Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year.

Standing 214m (702 feet) at their highest point they stretch for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. From the Cliffs of Moher on a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara, Loop Head to the south and the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry.

O Brien's Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years.

There are over 600 meters of pathways and viewing platforms along the cliff edge that allow the visitor to enjoy a spectacular and healthy cliff walk. The amazing views of the Cliffs, the famous Aran Islands, Kerry mountains, Galway Bay, O’Briens Tower and the thousands of seabirds make the Cliffs a magical place.

If you are lucky on your stroll you will hear and see the Cliffs Buskers playing traditional Irish music along the Cliff pathways. Talking telescopes are dotted along the paths as you go.

If you are a serious walker or hiker there is the 20 kilometer Cliffs Coastal Trail that can be accessed from the Cliffs, the walk to or from Doolin to the Cliffs will take approximately 2.5 hours (8 kilometers). Starting at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre a round trip to Hag’s Head (12 kilometers) will take approximately 3hours. It takes approximately 3 hours (12 kilometers) to walk to or from Liscannor Village. 

There is a Cliffs of Moher Walk Shuttle that operates between Doolin and Liscannor Walk carpark. The shuttle operates a pick up only at the Cliffs of Moher see www.cliffsofmoherwalk.ie or details.

Walkers should come prepared with sensible walking shoes or hiking boots, water and a rain jacket.  Snacks and picnics are available from the cafes in the Visitor Centre. It is not advisable to walk in windy or poor weather conditions.

There is plenty to do at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in County Clare and preparing for your visit will help you to get the most from it.

How long you spend here will depend on how many of the different things you wish to do. Weather and the number of other visitors onsite will also have an impact. Remember this is one of the busiest visitor attractions on the island of Ireland.

The busiest months are July &August and the busiest time of day is between 11.30am and 3pm.

Weekend days are often busier than weekdays except during the school holidays. However, with long opening hours in the summer months and year round operation (closing only on 24th 25th & 26th December) it is possible to visit the Cliffs of Moher when it is not so busy at any time of the year.

Opening Hours

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is open on a year round basis. The visitor centre building is closed on 24th, 25th & 26th December only.

The centre opens at 9am all year round. Closing time extends throughout the season.

Opening Hours 2015 Season

• January: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
• February: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
• March: 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (6.30pm Weekends & Bank Holidays)
• April: 9.00 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (7.00pm Weekends & Bank Holidays)
• May: 9.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. (7.30pm Weekends & Bank Holidays)
• June: 9.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. (8.00pm Weekends & Bank Holidays)
• July: 9.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
• August: 9.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
• September: 9.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. (7.30pm Weekends & Bank Holidays)
• October: 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (6.30pm Weekends & Bank Holidays)
• November: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
• December: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

To visit the Cliffs Exhibition please allow at least 20 minutes prior to closing time.

O’Brien’s Tower is open daily but hours will vary according to the time of year. Please check with staff onsite for today’s opening hours. The tower may be closed due to weather or operational constraints.

The hours for opening for the gift shop, Puffins Nest café and craftworker units hours of operation may vary from that of the visitor centre overall. Please check with staff onsite for today’s opening hours. The Cliffs View Café provides service up to 15 minutes prior to closing time.

From time to time it is necessary to close the visitor centre due to extreme weather conditions. Please note the signage on entry to the visitor car park and coach park.

Opening hours may be subject to change. Please call the visitor centre for exact opening hours.