Cliffs of Moher above the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare

County Clare · Wild Atlantic Way

Cliffs of Moher tours by departure point

The quickest way to choose a Cliffs of Moher tour is to start with where you'll be sleeping. Below are seven Viator collections, one for each departure area, ordered from closest to furthest from the cliffs.

When you book through our affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Bookings are completed with the booking provider. Collections are curated lists on Viator; we don't operate tours. Check each tour's own page for inclusions, pickup, schedule and price before booking.

The short answer

The Cliffs of Moher are on the Atlantic coast of County Clare, in the west of Ireland. If you're staying in Doolin, Ennis or near Shannon, you're close by. From Galway the trip south runs through or around the Burren. From Limerick, Adare, Killarney or Cork you're travelling up from the south-west. From Dublin you cross the whole country, so it's the longest day out.

Each collection is grouped by departure area only. Before you book, open the tour itself and check what's included, where pickup is, the timetable and the price.

Compare the seven collections

CollectionDeparture areaWhere it is in relation to the cliffs
From DoolinDoolin, Co. ClareCoastal village just north of the cliffs
From Shannon Airport or EnnisShannon / Ennis, Co. ClareAlso in County Clare, further inland to the south-east
From GalwayGalway cityNorth, across Galway Bay and the Burren region
From Adare, LimerickAdare / LimerickSouth of the Shannon Estuary
From KillarneyKillarney, Co. KerrySouth-west Ireland
From CorkCorkSouthern Ireland
From DublinDublinEast coast; the opposite side of the country

This table only shows departure areas and geography. Durations, transport, stops and prices vary by tour and aren't listed here.

Starting close by: Doolin, Shannon and Ennis

Doolin

Doolin is a small village known for traditional music, and it's the northern end of the official Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. Don't assume that every tour in the Doolin collection includes entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, a clifftop walk or a boat trip. Check what each one offers.

Viator collection

Cliffs of Moher from Doolin

Tours in this collection start from Doolin.
Explore Doolin options on Viator

Shannon Airport or Ennis

Ennis is County Clare's main town, and Shannon Airport is to the south. If you're landing that day, book a tour whose fixed meeting time leaves plenty of room after your flight. Don't expect a tour to wait for a late flight or pick you up whenever you land.

Viator collection

Cliffs of Moher from Shannon Airport or Ennis

For tours that start in Shannon or Ennis.
Explore Shannon & Ennis departures on Viator

From Galway, Adare and Limerick

These cities are close enough for a relaxed day trip. Many visitors also want to see the Burren, a limestone landscape between Galway and the cliffs. Check each tour's route to see whether it's included.

Viator collection

Cliffs of Moher from Galway

For tours leaving from Galway city.
Explore Galway departures on Viator

Viator collection

Cliffs of Moher from Adare, Limerick

For tours starting in Adare or Limerick.
Explore Adare & Limerick departures on Viator

Longer days: Killarney, Cork and Dublin

From these three cities you'll spend a good part of the day on the road. That's worth it if you only have one base, but if you're touring anyway, it can be better to stay a night in Clare or Galway. Also check the return time before you plan dinner.

Viator collection

Cliffs of Moher from Killarney

For tours starting in Killarney.
Explore Killarney departures on Viator

Viator collection

Cliffs of Moher from Cork

For tours starting in Cork.
Explore Cork departures on Viator

Viator collection

Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

For tours starting in Dublin.
Explore Dublin departures on Viator

Planning tips

  • Weather on the Atlantic coast changes quickly. Bring a waterproof layer and good shoes, and stay behind the barriers and on marked paths.
  • Wind and fog can hide the view. If your dates are flexible, don't leave the visit until your last day.
  • The visitor site has its own opening hours and ticketing. Check the official Cliffs of Moher website for current details.
  • Parts of the coastal walk can close for safety reasons. Check its current status before you go.

Questions to check before booking

  • Where exactly is pickup or the meeting point, and what time does it start and finish?
  • Is entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience included, or do you pay on the day?
  • How long do you get at the cliffs themselves?
  • Is there a boat trip or a walk? What happens if the weather cancels it?
  • What's the group size, what's the cancellation policy, and what accessibility support is there?

Frequently asked questions

Which departure point is closest to the Cliffs of Moher?

Doolin is the closest, since the village sits just north of the cliffs. Ennis and Shannon are also in County Clare.

Can I visit the Cliffs of Moher as a day trip from Dublin?

Yes, and there's a collection for Dublin departures. It's the longest option because Dublin is on the opposite coast, so check the start and return times.

Do these tours include cliff entry or a boat trip?

It depends on the tour. A tour appearing in a collection doesn't mean it includes admission, a cruise or a walk, so check the listing.

Is the Shannon Airport collection an airport transfer service?

Don't assume it is. Treat it as a list of tours that start in the Shannon or Ennis area, and check the meeting point and time.

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