No trip to the Emerald Isle is complete without stopping to see these stunning cliffs.
Where are the Cliffs of Moher?
If you’d like to avoid the crowds, however, avoid summer.
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According to the Visitor Centre, crowds are particularly thick during the months of July and August.
The hour of your visit to the Cliffs of Moher can greatly impact the experience, too.
you’ve got the option to see plenty of puffins here.
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Up to 7,000 puffins have been spotted in previous peak seasons.
It’s one of the most popular attractions in Ireland.
American travelers made up 41 percent of those who flocked to the award-winning attraction.
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People have been visiting since the first century B.C.E.
Before Moher Tower was erected, a promontory fort dating back to the 1st century B.C.E.
stood on Hags Head.
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If you see a “Status Yellow” sign, continue on your visit with extra caution.
But you’ll have to look closely to find it.
Save for the main entrance, the building is almost entirely underground.
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Travelers are strongly encouraged to pre-book their visit at least a week in advance.
Visitors will find there’s more than just a basic gift shop at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.
Admission starts at 7 for adults, though there may be discounts for students and seniors during peak hours.
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Children under 12 are admitted at no cost.
Rental vehicles can easily be picked up from Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport.
Note that car insurance provided by your credit card almost always excludes automobiles rented in Ireland.
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You’ll need to opt in for insurance through the rental car agency or through an independent provider.
Be sure to check the timetables carefully as service varies based on the time of year.
Organized day tours from the capital typically includestops in Galway Cityand a scenic walk along the Atlantic Ledge.
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TheDoolin Ferrydeparts from Doolin Pier four times a day from March 29 until Sept. 15.
Round-trip cruises from Doolin typically take 45 minutes to one hour.
Their tour guides specialize in bringing to life the history and lore of the region.
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Most travelersbegin in Dublinand work their way southwest toward the Shannon region.
This route typically includes stops in Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, and Kerry.
But, Epstein notes, this should be considered the absolute minimum for such an itinerary.
Courtesy of Dromoland Castle Hotel
Otherwise, circling the island may feel more like a race than a vacation.
After all, this village is celebrated as one of the country’s Celtic music capitals.
It’s also the midpoint of the Wild Atlantic Way.
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Top Hotels
Dromoland Castle
Live out your fairy-tale dreams in the former home of ancient Irish royalty.
Gregans Castle
This family-owned and operatedcountry house hotelhas one of the best restaurants in Ireland.
Top Restaurants
Wild Honey Inn
Expect modern, bistro-style fare at this Michelin-starredrestaurant and country inn.
Opt for the smoked salmon and a glass of Irish whiskey.
Moran’s Oyster Cottage
Travelers ending their day in Galway should dine at thiscozy restaurantin nearby Kilcolgan.
Order at least a dozen oysters and dine outside on a warm evening.
you’ve got the option to enjoy a drink fireside at the Corkscrew Bar, too.
The massive swells that curl and crash around the base of the cliffs have madeLahincha legendary big-wave surf spot.
Seven walking trails of varied difficulty crisscross the unusual limestone terrain.
On Inis Mor, tourists can visit the prehistoric Dun Aonghasa fort.
