Visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin
Dublin is, without a doubt, a magnificent city for a weekend getaway. A city that knows how to have fun!
After savoring a pint in as many pubs as you can (there are over a thousand!) and once you’ve delved into the poetry of Yeats and Heaney, why not set your sights on other areas of the beautiful Emerald Isle?
An infallible way to relax after hours of work in Dublin is to hop in your rental car and head towards the Cliffs of Moher. These steep cliffs are considered a key stop on the Wild Atlantic Way and are home to countless legends due to their inexhaustible beauty and unique biodiversity. They even became part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in 2015! It won’t take long for you to see why.
Where exactly are the Cliffs of Moher?
Feeling a bit lost in Irish geography? This 13 km stretch of cliffs is located in County Clare, on the western coast of the country, and slightly south of Galway.
The Cliffs of Moher begin on the outskirts of the village of Doolin and extend south to Hag’s Head. Like many places in Ireland, a legend surrounds the “witch’s head”: it is named after a sea witch who met her end by falling from the cliffs while chasing a handsome hero she had fallen madly in love with.
But this is not the only legend surrounding the cliffs. Observing the imposing views of the Atlantic and the steep drop of the cliffs into the cold and turbulent waters, it’s easy to understand why.
As impressive as it is unsettling!
What to see and do at the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are a true treasure for outdoor activities, and it’s no wonder they’ve been a magnet for visitors for centuries. Whatever your level of physical fitness or interests, these impressive cliffs are the perfect place to explore if:
You are a birdwatching enthusiast
This corner of Ireland is a true paradise for all kinds of bird species. So much so, that the cliffs are classified as a special protection area.
If you decide to visit the Cliffs of Moher between May and September, remember to bring your binoculars and keep your eyes open to admire the nests of seabirds like the kittiwake, fulmar, razorbill, or guillemot. This place is also home to the largest mainland colony of puffins. Try to spot the bright orange of their beaks and feet as they emerge from the water to return to their nests!
Hiking is your life
If so, you’re in luck!
The Cliffs of Moher will seem like a true goldmine if you enjoy coastal walks with tenacious but refreshing winds. To enjoy a full day of hiking, challenge yourself with the Cliffs of Moher hiking trail, which starts from Doolin and skirts the cliffs for almost 18 km to Liscannor.
If you’re not quite up for that level, but still enjoy a bit of a challenge, the shorter Doolin Cliff Walk (two hours each way) is a perfect alternative for any time of year. It also starts from Doolin and will take you through pristine rural landscapes and the cliff path to the visitor center. You can even explore the route with a guided walking tour led by a local from County Clare! Fun people!
You’re looking for the perfect place to propose to your significant other
Looking for the perfect way to propose? There are few places as well-suited as these stunning cliffs! If you plan your visit on a clear day (or at least without rain!), you’ll find countless unique spots along the coastal path.
Okay, you’ve managed to get an engagement ring without going bankrupt and made it to Ireland… how do you plan to do it?
We’ve got you covered! The area around O’Brien’s Tower (a 19th-century tower that looks like it belongs to a castle) is a safe bet. For an even more memorable experience, you can wait until sunset to enjoy spectacular — and uninterrupted — views of the sun dipping into the sea beyond the horizon. That certainly beats getting down on one knee in a crowded restaurant!
You’re a fan of Harry Potter
Who isn’t? So you’ve watched the movie series several times and can’t seem to get enough of the wonderful world of magic! We get it, we can’t either!
That’s why we know you’ll love discovering the connection between the Cliffs of Moher and Harry Potter.
The rugged peaks and expressive skyline played a prominent role in the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Are you racking your brain trying to remember the exact moment they appear in the film? Think back to the scene where Harry and Dumbledore appear in a cave to destroy one of Lord Voldemort’s seven horcruxes. In the background, you can identify the steep rock walls of the cliffs.
Yes, that’s it!
The Cliffs of Moher have also had their moment in other movies and TV series… from the romantic comedy Leap Year to the cult classic The Princess Bride! These cliffs are quite the celebrity!
Would you like to continue discovering the Emerald Isle? Check out our guide to historical sites in Cork or dare to cross the border into Northern Ireland for an epic tour of the country’s best Game of Thrones locations.
