The Cliffs of Moher are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Soaring 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs extend for 5 miles along Ireland’s rugged west coast. Many tourists choose to visit them on a day trip from Dublin.
The Cliffs of Moher are located in the Burren region of County Clare, approximately 165 miles southwest of Dublin.
There are several ways to get to the Cliffs of Moher from the capital city.
By Car
Renting a car is a popular way to get around when visiting Ireland, and it’s the method of transportation my family and I chose when we visited the Cliffs of Moher.
If you rent a car and opt to drive to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, the trip will take about 3 hours. The drive to the Cliffs of Moher entails winding and steep roads; if you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to bring Dramamine with you.
Most Irish rental cars have manual transmissions instead of automatic ones, so be sure you are comfortable driving a stick shift. Don’t forget that people drive on the left side of the road in Ireland, too!
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.
After getting off the highway, there are many short twists and turns you must take in order to reach the Cliffs of Moher, and the way is nearly impossible to navigate without a GPS. When renting a car in Dublin, be sure to also rent a GPS navigation system. This will make getting to the Cliffs of Moher a breeze!
By Bus
If you’re an experienced traveler and love scenic routes, adventure, and living like the locals, you might enjoy getting to the Cliffs of Moher by public transportation.
While it is possible to reach the Cliffs of Moher by bus, there are no direct routes that will take you there, and the trip could take up to 5 hours.
The best way to reach the Cliffs of Moher by bus is to take the 300 bus from Dublin City South/Burgh Quay to Dunnes/Friars Walk in Ennis, walk to the Ennis Bus Station, take the 350 bus to the Galway Bus Station, and get off at the County Clare/Cliffs Of Moher stop.
By Tour
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher on a tour is arguably the easiest way to reach the cliffs.
Full-day, round-trip tours from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher cost about $60. Featured on Viator, the Cliffs of Moher Fully Guided Day Trip From Dublin includes a 10-hour return bus coach to the cliffs, round-trip transportation from Dublin, two hours of free time to explore the cliffs, a stop in the village of Doolin, and admission to the Cliffs of Moher visitors center.
Want to visit more of Ireland’s attractions during your time in Dublin? Check out these eight fantastic day trips from Dublin.
