There's 3 ways to see the Cliffs of Moher. I tried them all.
The Cliffs of Moher are a 9 mile long wall of limestone that drop at ninety degrees into the churning Atlantic beneath them. There's no gradual decline here, just sheer flat faces as far as the eye can see. That's what makes these cliffs the most famous in Ireland.
There's 3 ways to see them. By boat, by walking tour, and the official Cliffs visitor centre. I’ve done them all, so you don’t have to guess which one is worth your time. Here's my thoughts on each method and which is best for you.
1. The Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Best for up-close views
Cliff of Moher from the boat
This a one-hour boat tour that goes so close to the bottom of the cliffs that you might crane your neck as you look up at cliff walls.
I got a gorgeous video of the birds soaring around the sea stacks in front of the cliffs here. When I posted that video, the likes were pinging like a Las Vegas slot machine.
I went on a calm day and the boat was stable. There's upstairs open air decking and indoor seats below. Get there early. A line forms early for the boat and the first ones on board get the best seat.
Sit on the right side of the boat. While the outbound journey stays further out, the return leg sails much closer to the cliff face. Let the crowd on the left burn their battery on distant photos, just enjoy the ride and wait for the turn. By the time the boat heads home, you’ll have the prime seat.
You can take the boat to Inis Oírr and return via the Cliffs of Moher. That's what I did. I actually stood near the bow and got even closer views, but I had been swimming on Inis Oírr, was late getting back to the boat & couldn't get a seat because it was so busy😄
The boat option is best for
- Close up views of the cliffs and birds
- Seeing all of the cliffs & not just one section
- Enjoying a cruise and views from the water
🎟️ Book your Cliffs Cruise ahead of time. It's very popular.
2.Cliffs of Moher Hiking Tour From Doolin
Best for a unique view with zero crowds
Video from the farmer's field
You can do a small group guided hike 5 miles from Doolin along the cliffs path to a local farmer's field which is not open to the public, and there, you get the most amazing photos of the Cliffs of Moher that no one else gets.
It's called a hike, but it's a walk done at a very gentle pace. We had all ages and sizes comfortably do this walk.
Only 1% of visitors see the cliffs this way, so if you like off the beaten track, this is literally it. I don't think we saw 10 other people on our walk!
I was traveling solo and really enjoyed the chats during the walk. The guide was funny, local and made such a difference to the experience.
It feels like a more natural way to see the cliffs here because there are no barriers, unlike at the Visitor Centre, this is what it used to be like before the crowds came. The views were just absolutely spectacular, we passed waves, castles, cows, horses.
The grand finale was worth any sweat, we got exclusive entrance to a farmer's field that was so close to the cliffs. It was honestly a privilege to see them from such a quiet place.
A mini bus brought us back to Doolin after the walk and on this hot day, the tour company was waiting with water and ice cream for us!
The Walk option is best for
- Getting away from the crowds
- Getting photos that no one else has
- Meeting other people & chatting with a local
- Seeing nature, the horses were beautiful.
- This guided walk has over 350 reviews 5-star reviews
3.The Official Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
This is where the crowds go. You can see the Cliffs from above here and they are beautiful from here but just go either early in the morning or later in the day. There's a big car park there for a reason, it gets extremely crowded and you'll end up with more people than cliffs in your photos!
I went at 8pm on a May evening, which was just approaching golden hour. It wasn't too busy then and I was able to enjoy the cliffs without worrying about the crowds.
It nearly feels sanitized here now. I remember going years ago when there were no barriers, the cliffs were open, not behind stone, but some tragic accidents changed that.
This is a comfortable way to see the Cliffs, the paths are paved, there's signs at the lookouts, there's a cafe, toilets and an exhibition about the cliffs, plus the obligatory gift shop.
This lacks the "wild" factor of the other two options. It was my least favorite of the three, but the scale of the cliffs remains stunning regardless of where you stand.
Book online. It's cheaper than when you show up. Go early or late to avoid the crowds. Walk along the full length of path, that's where the best photos are
The Visitors Centre is best for
- Great views from above
- A comfortable experience
- Sunset
🎟️ Book ahead for lower prices
Three Options, Your Call
There's your three ways to see the Cliffs of Moher. There's no wrong way, you can even do all three ways in one day.
Cliffs of Moher Day Trips From Galway & Dublin
You can also do day trips to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, while you can do a day trip from Galway to the Cliffs & Aran Islands.
Where to Stay Near the Cliffs of Moher
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I actually need a ticket to see the Cliffs?
Technically, no. The cliffs are a natural landscape, not a theme park. If you arrive on foot, by bike, or via a local bus, you don't need a ticket. You only pay if you use the official Visitor Centre car park or want to enter the Centre itself.
Is it worth doing a day trip from Galway?
Yes. It's not far from Galway and you can focus on seeing, not driving. The day tour from Galway is rated 4.8 from 25,000 reviews. People love it.
Is it worth doing a day trip to the Cliffs from Dublin?
It's a long day trip from Dublin, but it won't feel like it because you'll see Galway, the Burren and the Cliffs. You'll probably sleep on the drive home because you'll be worn out, in a good way. Book ahead, it's extremely popular.
What is the best way to avoid the crowds?
Do the hike that I did. Or get to the visitors centre either early or late. If you can only get there at peak time, walk. The further you go from the Visitor Centre, the less people. I prefer the walk to the right. I get good photos up there.
Are the trails closed?
The most FAQ! There are small portions currently closed but that only impacts people who had planned from hiking up from Doolin. So 99% of you wouldn't even know there's anything closed.
Can I see puffins?
Yes, but you need to be there in the season (usually May to July). Don't expect to see them right at your feet; they nest on the sea stacks below. If birdwatching is your goal, bring binoculars. We saw one on our hike.
Is it safe to bring kids?
The official Visitor Centre area is very safe with paved paths and protective barriers. However, if you are hiking the wilder coastal paths, keep children well away from the edge. The wind can be sudden and powerful.
Your kids will love this place that is very close https://www.moherfarm.com
Read Next
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Cliffs of Moher Gallery
