Tips for Visiting the Cliffs of Moher Ireland With Kids

They rise about 700 feet (213 m) from the ocean floor stretching for almost five miles (8 km). The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s top natural attraction and it was easy to see why. These are some of our tips for visiting the Cliffs of Moher with kids (or without too).

When my husband and I visited over 20 years ago, we could barely see these natural wonders due to fog and rain. We got lucky during this “do-over” and re-visit in late November and finally got a clear view.

The Cliffs of Moher are located on Ireland’s west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way. They dubbed The Way as the “world’s longest defined coastal touring route”.

This route is about 1,500 miles along some of the most scenic spots and charming villages and of course, the sheer cliffs. The closest villages are Liscannor and Doolan in County Clare.

They named The Cliffs for the old Gaelic word, “Mothar” meaning “the ruin of a fort”. There once was a promontory fort in the area that was destroyed in the early 1800s where Moher Tower is now located by Hags Head.

These geologic wonders were formed about 300 million years ago. In addition to the natural beauty, this area also has varied bird life and flowers found in the area. Atlantic puffins nest here from late May to mid-July.

The general parking lot was across road from the sea cliffs. We passed by these six craft stores built into alongside the Visitor’s Center. If you need some souvenirs, spend some time here.

We’ve seen countless photos of the cliffs over the years. But, nothing quite prepares you for its size or rugged beauty. It truly is a natural wonder.

Check out the cliffs up close. It must be incredible to see this from the water.

Authorities have created barriers to the main viewing platform for obvious safety reasons. It would be so nerve wracking to come here with kids and not have fencing near the drop-offs. The naturally placed local stones felt like they have always been part of this landscape.

Looking out into the sea, we also saw some other landforms like sea stacks, sea stumps and caves formed by years of erosion. During nesting season, as many as 30,000 birds come to the area and between late May to late July, Atlantic puffins are visible on Goat Island.

The protected pathways have many viewing areas and platforms to see the ocean and the cliffs. Further steps ascend into a lone structure at the area’s higher vantage point.

O’Brien’s Tower

The most prominent structure here is O’Brien’s Tower. A local named Cornelius O’Brien built this 19^th century viewing tower for visitors near the area’s highest point. It provided a wonderful vantage point of the cliffs and the surrounding panoramic views. It almost looks like it was part of a castle ruin.

The tower was also the site of the small visitor center that resided here for over 25 years. We barely remember seeing this structure during our last visit.

I’m glad they built that multi-million-dollar visitor’s center to keep up with the tourists. Unfortunately, the tower was closed during our visit. We couldn’t go inside or to its viewing platform.

Be sure to spend some time walking along the tower area. With the sun out, it was fantastic to see this view of the countryside from the tower. If you’re here on a clear day, it would be easy to see the Aran Islands from here.

The “Out of Area” Trail

Looking out on top of the cliffs, we saw many people walking along a trail. Of course, we had to follow it and realized it was part of a private area. There were signs of cliff dangers, extreme caution and with a couple of warning signs of an electrical fence along the route.

It was most likely there to prevent the farm animals from wandering off and for human trespassers to stay off the farm. Fortunately, we didn’t see anyone get zapped while we were there.

The dirt trail led to a clearing overlooking the ocean with no barriers. We saw many people here a bit too close to the edge.

I was nervous watching some of these people posing and doing selfies standing on this area with the vertical drop off a few inches away. I wouldn’t recommend going down this trail with toddlers or babies.

There was also an interesting area worth seeing here beyond the views and the wildlife. On the way to the unendorsed trail, we found these hair ties tied to the fence. It’s like the love locks people leave on bridges but hair ties were pretty unique and I don’t know the story behind it.

Someone mentioned that since most of the women carried hair ties to come to the cliffs due to strong winds, these were left behind to show they made it through. We also heard someone say it was to honor those who have fallen off the cliff. Whatever the reason, it was one of the most interesting tributes we’ve ever seen.

Tips for Visiting the Cliffs of Moher

• Ticket Admission. Unfortunately, it isn’t free to admire the views here. Everyone coming in through the car park across the street must pay admission. As of January 2019, it was 8 euros per adult. It is free for children 16 years old and under when accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is a maximum of four free children admission per adult ticket.

You can save up to 50% if buying online at least a day in advance. Print vouchers of online purchases and show to the attendant when parking. 

• Spend some time at the visitor’s center. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience was built in 2007 and almost blends in with the landscape at a cost of 30 million euros. This had restrooms, cafes and a large store. Visitors can watch a film, see exhibits and even go on a photo booth for a postcard keepsake.

• Use the restrooms/washrooms before you head to the viewing areas. There are no facilities along the cliff side or trails. It can be a long walk back if you’re cold and even more so with kids in tow.
• Eat at the center’s restaurant. We were here during lunchtime so had to try out the restaurants in the visitor’s center. We really enjoyed our lunch at the Cliff’s View Café which was a cafeteria style. Our seats had a great view. Meals were reasonably priced and children’s meals were available. My husband and son recommend the seafood chowder.

• Get there early or later in the day. Beat the crowds so you won’t have to fight for spaces along the pathway especially during the busy summer season. Even in November, there were many tour buses and got crowded around noon. We’ve read many reports of visiting during the sunset on a clear day for some of the best photos of the cliffs.
• Wear layers. Its location right by the ocean can make this area windy and cold. Our late November visit was very windy and for us, Southern California residents…freezing. It was in the 40’s (°F).

If you’re coming during the winter months, come equipped with gloves, scarves, hats and waterproof jackets. Wear comfortable footwear with good grip. Umbrellas are not recommended as they become useless when it’s windy.

• Bring binoculars to spot wildlife and see some of the land formations up close. There were also some coin operated telescopes on the viewing platforms. Although, we didn’t see any birds but if you’re here during nesting season in late Spring, you will probably see a lot.
• Go on a cruise. If you’re visiting from March to October, cruises are available to see the cliffs from below and up close. Some are one hour cruises from Doolin. Some tours are combined with guided walking tours or  a cruise to the Aran Islands.
• Go on a Day Trip. Many guided tours are available from Galway (about an hour) and even from Dublin which is 3.5 hours one way. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about the attractions and leaving the driving to the local experts. We drove from Galway which was a bit nerve wracking on some narrow country roads.

• Do Guided Walks. If you’re here during the summer, try joining one of the guided walks between the farmlands and the sea cliffs from the village of Doolin to Cliffs of Moher. The walk is about three hours for xx miles (8 km) one way. Public transport is available on the way back to Doolin. Check this tour with Pat Sweeney, a local historian and farmer, where the walk passes through his farm.
• How long to stay? Allot at least two hours to fully enjoy the area and even more time during the busy season.
• Download Apps. While visiting the Cliffs of Moher is largely as self-guided tour, there are free audio guide for Apple or Android devices to download in various languages.

*Have you visited the Cliffs of Moher?

Where to Stay in Galway

Jameson Court Apartments – We absolutely loved this self-serviced apartment in the seaside village of Salthill.  The building had about 20 of these apartments and a secured garage downstairs. It was so spacious with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, full kitchen and a living room.

Major bonus having a washer and dryer. It was behind the aquarium and across the beach promenade with views of the bay. There was street access to nearby stores, restaurants and pubs. It was less than a 10-minute drive to the city center.

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