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When visiting Dublin, one of my favorite things to do was escape the city for a day and explore what lies beyond. As much as I loved the energy of Ireland’s capital, I wanted to experience more of the country’s natural beauty and charming small towns. That’s how I found myself on a day trip to two of Ireland’s most stunning destinations, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. From breathtaking ocean views to colorful cobblestone streets, this day trip offered the perfect mix of nature and culture. Keep reading to discover the best way to visit the Cliffs of Moher and Galway from Dublin, along with highlights from my day trip!

How to Get to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway from Dublin

There are a few different ways to visit the Cliffs of Moher and Galway from Dublin, and the best route depends on how you plan to travel. If you are driving or renting a car, I recommend starting at the Cliffs since they are about three hours from Dublin, and from there it is only around one and a half hours to reach Galway. For public transportation, it is easier to begin in Galway because there are no direct buses or trains from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. You will first travel from Dublin to Galway by bus or train, then continue to the Cliffs on the local bus. I chose a guided day tour through Viator so I could relax, enjoy the views, and not worry about transportation.

Here’s a quick look at the main routes from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, with maps to help guide your journey.

• Dublin to Galway (train or bus):
  • Train (Irish Rail): About 2.5 hours from Dublin Heuston Station
    • Ticket Cost: €14–€17 for a one-way adult ticket (about $16-$20 USD)
  • Bus (Citylink or Expressway): About 2.5 to 3 hours from Dublin City Centre
    • Ticket Cost for Citylink: €17–€25 for a one-way adult ticket (about $20-$29 USD)
    • Ticket Cost for Expressway: €30–€60 for a one-way adult ticket (about $35-$70 USD)

• Galway to the Cliffs of Moher (bus):
  • From Galway, take the Bus Éireann Route 350 toward Ennis.
    • Journey time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours
    • Stops at: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
    • Frequency: Multiple departures each day
    • Ticket Cost: €13.50 for a one-way adult ticket (about $16 USD)
  • This is the main and only public transit route that drops you directly at the Cliffs of Moher.
• Cliffs of Moher to Galway (bus):
  • Take Bus Éireann Route 350
    • Journey time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
    • Departs: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
    • Arrives: Galway Coach Station (Central location)
    • Ticket Cost: €13.50 for a one-way adult ticket (about $16 USD)
  • This route runs several times a day, making it easy to continue your trip or return to Dublin afterward.

Highlights from the Cliffs of Moher

Exploring the Cliffs of Moher was one of the most breathtaking sites I visited in Ireland! While I made sure to take tons of photos and videos, nothing truly captures how stunning they are in person, so visiting for yourself is a must. Fun fact: the Cliffs have been featured in several popular films and shows, including Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and The Princess Bride. I recommend spending at least 1.5 to 2 hours here to take your time, enjoy the views, and experience everything without feeling rushed. Below is a quick overview to help you plan your visit:

• Ticket Cost (Adults):
  • Morning visit (8:00 am – 10:59 am): €8 (about $9.30 USD)
  • Midday visit (11:00 am – 1:59 pm): €12 (about $14 USD)
  • Afternoon visit (2:00 pm – 3:59 pm): €12 (about $14 USD)
  • Evening visit (4:00 pm – 6:59 pm): €8 (about $9.30 USD)
• Recommended Time to Visit: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • January: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • February: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • March: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • April: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • May to August: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • September: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • October: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • November: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • December: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Closed on December 24, 25, and 26

Here are some things to do while visiting the Cliffs of Moher!

1. Explore the Cliffside Paths for Stunning Viewpoints

One of the most popular things to do is simply take a stroll and take in the beauty of the cliffs (and of course snap tons of pics)! My tour guide mentioned that there are two main paths here. The left side is usually recommended for an easier, more relaxed walk, while the right side has more of an incline but gives you those elevated, dramatic views. Either way, it’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the scenery — I know I did!

2. Stop by the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre is the perfect stop if you want to pick up some souvenirs or grab a warm drink especially if you are visiting in winter. Inside, you will also find interactive exhibits that share more about the cliffs’ history, geology, and wildlife. It is a relaxing place to take a short break and learn a bit more about what makes this area so special before heading back out to explore the viewpoints.

3. Visit O’Brien’s Tower for Panoramic Views

O’Brien’s Tower is the spot to go if you want those classic, wide open views of the cliffs and the Atlantic. Climbing up to the top gives you an even better perspective, and on a clear day you can see for miles. It is a quick stop but definitely worth it if you want that picture perfect moment and a deeper appreciation of just how massive the cliffs really are.

4. Check Out The Burren

Although The Burren is not located directly at the Cliffs of Moher, it sits right next to the cliffs and is part of the same beautiful region in County Clare. This unique limestone landscape feels completely different from the grassy cliffs, with rocky formations, rare plants, and a distinct otherworldly look. If you are joining a guided tour, you will likely pass through parts of The Burren on your way to or from the cliffs, and it is a lovely bonus to add to your day.

Highlights from Galway

Galway is one of those cities that gives you an instant feeling of charm, warmth, and character the moment you arrive. While I spent most of my time shopping here (we were only in Galway for about two hours), there is actually so much more to do in this beautiful city. If you have extra time, here are a few things you may want to add to your Galway itinerary:

1. Shop on Quay Street

Quay Street was such a fun little surprise. I loved wandering through the colorful shops, picking up small souvenirs, and just soaking in the lively energy of the street. It’s the perfect place to grab something cute to take home.

2. Explore Eyre Square

Eyre Square is a central gathering spot in Galway where locals and visitors hang out, relax, and enjoy the open space. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick break or starting your city exploration.

3. Visit the Galway Cathedral

Galway Cathedral is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful interior.

4. Walk along the Salthill Promenade

The Salthill Promenade offers stunning coastal views and a relaxing walk along the water. It’s a popular spot for sunset strolls, fresh sea air, and soaking in the scenic side of Galway.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely enjoyed my time on this day trip and it is a trip I will never forget. I love that I got to experience both Ireland’s stunning natural beauty and its vibrant city charm all in one day. Since I joined a guided tour, I felt relaxed the entire time while taking in new info about the sites from my tour guide. If you are thinking of traveling to Dublin, I highly recommend adding a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway.