A Guide To Visiting Ireland’s Cliffs Of Moher

One of the Emerald Isle’s most spectacular natural wonders, a visit to the Cliffs of Moher is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Waves crash against black, shimmering rock faces that tower over the churning ocean, soft green grass swishing violently in the wind at their peaks. Fog billows and clears, hiding then revealing the landscape as sheets of rain match the intensity of the waves below. This is the version of Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher that we had the pleasure of experiencing – moody, intense, and thrilling.

The beauty of the Cliffs of Moher is you don’t know what you’ll get weather-wise, and that’s part of the experience. Most often, you’ll experience multiple weather events in one trip. You might think torrential rain and whipping winds would make a visit unpleasant, but within minutes we were greeted with pockets of sunshine – then back to grey skies again.

As you can imagine, as exciting as the unpredictable weather is, it does mean planning in advance, so you aren’t sloshing around in soggy jeans. If you want to enjoy the cliffs’ full majesty, don’t arrive unprepared. Below, find our guide to visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland to get the most out of your trip.

What to see at the Cliffs of Moher

The Complete Walk

The complete Cliffs of Moher walk spans 20 kilometres between the villages of Liscannor and Doolin. So, if you’re a keen hiker and want to really immerse yourself, begin in either village and spend a full day along the cliff edge. It’s a medium to difficult walk due to the wild weather and irregular pathways though, so wear sturdy footwear and pack a poncho or weatherproof hiking gear.

a person trekking the Cliffs of Moher walking trail — The complete Cliffs of Moher walk spans 20 kilometres.

Distance: 20 kilometres
Time: Approximately four-and-a-half hours

Coastal Walk North

For those who want to do something shorter but still get a proper hike in, the eight-kilometre stretch between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre is challenging and gives you a good glimpse of the landscape. It is medium to high difficulty as this stretch has the rockiest pathways, so ensure you’re an experienced hiker and prepared for the elements.

scenic views of the Cliffs of Moher — A visit to the Cliffs of Moher is guaranteed to take your breath away. (Image: Alex Azabache)

Distance: Eight kilometres
Time: Approximately two hours each way

Coastal Walk South

The south walk between the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre and Hags Head in Liscannor is a less strenuous option. Most of the walk is flat, and one kilometre has been paved, so it’s a better option if you don’t pack proper hiking boots or are walking with children. However, the elements can be more intense in this area, particularly the wind, so stay away from the cliff edge and follow all signage and warnings.

the scenic edge of the Cliffs of Moher — Capture impressive views over the cliff’s dramatic stretch of coastline.

Distance: 5.6 kilometres
Time: One-and-a-half to two hours

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre

The easiest way to visit the Cliffs of Moher is just to walk the paved, fenced routes near the visitor centre. These have been designed with accessibility in mind, with a flat access path, and fencing that protects tourists from getting too close to the edge of the cliffs. You will get great photos here, so if you’re nervous about the longer hikes, don’t feel you will miss out if you stick to the sealed paths in this area.

There is also the option to enjoy the Cliffs of Moher via buggy in this space, with two operating daily for the mobility impaired.

a gloomy landscape in the Cliffs of Moher — Stare in awe at its remote and rugged beauty. (Image: Damiano Baschiera)

O’Brien’s Tower

When you exit the visitor centre and head out to the cliffs, you’ll see an isolated tower looming to the north. This is O’Brien’s Tower, first built in 1835 by a local landlord for tourists and believed to have been a teahouse. These days, you can enter the tower and enjoy a wonderful view over the cliffs from the top. Given its size there is sometimes a queue, so be prepared to wait unless you arrive outside of peak hours.

When to visit the Cliffs of Moher

Ireland has wild weather, particularly along its coastline. This is all part of its charm, so don’t be disappointed if you arrive at the Cliffs of Moher on a chilly, rainy day. As their official site says, “the beauty of the Cliffs and the weather is that they can be cloaked in fog one minute and basking in the sun’s rays the next," so it’s less about the time of year you visit and more about planning ahead and preparation.

the Cliffs of Moher on a sunny day — Admire the sun-drenched Cliffs of Moher. (Image; Sean Kuriyan)

Give yourself several hours to visit the Cliffs of Moher, so that if you arrive in bad weather, you can wait it out. Peak visiting hours are also 11am to 4pm, but the site opens from 9am November to February and from 8am March to October. Arriving early is the key to beating the crowds, or if you’re a late riser, waiting until the end of the day. You can even spend the early evening at the Cliffs of Moher, which is especially beautiful during the summer months of May until August when the site is open until 9pm.

dark landscape at the Cliffs of Moher — The beauty of the Cliffs of Moher is beyond words. (Image: Vincent Guth)

How to plan your visit to the Cliffs of Moher

You will need tickets to visit the Cliffs of Moher, and it’s a good idea to buy these in advance online. That way, you avoid lengthy queues at the Visitor Centre. Your ticket includes parking and access to O’Brien’s Tower.

the O’Brien’s Tower on the edge of the Cliffs of Moher — Don’t forget to drop by O’Brien’s Tower on your visit to the cliff.

The Cliffs of Moher is very well organised and easy to walk, so if you have a car and are able to get to the visitor centre, don’t bother doing an organised tour. However, it’s worthwhile staying in county Clare, where the cliffs are situated, overnight. The area has lively pubs, quaint country accommodation and lovely historic towns.

a scenic view of the Cliffs of Moher — The Cliffs of Moher is very well organised and easy to walk.

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What to bring

Because of the unpredictable and often wild weather, dressing appropriately for the Cliffs of Moher and bringing the right gear is essential.

an aerial view of the Cliffs of Moher — The Cliffs of Moher is bordered by crashing waves and towering rock formations.

To start with, wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with grip. While the path is very accessible, it can be slippery due to rainfall. If you don’t have this type of footwear, take care when walking, even on sealed pathways. It’s also a good idea to wear waterproof clothing like a raincoat and water-resistant pants, although if you prefer, a poncho will suffice. Definitely bring an umbrella – rain can come in sheets on the wind.

You can buy ponchos and umbrellas from small stores at the Cliffs of Moher; just be warned that prices are steep.

a vandalized warning sign in front of the Cliffs of Moher — While the path is very accessible, it can be slippery due to rainfall.

Getting there

Driving

The drive from Dublin is two hours and 45 minutes. Staying in Limerick is a great jump-off point, though, as the drive is only one hour, and Limerick itself is a vibrant, enjoyable Irish town worth visiting.

Group tours

Not driving in Ireland? Opt for a tour. There are several available, leaving from various cities and towns from Dublin to Doolin.

Public transport

If you want to travel by train, the best stop is Ennis via Limerick. From there, you can catch the Route 350 bus to the Cliffs of Moher, which also runs from Galway.

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

A guide to visiting Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher