Cliffs of Moher, Galway - Private Shore Excursion

5.0 (2 reviews) 11–12 hours

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Bunratty Castle, Co. Clare — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Nothing can compare to that first time when you excitedly walk towards the viewing point at the Cliffs of Moher. Your gasp of astonishment will cement that incredible spectacle in your memory for decades to come. We can enjoy lunch with ample choice at the visitor centre or at a pub in Doolin - a place that’s famous for its traditional music (at night, naturally).

We’ll caress the jagged coastline along The Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s most scenic drives, looking out to Galway Bay. Before you realise, we’ve ventured into The Burren, a surreal landscape of bright grey limestone.

There is such an energy to Galway city that sets it apart. It is regarded as the most ‘Irish’ city, due to its isolation in western Ireland and the high number of Irish-speakers.

We’ll return to Dublin directly. Lying in your bed later, you’ll reminisce over the stories, history, culture you heard raccounted, the medieval castles, and your first glimpse of the Cliffs of Moher.

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At a glance

Duration: 11–12 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 4 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Dublin Shore Excursions

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Surcharges on fuel: Fuel surcharge
Included: Parking Fees

Not included

Not included: Tips
Not included: Purchase your own lunch
Not included: Entry to Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre

Itinerary

Cliffs of Moher

2 hours Admission not included

One of the must-see attractions of the Emerald Isle, these enormous cliffs hug the North Atlantic with all its ferocity. It’s difficult for your eyes to comprehend their height as drop down to the foamy waters below, but they say the cliffs are 120 metres (390 ft) on average, with a maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft). Now, this is impressive enough, but the fact that they extend for as long as 14 kilometres (9 miles) makes this a bucket list item.

Look out and you’ll see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Gaze deeper and you might see a very distant island floating on the horizon - Hy Breasail or St. Brendan’s Island - a fictional island that inspires who knows how many dreamers to travel west to ‘the island of promise’.

Once the wind has refreshed you well enough, seek shelter in The Atlantic Edge interpretive centre, to gain a deeper understanding of the topology, flora and fauna of the area. Then warm up with some snacks, beverages or even a meal.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

one hour Admission not included

(optional) Built by the MacNamaras around 1425, but later the seat of the O’Brien family, this impressive castle appeases most expectations of a stereotypical ‘medieval castle’.

Today, adjoining the castle is "Bunratty Folk Park" that demonstrates life in 19th century Ireland. It’s an open-air museum featuring around 30 buildings.

In the evenings, the castle itself holds banquets that are as true to the medieval format as is practical.
Burren National Park

Passing by

Meaning ‘Rocky Place’ in Irish, you might think that there’s not much to this place but a load of bright grey rocks. But look a bit closer and you’ll find treasures. In fact, the protected area is quite unique in that naturally hosts flowers from sub-arctic, mountainous and Mediterranean areas. 23 of Ireland’s 27 orchid species can be found in the Park. 75% of Ireland’s native plant species can be found in this ostensibly barren landscape.

This is a surreal karst landscape that has been compared to the moon for its blanket of nearly endless limestone.
Poulnabrone Dolmen

20 min Admission not included

(optional) Dolmens are one of Ireland’s icons. They’ve been a part of the native architecture of Ireland for longer than the existence of the Egyptian pyramids. Few of them are more epic than the Poulnabrone Dolmen. It the best known and most widely photographed of the approximately 172 dolmens in Ireland.

Dolmens are not only impressive megalithic arrangements, they are burial sites. The remains underneath this dolmen date from between 3800 BC and 3200 BC, though the construction could have happened anytime between 4200 BC and 2900 BC.
Dunguaire Castle's

Passing by

A picturesque setting is carved by the medieval fortification right beside Galway Bay. Built in the 1520s by Rory Mor O'Shaughnessy, the castle has been and continues to be an inspiration for historians, writers, musicians and poets.
Galway

1 h 30 min

(optional) Galway is renowned in Ireland for being the most vibrant and cultured city in the country. Regarded as the most ‘Irish’ city, due to its isolation in western Ireland and the high number of Irish-speakers, Galway has a refreshing and energetic air. Architecturally, Galway has a unique feel thanks to the preservation of townhouses from the 17th and even 16th centuries.

The best place for a proper ‘session’ (Traditional Irish Music session), Galway has no shortage of authentic and charming pubs. But even during the day, you’ll hear talented buskers breathing music into the narrow streets. Learn about the famous Claddagh ring, Arran Sweater or Galway Hooker (it’s a boat!).
Wild Atlantic Way

Passing by

One of the most stunning coastal drives in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches the entire west coast of the island of Ireland.

The untamable Irish coastline has stood defiantly against the north Atlantic’s storms for millenia. It shows us just how beautiful yet powerful and unforgiving the mighty sea can be.
Clonmacnoise

45 min Admission not included

(optional) An Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of graveslabs are on display in the visitor centre.

The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.