9 Exceptional Tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher 2026
There are dozens of tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher, but knowing which one is right for you can be tricky.
Having been there myself to walk to the farthest reaches of the cliffs along the countless tour groups, some of which were having fun and some of which were not, I’ve decided to curate this list of the best Cliffs of Moher tours from Galway so you have everything you need to choose the right tour for you!
I’ve highlighted all of their important details including their duration, if hotel pick-up and drop-off is included, and provided ample information at the end of this post to help you prepare for your full-day trip.
I’ve also ONLY provided local tour companies with the top reviews, so regardless of which one you pick, you’ll know you’ll be in good hands.
Because after all, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions for good reason. From atop the cliffs, you’ll have unbeatable views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and on a clear day, you can even see as far as the Aran Islands!
Don’t have time to scour the whole post for the best tour? No problem!
The Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Tour including Cliffs of Moher Cruise is definitely the best tour on this list. Here’s why…
- Over 1,900 5-star reviews
- Awarded Viator’s Badge of Excellence
- Stops at some of Ireland’s top sights
People travel thousands of miles from around the globe to get here, but thanks to their convenient located just a few hours south of Ireland’s iconic Connemara National Park and just 90 minutes from the popular Galway city on the west coast, these are the best half and full-day tours to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway.
I’ve also included private tours as well as all of the information you’ll need if you plan on taking some day trips from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher on your own.
Sláinte! ☘️
Best Tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher
There are literally hundreds of full-day tours to choose from when it comes to taking a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway, so I’ve narrowed it down to the top 6 so you can choose which one is best for you without stress.
Let’s get to it!
1. Cliffs of Moher & the Burren Tour from Galway
Having received the Badge of Excellence from Viator and with over 1,500 5-star reviews, it’s no wonder why this is one of the best guided tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher available!
Lasting just over 8 hours, guests will have ample time to explore the cliffs while also passing by The Burren, with stops at Poulnabrone Dolmen, Dungaire Castle, and even a little time in Doolin.
If you’re looking for an affordable, yet all-encompassing tour of this region of Ireland, this is the perfect full-day tour run by the incredible Galway Tour company. Viator also offers free cancellation up until 24 hours in advance of your departure time for a full refund in case your travel plans change.
2. Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway
With over 2,300 5-star reviews and the Badge of Excellence from Viator, this is another one of the best tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher!
We all know that the Cliffs of Moher are one of the best things you can do in Ireland, but with stops at Aillwee Cave, Dungaire Castle, and Doolin, and passes by the famous Wild Atlantic Way, The Burren National Park, and Galway Bay, this is the ultimate tour you could take from Galway!
Hotel pick-up is included and guests are welcome to bring their own lunches for a picnic at the cliffs if they wish!
3. Galway to Aran Islands Inisheer, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher Day Tour
This wonderful tour has over 1,300 5-star reviews and has also earned the Badge of Excellence from Viator.
Lasting around 10.5 hours, you’ll have a full day to explore the cliffs from both the sea and land (entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is included!) so you’ll have opportunities for incredible photos that many visitors to Ireland don’t get to enjoy.
You’ll also get the opportunity to explore Inisheer, the most beautiful Aran island on foot for some time before returning to the mainland via a roundtrip ferry.
4. Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Possibly the best tour on this list with over 1,900 5-star reviews and Viator’s Badge of Excellence award, this all-encompassing Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands tour takes place on a ferry with a local guide.
Throughout the 10-hour day, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the Irish coastline, and pass by notable stops including Dunguaire Castle, Kinvarra Harbour, Ballyvaughan, Black Head Lighthouse, Inisheer, and several others.
With included entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and the chance to drive among the famed Aran Islands with opportunities for incredible photo-taking, this is easily among the best tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher.
5. Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Wild Atlantic Way Day Tour from Galway City
A bit shorter than the other full-day tours on this list, this 7.5-hour tour has earned Viator’s Badge of Excellence and offers guests over 2 hours to explore the cliffs.
Plus, with a departure time of around 9:30AM, you’ll have plenty of time to sleep in, grab some breakfast, and hit the road for this full-day trip between Dunguaire Haven, Doolin Pier, and The Burren!
If you’re looking for an affordable tour that also won’t eat up your entire day, this is a great option.
6. Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour – 2 hour stop at Cliffs of Moher
Looking for a full-day tour that offers live commentary on board as well as the opportunity to get some fantastic photos at notable stops such as Fanore Beach, Ballyvaughan, Kinvarra Harbour, Lisdoonvarna, and Corcomroe Abbey among others, then this tour is for you!
Not only is it affordable, but it has also received Viator’s Badge of Excellence (just like many other tours on this list) and includes a stop at Hotel Doolin for lunch! Of course, you’ll also have plenty of time to hike along Ireland’s famous Cliffs of Moher before making your way back to Galway City for the night.
Whether you were hoping for an affordable tour or a tour that provides opportunities to spot a lot of unique attractions on the road between Galway and The Burren, this tour has it all!
Half Day Cliffs of Moher Tours from Galway
Not all of us have a full day to spare on our trip to Ireland. If that’s the case, be sure to check out these amazing half day Cliffs of Moher tours from Galway!
Not only do they not completely take up your day, but they also give you a good taste of the Irish countryside in a short amount of time.
7. Cliffs Of Moher Hiking Tour from Doolin – Small Group
Galway City is great and all, but some of us prefer the smaller fishing village of Doolin for accommodation on our trips to Ireland. Luckily for you, owing to Doolin’s closer proximity to the cliffs, you’ll have more time to explore on this 3-4 hour small group hiking tour from Doolin!
The tour includes admission to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and a local tour guide that is available to answer all of your questions and teach you about the history behind the cliffs along the way.
Even if you’re low on time, there’s no reason you can’t visit the Cliffs of Moher on your trip to Ireland!
8. Independent Cliffs of Moher Half Day Trip from Galway
Have a long layover in Galway or just want something to do for a few hours while you wait on your Trad on the Prom show to begin? Check out this amazing half day tour that gets you out of the city and into the Irish countryside for some much-needed time at the stunning Cliffs of Moher.
Over the course of 5 hours, you’ll traverse the some of Ireland’s most beautiful roads along the Atlantic coastline and spend some time exploring the Cliffs of Moher including the iconic O’Brien’s Tower and the Cliffs of Moher Experience Visitor Center!
It doesn’t matter if you’re short on time, this half day tour will allow you to see so much of what this beautiful region has to offer.
Galway Private Tours to the Cliffs of Moher
Not all of us love traveling with people we don’t know. While it can be a great way to meet people and make new friends, sometimes we just want to be with our own group and that’s perfectly fine.
If you find yourself in this boat, be sure to check out this amazing private tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway!
9. Private Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Galway
Looking for a private day tour of the Cliffs of Moher for you and your small group?
Look no further than this spectacular private tour which accommodates you in a private vehicle and includes stops in The Burren, Fanore, Kinvarra, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and even the famed Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations!
Dealing with a lot of tourists on a bug bus can certainly take away from the fun, so if you’re hoping to enjoy your day trip to the Cliffs of Moher over the course of 7-8 hours with just your group, this amazing private tour from Galway to Cliffs of Moher will get you there.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your departure time, so you can book knowing your trip is flexible in the event you want to re-book due to weather or a change in travel plans.
How To Get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway
Getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway can be a bit confusing since there are a bunch of different options, which is why I’ve provided you with everything you’ll need to know about each method below!
By Tour
The best and most efficient method of getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway is to take an organized, guided tour. Sure, it may cost a little bit more, but everything you’ll need will be taken care of and you won’t have to spend the time planning all of your transportation details.
Taxis aren’t just readily available all over the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center (also known as the Cliffs of Moher Experience), so getting a ride back to Galway could be tricky and expensive if you do find one.
By traveling with a reputable tour company, not only will you have your roundtrip transportation covered from Galway City, but you’ll also get the opportunity to drive along the Wild Atlantic Way with a knowledgeable, local guide, and possibly even stop in to see some popular castles and small villages in the Irish countryside.
If you’re looking for an effortless, affordable method of getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway, then a guided day tour is the best option.
By Bus
The bus from Galway to Cliffs of Moher is run by Bus Éireann and is another great way of getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway City. It’s usually rather cheap (depending on when you visit), and makes it simple to get to and from the Cliffs.
However, the bus driver is not a guide, so you’ll be limited to enjoying the scenery along the way without much input from a local guide.
You’ll also need to know when your bus is leaving so you don’t accidentally get left behind and end up paying for a very expensive taxi.
By Car
If you’re planning on renting a car for your Ireland itinerary, then you could always drive from Galway to Cliffs of Moher!
This is both efficient and allows you to keep your schedule totally flexible since you’ll be able to arrive and depart the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark whenever you please.
The only downside to renting your own car in Ireland is you’ll want to be familiar with operating manual transmission vehicles and driving on the left side of the road while sitting on the right side of the car.
This can get quite confusing and is a major cause of accidents in Ireland every year. Once you get the hang of it it’s quite simple to continue throughout your trip, but if you’re nervous about focusing on driving while traveling through a new country, then a guided tour is probably your best option.
By Train
Taking the train from Galway City is a great way to get to the Cliffs of Moher. Operated by the Irish Rail, visitors can take the train to Ennis which is just a 30-minute ride from the city centre.
From there, a bus will be required to reach the Visitor Center which takes an additional hour or so of travel time.
This train and bus combination is affordable, but it’s not super efficient and leaves a lot of room for error. If your train departs late or you miss it, then you’re also going to miss your bus. While trains and buses typically depart several times throughout the day, this is definitely the least efficient method.
So, if you’re on a bit of a time crunch or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of arranging all of the transportation for the day or delayed trains and buses, then an organized tour is going to be the most time and cost-efficient travel method for you.
FAQ
In this last section, I’ve provided some helpful information regarding your trip to the Cliffs of Moher including how much time you need, if you’re required to purchase tickets ahead of time, and more!
Is the Cliffs of Moher Tour Worth It?
The above Cliffs of Moher tours are undoubtedly worthwhile for visitors to Ireland!
These tours typically include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes additional stops at nearby attractions like the Burren or Doolin Village. Many tours also include your ticket to the Visitor’s Experience.
Booking a guided tour ensures a hassle-free experience and allows you to learn more about the area’s history with a local which is why most people choose to visit this way.
Can You Do a Day Trip from Galway to Cliffs of Moher?
While it’s quite easy to travel between Galway and the Cliffs of Moher in a single day, you likely won’t have enough time to see everything you want to see in both places in just one day.
Instead, you’d be better off booking 2 nights in Galway and saving one of the days for the city and the other day for the cliffs.
Galway is one of the best spots in Ireland for traditional Trad on the Prom sessions and has some beautiful landmarks including the Galway Cathedral, Salthill Prom, and the Galway Market, so it’s definitely worth leaving yourself a little time to check it all out!
How Much Time Do You Need at Cliffs of Moher?
Generally, spending about 2-3 hours at the Cliffs of Moher is sufficient to take in the main viewpoints and explore the Visitor Center.
This duration allows plenty of time for walking along the trails, getting some good photos, and learning about the geology and history of the cliffs through the exhibits.
However, we spent about 4-5 hours at the cliffs and found that this amount of time was necessary for getting photos when it was overly busy at the prime photo spots!
How Far is Galway from the Cliffs of Moher?
Galway City is approximately 47 miles (75 km) away from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. This equates to about a 90-minute drive time or a 2-hour and 45-minute bus ride with the additional wait time at bus stops and transfers.
Since many visitors aren’t used to driving on the left-hand side of the road while driving from the left side of the car, most people choose to take a guided tour from Galway.
Do I Need to Buy Tickets for Cliffs of Moher?
If you choose to visit with a guided tour, most of the time you won’t need to purchase tickets for anything since your entry is included in the tour.
However, if you plan on driving yourself without a guided tour, you’ll be required to pay for parking, entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor’s Center & Experience, as well as O’Brien’s Tower.
The actual cliffs themselves you can visit for free, so if you don’t wish to check out the Visitor’s Experience or the tower, then you will only be required to pay 8 euros for parking.
What is There to See Between Cliffs of Moher and Galway?
You can see the charming fishing villages of Doolin and Kinvarra, stop in to see the old Poulnabrone Dolmen tomb and even the Ballyalban fairy fort between the Cliffs of Moher and Galway.
Doolin is well known for its local pubs (Gus O’Connor’s is my favorite) and traditional Irish music while Kinvarra is vibrant and perfect for picking up some authentic Irish souvenirs.
Few visitors to Ireland ever make it to the beautiful old Poulnabrone Dolmen tomb, so if you get the chance to stop in be sure to do so!
The Ballyalban fairy fort is also a lesser-known Irish treasure, so if you enjoy magical tales and transition folklore related to different cultures, then be sure to book a guided tour to this beautiful ring fort!
Is It Better to Go to the Cliffs of Moher in the Morning or Evening?
Depending on the weather, both the morning and evening times are great for visiting the Cliffs of Moher!
Both typically provide access to better photo opportunities due to fewer crowds, but it’s best to check the weather and see if it’ll be hazy before planning your journey.
Of course, if you’ll be visiting on a guided tour from Galway, then you’ll likely be getting there in the morning which is great, as well! The Cliffs of Moher visitor experience opens at 8:00AM, so you’ll be right on time with your tour.
The summer months are also the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher in terms of time of year, since you’ll be more likely to get sunny weather with good visibility of the cliffs. However, you’ll have to be willing to deal with a lot of tourists since this is also Ireland’s peak season.
No matter when you decide to visit, be sure to take a look at this Ultimate Ireland Packing List so you’re prepared for any weather that might arise on your trip!
How Do You Get to Cliffs of Moher from Galway Without a Car?
If you don’t have a car, you can get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway either by taking a guided tour, taking a taxi, or taking a combination of a bus and taxis.
You can also get to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin on your long layover in Ireland’s capital city, but you’ll want to ensure you have a tour or rental car already booked in advance.
How Much is a Taxi from Galway to Cliffs of Moher?
A taxi from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher will be expensive, usually ranging between 110-160 euros each way.
This is why most people opt to either join a guided tour or rent their own car since you can usually find a rental car for about 80 euros per day.
Jump to the bottom of the post looking for the best tour? No problem!
The Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Tour including Cliffs of Moher Cruise is definitely the best tour on this list. Here’s why…
- Over 1,900 5-star reviews
- Awarded Viator’s Badge of Excellence
- Stops at some of Ireland’s top sights
If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to see the Cliffs of Moher, then a guided tour is definitely the best option. Not only will you avoid having to worry about transportation, but you’ll also get to learn more about the history and folklore of the cliffs from a knowledgeable guide.
No matter which tour company you choose, be sure to read reviews so you can be confident that your trip will be enjoyable and memorable! While there are plenty of tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher, I hope this guide helped you narrow down which one is best for you.
