Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

The Cliffs of Moher are the image of the west of Ireland that most visitors carry in their heads: a wall of dark shale and sandstone rising straight out of the Atlantic on the coast of County Clare, climbing to more than two hundred metres at their highest point and running for kilometres along the sea, with seabirds wheeling below and the Aran Islands on the horizon. They are on the opposite side of the country from Dublin, which is why the organised day trip is so popular. The coach tours that leave the city early in the morning cross the midlands, often with a coffee stop on the way, and arrive on the Clare coast around midday, then give you a couple of hours at the cliffs. A visitor centre built discreetly into the hillside has exhibitions and cafés, paved paths run along the clifftop in both directions, and O'Brien's Tower, a small nineteenth-century viewing tower, marks the highest stretch. Most tours then wind through the Burren, a strange, beautiful limestone landscape of bare grey pavements, rare wildflowers and ancient tombs, often with a photo stop at a castle or abbey along Galway Bay, before spending an hour or two in Galway city, a lively university town of colourful shopfronts, buskers and pubs. The day is long, around twelve to thirteen hours, but the guides are usually excellent storytellers, and it is the easiest way to see the wild west in a single day.

Choosing your tour: our partner offers several versions. The classic coach trips combine the Cliffs with Galway city, the Burren or a stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, and differ mainly in stops and timing; read the itinerary and pick the one that matches your priorities — more time at the cliffs, or more time in Galway. A rail-based option runs part of the journey by train, which is more comfortable for some travellers but costs more. Some tours include entry to the Cliffs of Moher visitor experience in the price; check what is included before booking. Coaches leave from central Dublin pick-up points very early, so stay somewhere central the night before, and expect to return in the late evening.

Weather is the wild card. The Atlantic coast changes from sunshine to fog to horizontal rain within minutes, and on some days the cliffs are wrapped in mist. Bring a waterproof jacket, layers and good shoes whatever the forecast, and keep well back from the edge: the cliffs are unfenced in places, the ground can be slippery, and gusts are strong. Summer brings the longest days and the seabird colonies, including puffins in late spring and early summer, while winter tours are quieter and the light can be spectacular, though daylight is short. Be honest with yourself about the length: if you have only two or three days in Dublin, a closer day out, to Howth, Glendalough or the coast, may serve you better.

Why go on a tour rather than drive? Ireland's roads are narrow, the west is three hours or more each way from Dublin, and the cliffs and Galway are best enjoyed without worrying about parking and driving on the left. A good guide adds the history, music and stories that make the landscape come alive. If you have more time, though, the west deserves more than a day: spend a night in Galway or Doolin, catch a traditional music session, and take a boat beneath the cliffs or over to the Aran Islands.