In 60 seconds
Rearing vertically 214 metres above the crashing North Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher present one of Europe's grandest coastal spectacles. For eight kilometres along County Clare's western fringe, stratified bands of sandstone and shale drop sheer into foaming swells, sheltering colonies of Atlantic puffins and razorbills. Directly to the north extends The Burren, a surreal 250-square-kilometre glaciated karst plateau where Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean wildflowers flourish side-by-side within deep limestone crevices (grykes). Nearby, the brightly painted village of Doolin serves as the trad music capital of the west, sending passenger ferries out to the Aran Islands.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You suffer from severe vertigo or want to visit the cliffs at 2 PM on an August afternoon when coach tour crowds peak.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Cliffs of Moher & The Burren fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Dramatic clifftop hiking trail running between Doolin and Hags Head
Hike the open cliff edge early in the morning to witness Atlantic swells crashing 200 metres below without the tour buses.
Glaciated limestone karst landscape supporting unique flora and ancient archaeological monuments
Walk across fissured limestone pavements (clints and grykes) where purple orchids, gentians and wild thyme sprout from stone.
Iconic Neolithic dolmen dating back to 3600 BC standing isolated on the limestone plateau
Stand before Ireland's most famous megalithic tomb, an austere stone portal balanced on bedrock older than the pyramids.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Michelin-starred dining pub in Lisdoonvarna celebrating wild Burren game and seafood
Refined, soul-warming cooking featuring wild Atlantic brill, venison and artisan cheeses from surrounding farmsteads.
Artisan herb and floral perfumery with organic herb gardens and tea house
Enjoy rosewater shortbread and organic vegetable quiche inside a stone cottage surrounded by fragrant limestone gardens.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
Expansive golden sand beach framed by limestone hills and Atlantic surf
A dramatic windswept curve of Atlantic sand nestled directly beneath the barren limestone hills of Black Head.
Subterranean limestone cavern holding Europe's longest free-hanging stalactite
Descend into the underground darkness to behold a 7.3-metre calcite stalactite suspended like an enormous chandelier.
After dark
World-renowned traditional music tavern operating in Doolin since 1832
The beating heart of Doolin's music legacy: order a bowl of smoked fish chowder and listen to fiddles duelling by the fire.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
Pastel-coloured cluster of thatched cottages, music pubs and surf shops along the Aille River
A legendary musical haven where musicians from across the world congregate to trade acoustic tunes.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Within easy walking distance of music pubs and the ferry pier to the Aran Islands
The ideal location for enjoying evening pub sessions without driving and catching morning island boats.
Gentle seaside village on Galway Bay framed by the northern Burren mountains
A serene base for exploring Burren botany and caves, with views across the bay toward Galway city.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
Neolithic farmers construct the Poulnabrone portal tomb on the Burren limestone pavement.
Cornelius O'Brien builds O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher as an observation point for Victorian tourists.
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher region is designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in recognition of its unique geology.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Take the 15-minute passenger ferry from Doolin Pier to the nearest Aran Island
Step ashore on Inis Oírr to explore white sand beaches, a wrecked freighter and stone labyrinths.
