I don’t think there is anything more iconic about Ireland than the Cliffs of Moher. Planning to spend a wonderful few weeks in the country, this activity was at the TOP of my to do list! I have to say pictures do NOT do it justice. It’s incredibly beautiful and just such a surreal moment to visit. 

Now there are some key things you need to know before you visit to make it a successful trip. Let’s get to it!

This really applies to visiting Ireland in general but layers here are so important. The weather can change in a second from sunny skies to rain. When you are on the Cliffs it is so windy and if you add the rain in it can become unenjoyable really quick. Dress accordingly and you will survive! 

If you are spending your time based in Dublin, you will want to take a tour company to see the cliffs. It’s over a three-hour drive from the city, and there are a lot of windy and one-way roads. It is so impressive that tour buses could even fit on these roads, but I digress. Getting lost can 100% happen so your first visit might be best with a guide. Plus, they can close due to capacity being reached and if you are a part of tour that won’t apply to you!

Now, if you are planning on driving yourself aim to get there early. Crowds can get crazy especially midday when tour buses come in. If you want to be uninterrupted (to get that insta shot…I see you!) then earlier is better. 

I consider myself a rule breaker the whole “ask for forgiveness rather than permission” ideology. However, there is a huge BUT to that in this instance. The Cliffs of Moher are high like 700 feet high and falling does and can happen! People have died here, and they have a tribute at the front. If you freak out around heights stay within the boundaries. It will help with the fear, plus keep you safe!

I wanted an epic shot here BUT I am paralyzed with fear from heights. I decided to brave my fears and I stepped over the rope and went maybe a foot and sat down. The girl who I met on my tour was with me, and she angled the shot perfectly! It looked like I was sitting on the edge, but I had 10 feet in front of me! Staying safe doesn’t mean you’ll compromise your photos. 

Most people won’t walk the whole area and that’s such a mistake. If you want to get away from the crowds keep walking. If you want a true adventure, you can walk the whole coastal trail which is 11 miles long.  

If you are staying local and have the freedom to choose the day you go, check the weather. If you can time it right, you can visit on a dry day. As I mentioned before when it rains plus the wind it can be intense, still beautiful but not everyone’s cup of tea. 

If you follow tip 6 and keep walking you will come to Hag’s Head. This is located at the southern side of the Cliffs. It’s a crumbling watchtower and legend has it a local women killed herself there trying to follow her lover across the cliffs…so there’s that. 

If you want a higher view of the cliffs, you can pay a few euros to climb the medieval castle like tower. It was actually built in the 19^th century for tourist, but it looks old and impressive. 

If you want to see the Cliffs from below you can book a Cliffs of Moher cruise which gives you a whole new and different perspective than from above.

Sunset on the Cliffs can be spectacular, and a bonus is the crowds start to thin out. If you want a truly magical experience stay late.  

If you want to have a full day at the Cliffs staying nearby can be a great option! You can get there first thing in the morning or come later in the day. Either way you will be able to crowd control. 

If you have read my blog for any amount of time you know I LOVE Harry Potter, it’s an obsession! Well Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was filmed at the sea cave near the cliffs! 

One thing I did not realize before visiting is that some parts that back the Cliffs are people’s homes. Be mindful if you see private property signs that you don’t climb or try to enter. I saw people doing this and its extremely rude! 

The most important part of your trip is to ENJOY it! Don’t over think it too much, visiting the Cliffs of Moher can be a once in a lifetime experience. It’s one of the most impressive natural wonders I have ever seen in person!

These are just a few ways to make your first visit run as smooth as possible. If you are planning a trip you are going to have such an amazing experience!

Make sure to drop a comment below and let me know how it goes!