Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction | Cliffs of Moher (2024)

FAQs

Why are tourists attracted to the Cliffs of Moher? ›

Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit. The Cliffs of Moher, the most famous cliffs in Ireland, will leave you awestruck, creating memories that will stay with you forever.

The Cliffs of Moher is in a Special Protection Area for Birds and Wildlife. The magnificent Cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way host major colonies of nesting sea birds and are one of the country's most important bird-breeding sites.

The Cliffs of Moher Experience is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland attracting 1.6m visitors in 2019.

Pack warm clothing and a rain jacket. Be prepared for wild weather mood swings. One minute might be rainy, and the next one might be sunny. Even if you check the forecast for a general idea of the day, no one ever really knows what the weather around the Cliffs will be like.

The name Moher comes from Gaelic (like everything else in Ireland). It means “ruined fort” . The Cliffs of Moher actually means the cliffs of the ruined fort.

Visit outside of peak times – which are between 11am and 4pm – for a more pleasant and peaceful experience.

This is a stunningly beautiful trail of medium to high difficulty that is suitable for a wide range of people and is a great way of spending a morning. A distance of eight kilometres – or five miles – it takes about two hours each way to complete.

The closest settlements are the villages of Liscannor 6 km (4 miles) to the south, and Doolin 7 km (4 miles) to the north. From the cliffs, and from atop the tower, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north in County Galway, and Loop Head to the south.

Technically, you don't have to pay to see the cliffs as they are part of the natural landscape. However, there is a fee for the Cliffs of Moher visitor experience. So that is to say that yes, you'll have to pay. In fact, if you're driving, the car parking fee is inclusive of admission.

'On a clear day you can see North America'.

What to wear to Cliffs of Moher? ›

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal walk is a 20km cliff edge trail spoiling walkers with views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, Doolin and the roaring Atlantic.

Sunrise and sunset visits are incredibly special and memorable. If you do not to make an online booking, you will be subject to the full gate rate admission charge. Book online for best rates! *Children under 12 are FREE when accompanied by a parent/guardian to a maximum of 4.

The Cliffs of Moher's elemental beauty has captivated visitors since the 19th century, making them one of Ireland's first 'tourist attractions'.

Visiting the Cliffs with Children

At the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, there are protective walls around the official walking route, as well as plenty of signs warning of the dangers of getting too close to the edge.

According to folklore, the cliffs are said to be home to otherworldly beings and mystical creatures. These captivating myths and legends add an extra layer of enchantment to the already awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, captivating the imagination and leaving visitors with a sense of wonder and mystery.

From the cliffs, and from atop the tower, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north in County Galway, and Loop Head to the south. The cliffs rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland, with around 1.5 million visits per year.