How to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin (tour or on your own)
👇 Here's what this guide includes:
In this guide you will discover how to visit them:
✅ With an organized excursion from Dublin.
✅ On your own, traveling by bus/train or renting a car.
✅ Suggestions for making the most of each location
☘️ Start preparing to enjoy Ireland's most visited tourist attraction. 🥾
Option 1: Visit the Cliffs with an organized excursion

It's a full-day tour that crosses the country from east to west, passing through several towns and cities along the way. Most agencies depart Dublin around 7 a.m. and return around 7 p.m. in the evening.
This is the most practical option if:
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You have little time and want to make the most of the day.
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You don't want to worry about driving, knowing which bus to take, or park entrances.
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You want to take advantage of sleeping during the trip
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You like to enjoy natural landscapes
🗺️ Usual agency route
The circuit has minor variations between agencies, but generally follows the following scheme:
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Departure from Dublin
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Stop at Barack Obama Service Station
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Free time at the Cliffs of Moher
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Free time in Galway City
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Return to Dublin
⚠️ Helpful tip
Please note that at the time of writing this article, much of the trail is closed for maintenance.
Several tragic accidents occurred in 2024—including the fatality of a 17-year-old boy—leading to the preventive closure of large sections of the trail. According to official information from the park, only 2 kilometers of the trail are currently open. (marked in green), while the rest (in red) remain closed.
Take it easy: the surroundings are spectacular. Take the opportunity to take photos, contemplate the landscape, read the signs news from the visitor center… and breathe fresh air without rushing. Authorities hope to reopen part of the trail during the peak season.

✅ Comparative table of agencies
Below is a summary of the companies that offer tours to the Cliffs of Moher. As you'll see, there are different prices and features, such as language. The reviews were taken from Getyourguide as of March 2025.
💡 Helpful tip
Looking for a light lunch option in the park? Try the soup of the day with soda bread offered at the visitor center restaurant.
Option 2: Go on your own
🧭 Plan your visit on your own
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🚍 How to get there by bus, train, or car
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From Dublin, take a bus or train to Galway from Heuston Station
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From Galway, use the bus 350 which goes directly to the Cliffs. The same applies to the return trip, as there is no direct Dublin-Cliffs route.
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🚗 Are you going by car?
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Ideal if you want to stop along the way: Limerick, Bunratty, Doolin or the Burren
🏨 Where to stay in Galway
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I leave you a map with a list of accommodations in Galway so you can rest, tour the city and continue the next day
🏨 Recommended accommodations in Galway
Use this interactive map to see hotels, hostels, and apartments near downtown Galway. Book with confidence and at the best price:
Galway is one of Ireland's most vibrant cities, known for its history, culture, and live music. Here are some of the best things to see and do on a short visit:
🏙️Shop Street – High Street – Quay Street
Galway's main street changes its name as it approaches the bay. Packed with shops and pubs, it's a meeting point for buskers and urban artists.
🏰 Galway Cathedral
A relatively new (1950s) but spectacularly decorated Catholic cathedral. Free admission.
🌾 Galway Farmers Market (Saturdays and Sundays)
Located in front of St. Nicholas Church, this market brings together artisans and street food stalls.
🌊 Galway Bay – Spanish Arch – Long Walk: Right where the River Corrib flows into Galway Bay, an ideal place to relax.
The Spanish Arch is the only remaining part of the city's medieval wall.
Long Walk is a bayfront street lined with colorful houses, perfect for photographs. For the best view, cross the river to the other side.
🏞️ Eyre Square
Galway Central Park, home to the flags of the "Clans of Galway," merchant families who controlled the city for over 400 years. There's also a sculpture of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde, two Irish writers with similar stories.
✨ Unmissable extras:
🍕 Best pizza: Dough Bros
🍟 The best French fries: Prataí
🍻 Where to go out at night? To the pub O'Connell's (my personal recommendation!) → View location on Google Maps
Recommendations for enjoying the Cliffs of Moher tour
You're all set to go... but how can you make your trip even better? Here are some practical tips that might come in handy. 👇
🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking a lot, so good shoes are key. They don't have to be hiking shoes.
🌦️ Bring a waterproof jacket
Even if you see sunshine, it can rain at any moment. A light jacket is always helpful.
🍀 Arrive early at the meeting point
From experience, I've seen many tourists miss their trip because they were 5 minutes late, and you don't want that to happen to you.
📱 Charge your phone well at night (and if possible, bring a power bank)
You'll be using it all the time: photos, maps, tickets, location, etc.
🍔 If you want to save money on your trip, bring your own lunch.
There are plenty of places to buy food along the way, and there's even a lovely restaurant upstairs in the park itself. However, for those looking to save money, a good suggestion is to go to the supermarket the day before to buy something for lunch the next day and spend the day there.
🎫 Buy tickets online in advance
During high season, all agencies are fully booked, so it's always a good idea to reserve your spot in advance.
🎒 Bring just the right amount
A lightweight backpack is more comfortable for walking and doesn't get in the way if you want to go into an enclosed space.
Whatever your travel plan, the important thing is not to miss this natural wonder. Book your tour or start planning your trip today!
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Was Harry Potter filmed at the Cliffs of Moher?
It's true, one of the scenes from one of the Harry Potter films was filmed at the Cliffs of Moher. I'll share the exact scene below:
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince NEW Clip: The Cave❓ Can you go up the O'Brien Tower?
Yes. You can climb it for a panoramic view from above. However, especially during peak season, there may be a lot of people trying to climb it, creating long lines as capacity is limited.
If that's the case, don't feel bad; you're not missing anything important. The views are blocked by the tower's concrete blocks, so the viewing isn't 100% panoramic. Keep going!❓ How long does it take to complete the circuit?
Currently (as of March 2025), with current restrictions, the right-hand loop should take you around 20 minutes round trip, and the left-hand loop another 20 minutes round trip.
❓ Where are the bathrooms?
There are two restrooms in the Visitor Center: one on the ground floor and one upstairs.
There's also a third unisex restroom near the park entrance. Keep this in mind in case there's a long line at the building's restrooms.❓ What happens if I miss the bus or want to stay longer?
In these cases, you must return from the park using public transport: bus line No. 350 runs every two hours to Galway.
Then, from there, you coordinate with the agency to return with the group to Dublin, or take another bus or train back on your own.❓ Can I visit the park on my own?
Yes! You can visit by car or take bus number 350. Adult admission is €8.
❓ Why is part of the route closed?
Unfortunately, several people fell off the cliff in 2024. Park officials decided to close part of the trail, deeming it unsafe, and begin work to extend the protective perimeter fence.

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Leandro Velasques
Founder of Holairlanda.com
Passionate about Ireland, I travel, take photos, and share everything on Holairlanda.com
📌 Lives in Dublin
💻 Amateur web designer