The Cliffs of Moher had been on my must-see list for a long time, and when I finally got there, it was even more breathtaking than I imagined.

I arrived on a rare sunny day, with clear blue skies stretching over the Atlantic. Which is very rare in Ireland in May.

We spent the weekend in Galway to explore the Aran Islands and downtown. So, we decided to choose a tour from there to see the Cliffs of Moher.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Cliffs of Moher

I knew the Cliffs of Moher were big, but standing at the edge and looking down at the waves pounding the rocks below? That’s a whole different feeling.

The cliffs stretch for miles, with sharp edges shaped by centuries of wind and water.

How to Get to the Cliffs of Moher

• By car: You can rent a car from Galway, which takes about 90 minutes. The roads were easy to navigate, and there was a big parking lot at the visitor center.
• By bus or tour: If you don’t want to drive, like me, there are plenty of day tours from Galway, Limerick, and even Dublin. We took a tour from Galway.

The Cliffs of Moher From Galway

We did not choose to rent a car in Ireland and instead took day tours throughout our trip!

Earlier in our trip, we also took a tour from Dublin to hike Poulanass Waterfall in Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Setting Off from Galway

Our day began in the heart of Galway City, where we boarded a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

Our guide, a local with a wealth of knowledge and a flair for storytelling, set the tone for the day with tales of the region’s history and folklore.​

First Stop: Dunguaire Castle

Our first stop was at Dunguaire Castle, a picturesque 16th-century tower house near Kinvara.

This brief stop allowed us to capture photos of the castle’s striking silhouette against the serene backdrop of Galway Bay.

It’s easy to see why this spot is among the most photographed castles in Ireland.

Traversing The Burren

Continuing our journey, we ventured into The Burren, a stunning landscape in County Clare in the southwest of Ireland.

We loved sitting here and enjoying the sea breeze for a few minutes before boarding the bus and continuing on.

Coastal Views and Doolin Village

As we followed the Wild Atlantic Way, we were treated to panoramic views of the Aran Islands and the rugged coastline.

We visited the Aran Islands during our trip to Ireland—I’ll have a guide on that soon!

We made a photo stop at Doolin Pier, where we felt the sea breeze and the sight of waves crashing against the shore right in front of us!

We also loved admiring the llamas, which we saw along the roads and at several stops.

The Majestic Cliffs of Moher

The highlight of our tour was the visit to the Cliffs of Moher. We had plenty of time—approximately two hours—to explore this entire area.

Walking Along the Cliffs

After getting off the bus, we started walking and exploring.

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is stunning, but parts of the trail can be muddy and uneven. We got lucky, it was dry and sunny!

If you’re up for a longer hike, you can walk all the way to Hag’s Head, where there are fewer crowds and even more incredible views.

I saw a lot of people ignoring the safety barriers for that “perfect shot,” but trust me—these cliffs are no joke.

After walking around for an hour, we made our way to the visitor’s center where we shopped a bit before boarding the bus.

Return to Galway

The journey back to Galway was relaxed, with our guide sharing more stories and answering questions. We returned to the city with a camera full of photos and hearts full of memories.

The Cliffs of Moher Experience

The tour gave us about two hours at the Cliffs of Moher, which was the perfect amount of time to explore the main viewing points, walk along the trails, and check out the visitor center.

With the entrance fee already covered by the tour, we didn’t have to worry about extra costs.

The best part? No need to drive those narrow, winding roads! Instead, we got to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Irish countryside.

After our tour, we got ready for a dinner of a lifetime in Galway, Anair! Why Aniar Is the Best Michelin Star Restaurant in Ireland

Would I Recommend This Tour?

Absolutely! If you’re staying in Galway and want an easy, well-organized way to see the Cliffs of Moher without renting a car, this tour is a fantastic option.

Plus, you get to see extra stops along the way that make the day even more memorable.

You can book this tour here!

The Best Time to Visit

I was lucky with the weather, like beyond lucky!

But Ireland is, well, Ireland—meaning it could be sunny one minute and pouring rain the next.

If you can, aim for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds!

What to Bring

• Layers. Even on a warm day, the wind can be chilly.
• Good walking shoes. Some of the trails are uneven and can get slippery.
• A camera. But trust me, no photo does it justice.
• Water. You will be doing a lot of walking, make sure to stay hydrated.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Without a doubt. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited.

Pictures and travel guides don’t fully capture how powerful it feels to stand there, with the wind whipping around you and the ocean stretching endlessly ahead. If you’re visiting Ireland, don’t skip this.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

Make sure to also visit the Guinness Storehouse in the Heart of Ireland in Dublin!

Dine at Aniar, the Best Michelin Star Restaurant in Ireland!

For another adventure, Hike To Poulanass Waterfall in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains National Park!

We also explored France & Switzerland in Europe! Make sure to read all of my Europe Travel Destinations!