If you’re planning a trip to Dublin and only have a few days to explore the rest of Ireland, there’s one excursion that’s absolutely worth doing: visiting the Cliffs of Moher.
In this post, I’ll share the one-day tour I took from Dublin and, honestly, it was one of the experiences that surprised me the most during the trip. And the best part is that you don’t need to rent a car or organize anything complicated. If you only have a few days and want to see a different side of Ireland beyond Dublin, this type of tour is ideal.
Cliffs of Moher: day trip from Dublin
I booked this GetYourGuide tour and it was very well organized.
We left around 7 AM from central Dublin and returned at night. It’s a long and fairly tiring day, but it’s really worth it because you get to see so much in just one day.
Plus, throughout the journey the guide shared facts about Ireland, its history, and its traditions, which made the trip much more entertaining. The tour was in English and the guide was local, which also added a lot to the experience.
First stop: Barack Obama Plaza
Barack Obama PlazaThe first stop of the tour was Barack Obama Plaza, a fairly well-known service area in Ireland.
And it’s pretty bizarre because it’s a plaza dedicated to Barack Obama since his Irish ancestors came from this region of the country. Nowadays, it’s a very popular stop for people crossing Ireland from east to west.
We took the opportunity to grab a quick breakfast and a coffee before continuing toward the Atlantic coast.
The Cliffs of Moher: one of the most impressive landscapes in Ireland
When we finally arrived at the Cliffs of Moher, I understood why they’re one of the most visited places in the country. The cliffs are over 200 meters high and the views over the Atlantic Ocean are incredible.
You’re given a couple of hours to freely explore the area. There are several walking trails, viewpoints, and also an interactive museum included in the tour.
What I enjoyed the most was simply walking along the paths by the sea and taking in the scenery.
Also, if you’re a fan of movies or TV series, the landscape will probably look familiar because the cliffs appeared in films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and also inspired many cinematic scenes related to Ireland.
Stop at The Burren: a landscape that feels like another planet
After the cliffs, we made a short stop at The Burren.
The landscape changes completely: instead of intense green fields, you see limestone formations that make everything look almost “moon-like.” Even though the stop was brief, I loved it because it showed a completely different side of the country.
Galway: one of the prettiest cities in Ireland
Before heading back to Dublin, the tour included a stop in Galway. And honestly, it made me want to stay longer. Galway has so much charm: colorful streets, traditional pubs, live musicians, and a super relaxed atmosphere.
We had a couple of hours to walk around the city center, grab something to eat, and enjoy the city a bit before starting the journey back to Dublin.
If you have more days in Ireland, I would definitely consider spending at least one night there.
Tips for the Cliffs of Moher day trip
- Wear comfortable clothes because it’s a long day and you’ll spend many hours on the bus.
- Dress warmly for the cliffs. Even in summer, it’s usually very windy.
- Bring a waterproof jacket in case it rains (the weather in Ireland changes very quickly).
- Bring snacks or something to eat, especially for the return trip, since there are long stretches without stops. You can also buy food at Barack Obama Plaza.
- If you can, sit by the window during the journey because the scenery along the way is beautiful.
Is a Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin worth it?
Yes, absolutely.
The cliffs are quite far from Dublin, on Ireland’s west coast, so going there and back in the same day on your own can be complicated, especially if you’re not renting a car. That’s why doing an organized tour felt like the most practical option to me. If you’re spending 3 days in Dublin, I’d recommend dedicating 2 days to the city and using the third day for this excursion.
It’s tiring, yes, but for me it was completely worth it.
If you want to book the same tour I took, you can do it on GetYourGuide and use my code POSTCARDSFROMIVI5 to get 5% off activities and excursions.
Other day trips from Dublin
There are other excursions you can do from Dublin, some include the Cliffs of Moher and some don’t:
- Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce, and Belfast excursion: a tour to explore Northern Ireland on a one-day trip.
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Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour from Dublin: a guided tour through Ireland’s countryside.
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Tour o renting a car?
If you only have a few days in Dublin (2 or 3 days), I honestly think organized tours are the best option. In my case, taking a tour to the Cliffs of Moher was key because:
- You don’t have to worry about driving long distances (and on the left side!)
- You make the most of your day without thinking about routes or parking
- You have a guide during the journey to better understand the country’s history
- You can see several places in one day (like The Burren and Galway)
- It’s the most efficient way to see a lot in a short amount of time, even if it makes for a long day.
Now, if you have more days in Ireland, that changes things quite a bit. Renting a car gives you much more freedom: you can stop wherever you want, explore less touristy routes, and, for example, stay overnight in Galway, which is a city that deserves at least one night.
Both options are great, but they completely change the kind of trip you’re going to have.
Other useful guides about Europe:
- Things to do in Dublin in 3 days
- Ireland travel tips for first time visitors
- What to see in Barcelona in 3 days
- Tips for visiting Copenhagen for the first time
- What to see in London in 4 days
- How to spend 2 days in Amsterdam
- What to see in Rome in 3 days
- What to do in Milan in 3 days
- Tips for planning your first trip to Europe
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