Galway to Cliffs of Moher

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Cliffs of Moher overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare, Ireland.
























































The Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically from the Atlantic, offering sweeping views of ocean waves and seabirds. Tours from Galway make visiting simple, with half or full-day options, comfortable transfers, and chances to explore cliff trails and nearby traditional villages.

Overview:

  • Duration: Half-day (approx. 5-5.5 hours) or full-day tours (8-10 hours) depending on itinerary.
  • Cost range: €45–€120 depending on inclusions, group size, and boat or Aran Islands add-ons.
  • Best season: Spring to early autumn for clear views and puffin season (May to June).
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Pickup from Central Galway or Hyde Hotel.
  • Key attractions covered: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Dunguaire Castle, Burren National Park, Doolin, Aillwee Cave, Aran Islands, Connemara scenic drive.

What to expect on a Galway to Cliffs of Moher day-trip?

Passengers enjoying views of Salzburg from an AC coach, Austria.
Doolin village road with houses and green fields in County Clare, Ireland.
Tourists viewing the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland.
tourists observing O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, under a blue sky.
Rugged stone cliffs and turquoise waters of Aran Island, Ireland.
Traveler enjoying scenic view from AC coach, Hallstatt.
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Beginning of the journey

Start from Galway city centre or Hyde Hotel, usually around 9am for half-day or full-day tours. Board a modern, air-conditioned coach or mini-coach with reserved seating. Relax while your driver navigates the 1 hour 40-minute scenic drive through rolling countryside, limestone fields, and coastal villages.

Tour highlights

During the ride, enjoy live commentary on full-day tours about Ireland’s west coast landscapes, history, and folklore. Many tours include a quick photo stop in the Burren or Doolin before reaching the cliffs. Half-day trips travel directly with minimal stops to maximize cliff time.

Arrival details

Tickets to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre are included. Guides on full-day tours offer orientation and advice on trails, while half-day travelers can explore independently. Some tours include a short guided walk or local storytelling session near O’Brien’s Tower.

On-site activities

Spend 2 hours (half-day) or 1.5–2 hours (full-day) at the cliffs walking along marked paths, visiting the Visitor Centre exhibits, and climbing O’Brien’s Tower for panoramic views. Capture An Branán Mór Sea Stack rising from the Atlantic and, in May–June, enjoy puffin spotting.

Upgrades available

Enhance your trip with small-group upgrades (max. 25 guests), ferry crossings to Inisheer or Aran Islands, a Cliffs of Moher boat cruise, or a scenic drive through Connemara and the Burren. Lunch stops in Doolin or hotel pick-ups are included in some full-day tours.

Back to home

Tours usually return to their base by around 5pm (on half-day tours) or 7-8pm (on full-day tours). Expect short comfort stops along the way, and enjoy Wi-Fi and refreshments onboard.

Things to know before booking your Cliffs of Moher day tour from Galway

  • Book early in peak season: Tours tend to sell out quickly, especially from May to June when puffins return to nest.
  • Half-day vs full-day options: Half-day tours focus mainly on the Cliffs, while full-day trips include villages, Aillwee caves, Aran Islands, or Connemara.
  • Duration and timings: Half-day tours usually last around five to five and a half hours, while full-day tours run eight to ten hours including stops.
  • Transport options: All tours provide air-conditioned coach or luxury mini-coach transfers, and some tours even offer convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off.
  • Add-on options: Enhancements like small-group tours, ferry trips to the Aran Islands, boat cruises beneath the cliffs, or scenic drives can enrich your day.
  • Why guided tours are better: Guided tours provide direct transport, pre-booked tickets, and knowledgeable local guides who share stories you would otherwise miss.
  • Cancellation policy: Most tours allow cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility and a full refund if plans change unexpectedly.

Your Cliffs of Moher tours from Galway explained

Ticket typeDurationInclusionsTransportGroup sizeBest suited forUpgrades available
Cliffs of Moher Half-Day Tour

5 hr 15 min

Entry to Cliffs Visitor Centre, 2 hours at the cliffs

AC coach

Standard coach

Time-savvy explorers wanting an independent Cliffs of Moher experience

-

Cliffs, Aran Island, Connemara

9 hr

Full-day tour, Cliffs cruise, Aran Islands ferry, Inisheer walking tour, Burren & Connemara drive, live commentary

Luxury midi-coach

Small-group max 25

Travelers wanting west coast highlights, Aran Islands, Burren, and Connemara

-

Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands

9 - 10 hr

Entry to Cliffs Visitor Centre, Burren visit, Doolin stop, Aillwee Cave (optional), live commentary

AC coach

Standard coach

Travelers wanting Cliffs, Burren landscapes, and Aran Islands

Inisheer walking tour, South Connemara scenic drive, Small-group tour of max. 25 guests, Luxury midi-coac, Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Aillwee Cave, Dunguaire Castle

8 hr

Round-trip AC coach from Galway, entry to Cliffs Visitor Centre, Burren visit, Dunguaire Castle, optional Aillwee Cave visit, optional guided walk in Galway, live commentary

AC coach

Standard coach

Travelers interested in castles, caves, and coastal scenery

-

Highlights of the Cliffs of Moher

Tourists enjoying the view at Cliffs of Moher, Ireland.
O'Brien's Tower overlooking the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, with visitors nearby.
tourist at information desk
Cliffs of Moher sea stack with a seagull flying above the ocean in Ireland.
Aerial view of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, with ocean and green landscape.
Fulmar flying over the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland.
People walking and relaxing on Kilmurvey Beach, Aran Islands, Ireland, with stone houses in the background.
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Cliffside trails

Walk along coastal paths that stretch over 8 kilometers, with the Atlantic crashing below. Seabirds circle overhead, waves break on rocks, and the rugged cliffs reveal Ireland’s dramatic coastline.

O’Brien’s Tower

This stone tower, built in 1835, sits at the cliffs’ highest point. Climb to the top for views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and endless Atlantic horizons.

Visitor Centre

A modern turf-roofed building nestled into the hillside offers interactive exhibits about geology and wildlife. Stop for a warm drink at the café while enjoying cliffside scenery.

An Branán Mór Sea Stack

A 67-meter rock pillar rises from the Atlantic, surrounded by waves. Its steep sides host nesting seabirds in summer, creating a striking sight for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Atlantic Ocean sights

Step close to the cliff edges and watch the Atlantic stretch to the horizon. Sunlight, mist, and tides constantly change the colors and moods of the ocean view.

Watching Puffin (during the season)

From May to June, colorful puffins nest on rocky ledges below the main viewing area. Binoculars help spot their playful movements and distinctive markings in their natural habitat.

Aran Islands

A short ferry ride leads to rugged islands where traditional stone walls, sandy beaches, and walking trails reveal authentic Irish life and the beauty of the Atlantic coast.

Dunguaire Castle in Ireland with visitors exploring the grounds.

Dunguaire Castle

A 16th-century tower house on Galway Bay, rich in history, legends, and picturesque surroundings perfect for photos.

  • Sights covered: Tower house, courtyard, bay views
  • Time required: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Included: Available on full-day guided tours from Galway
Doolin Village landscape with colorful houses and green fields in County Clare, Ireland.

Doolin

A colorful coastal village with cobblestone streets, traditional music, local shops, and friendly cafés along the Atlantic.

  • Sights covered: Village streets, cottages, pubs, local music
  • Time required: 30 to 60 minutes
  • Included: Included in most full-day tours from Galway
Inisheer Island beach with stone walls and castle ruins, Ireland.

Inisheer

The smallest Aran Island, featuring stone forts, walking trails, and traditional Irish culture with spectacular Atlantic views.

  • Sights covered: Forts, beaches, trails, island landscapes
  • Time required: 1-2 hours
  • Included: Included in Aran Islands full-day tour from Galway
Aillwee Cave tunnel with illuminated rock walls in County Clare, Ireland.

Aillwee Cave

Explore one of Ireland’s oldest caves, with waterfalls, stalactites, and unique underground formations for adventurous visitors.

  • Sights covered: Limestone chambers, waterfall, cave formations
  • Time required: 45 minutes
  • Included: A stop in one of the full-day tours from Galway
Fishing boats docked at Rossaveal harbor in Ireland.

Rossaveal

A quiet coastal village serving as the ferry gateway to the Aran Islands, with sweeping Atlantic and harbor views.

  • Sights covered: Ferry port, coastline, harbor vistas
  • Time required: 15–20 minutes
  • Included: Stop included in Aran Islands tours from Galway
Connemara National Park landscape with mountains, lush greenery, and a winding path.

Connemara

Rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and rugged landscapes, showing Ireland’s most picturesque west coast scenery along winding country roads.

  • Sights covered: Hills, lakes, traditional villages, coastal scenery
  • Time required: 1-2 hours
  • Included: Part of select small-group full-day tours from Galway

What your day looks like from Galway to Cliffs of Moher

Dunguaire Castle in Ireland with visitors walking towards the entrance.
  • Depart from Galway city or your hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned bus or minibus at the scheduled time.
  • First stop at Dunguaire Castle for a short 15-minute visit to admire the castle exterior and coastal views.
  • Continue by bus past Kinvara and the Burren National Park, enjoying rolling limestone landscapes along the way.
  • On tours including Aillwee Cave, spend 30 minutes exploring the cave chambers, stalactites, waterfalls, and ancient formations.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, with rugged cliffs and ocean view.
  • Arrive at the Cliffs of Moher and spend around 90 minutes walking trails, viewpoints, and the Visitor Centre.
  • Take photos of the Atlantic Ocean, An Branán Mór Sea Stack, and watch seabirds soaring over the cliffs.
  • Optional stops in Doolin for lunch or a short stroll give a taste of traditional village charm.
  • Full-day tours may include a short cruise beneath the cliffs, offering dramatic sea-level views for 30-45 minutes.
Tourist walking a stone path on Inishmore, Aran Islands, with ocean view.
  • On selected tours, visit Inisheer on the Aran Islands with walking trails, O’Brien’s Castle, and scenic coastal sights.
  • Scenic drives through Connemara showcase bogs, hills, and lakes, with free time for photos or short walks.
  • Some itineraries include Rossaveal, providing a glimpse of rural coastal villages before returning to Galway.
Colorful street in Galway City with people walking and Irish flags hanging above.
  • Return to your original start point in Galway city or hotel, with short rest stops along the route.
  • Half-day tours typically finish around 2–2.5 pm, while full-day tours conclude by 5–6 pm depending on included stops.
  • Comfortable shoes, a camera, and light snacks are recommended to fully enjoy the day along Ireland’s west coast.
Galway to the cliffs made easy

Your day is perfectly planned. Scenic drives, panoramic cliff views, and insider tips let you fully enjoy Galway and the Atlantic coastline.

Plan your visit to Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

Hiker walking along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland with ocean view.
  • Duration: Half-day tours last around 5 to 5.5 hours, while full-day tours run between 8 and 10 hours.
  • Typical start times: Half-day tours generally depart around 9am, and full-day tours leave between 8:30 and 9am, often with hotel pick-up.
  • Best slot to avoid crowds: Early departures give quieter walking paths and better visibility for photographs along the cliffs.
  • Seasonal highlights: Puffins nest on cliff ledges from May to June, though weather can affect both wildlife viewing and scenic visibility.
  • Address: Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland.
  • By Coach or Minibus: All guided tours from Galway include round-trip transfers with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
  • By Car: Self-driving takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes each way. Parking is available near the Visitor Centre.
  • Boat Option: Some tours offer optional cliff cruises from Doolin or a ferry trip to Inisheer for a different perspective.
Visitors walking along the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, with ocean views.
  • Visitor Centre: The modern centre includes clean toilets, a café with light refreshments, and a gift shop selling local crafts.
  • Viewing platforms: The main platforms are accessible, but outer cliff paths are uneven and partially steep, limiting mobility access.
  • Guide dogs: Registered assistance dogs are welcome for visitors with visual impairments or other certified needs.
  • Onboard amenities: Selected tours provide reserved seating and commentary during the journey to make your travel comfortable and informative.
Service dog on a leash standing on a paved path in a park.
  • Safety: Stay behind marked barriers at all times and stick to designated paths to ensure your safety and protect the environment.
  • Pets: Only certified guide dogs are allowed; all other pets are prohibited.
  • Luggage: Large bags or suitcases are generally not permitted on tours.
  • Conduct: Alcohol, drugs, and intoxication are strictly prohibited throughout the experience.
Visitors sitting near the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, overlooking the ocean.
  • Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water will make your visit more enjoyable.
  • Tickets: Keep your mobile ticket ready for entry at the Visitor Centre or included stops.
  • Extras: Binoculars and a camera are recommended for puffin and cliff viewing. Snacks or lunch can be brought, though many tours include stops in Doolin or nearby cafés.

Visitor tips

  • Early ferry timing: If taking an Aran Islands ferry, take the earliest crossing to avoid cancellations and maximise island walking time.
  • Mobility ask: If mobility is limited, contact the Visitor Centre in advance and request guidance to the easiest accessible viewpoints.
  • Seat selection: Choose a window seat on the coach’s left side for best coastal views traveling from Galway to the cliffs.
  • Layer smartly: Pack a thin windproof layer in a daypack, as Galway weather shifts quickly between sun, mist, and strong wind.
  • Camera prep: Bring charged spare batteries and a waterproof phone pouch to protect gear from sea spray and changeable weather.
  • Local cash: Carry small euro notes for village cafés, parking fees, and small craft purchases, especially in Doolin and Kinvara.
  • Puffin windows: Plan tours in May or early June and ask guides to point out lesser-known viewing ledges for puffin spotting.
  • Quiet paths: Walk slightly beyond the main viewing platforms to find quieter stretches and unique photography angles away from crowds.
  • Food timings: Eat a late breakfast before departure to avoid long lunch queues in Doolin during peak season and boat times.

Frequently Asked Questions about Galway to Cliffs of Moher

How far are the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?

The cliffs sit about 75 kilometers from Galway, taking roughly 1 hour 40 minutes each way by road.

Can I visit the Burren on this route?

Many full-day tours include a scenic drive through the Burren’s limestone landscape, featuring stops for photos and short walks.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Typically not. Most tours pause in Doolin for independent dining at local cafés or pubs with ocean views.

Are boat cruises available from Galway tours?

Some longer day tours include an optional Doolin boat cruise beneath the cliffs for a unique coastal perspective.

Are drone cameras allowed at the Cliffs of Moher?

Drones require prior permission from site management. Recreational drone use near cliff edges is generally prohibited for safety reasons.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, families are welcome. Children under five often receive discounted tickets, though supervision is required on cliff paths.

How much walking is involved?

Expect 30-60 minutes of light walking at the cliffs and Visitor Centre, depending on weather and chosen viewpoint paths.

What kind of commentary do guides provide?

Guides share local legends, geology facts, and cultural stories about Burren villages, puffins, and coastal history throughout the drive.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, you can carry snacks or packed meals. Some tours also allow eating onboard during longer transfers.