there. Whatever type of tour you choose, here are some tips to ensure that nothing spoils your experience. Take note!

• Bring a jacket or raincoat: the cliffs are hundreds of metres above the sea and right on the Atlantic coast, so it can be windy and cool. Always check the weather forecast before you go.
• Avoid going on windy days: the best season is spring or summer for this very reason; in the colder months, gusts of wind can come out of nowhere and be dangerous, so don't walk along the edge or be careless.
• Stay on the marked path: when you enter the cliffs, you can start the walk on the left or right. Whichever side you choose, follow the signs and do not cross the safety barriers.
• Don't forget to bring something to eat: restaurants in the area are generally expensive, so if you can, bring your own food.
• Visit the Visitor Centre: don't think that the cliffs are the only thing of interest and that once you've seen them you can leave. The Centre has some beautiful and very interesting photographs that help you understand how the landscape has changed over the years.
• Wear suitable footwear: remember that the paths are made of earth and stone, so wearing unsuitable shoes can make your trip dangerous.

Do you already know what you're going to see at the Cliffs of Moher? Make the most of your trip and come back with lots of adventures to tell.