Dublin Ticket

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.

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

-

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.