A trip to the Cliffs of Moher, a breathtaking beauty near Galway (and an air of Etretat in Normandy!)

Since the dawn of time, the majestic Cliffs of Moher have towered over the Atlantic Ocean. As is not unusual in Ireland, it wasn't long before humans began to find a mystical dimension to the cliffs, and stories of witches and mermaids quickly spread by word of mouth. So much so, that the legends of the Cliffs of Moher are still told today.

Our favourite is about the lost city of Kilstiffen. It is said that long ago, the town of Kilstiffen stood proudly atop the Cliffs of Moher. One day, however, the sovereign lost the golden key to the castle, which sank beneath the water. According to legend, the city will rise again the day the key is found. In the meantime, Kilstiffen still lies in the cold waters of the ocean...

Whether for their folklore or their incredible beauty, the Cliffs of Moher are now one of Ireland's must-see sites! The visitor centre houses a small museum devoted entirely to the cliffs, their ecosystem and their flora and fauna. There's also a panoramic restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Cliffs of Moher, and small souvenir stalls selling items related to the site.

In order to guarantee the natural balance and preserve the wildlife, the Cliffs of Moher have been designated aProtected Site.

To take full advantage of the spectacle offered by the Cliffs of Moher, the best thing to do is to take a short walk starting at O'Brien Tower. It lies between Liscannor and Doolin, on the edge of the R478.

To get there, all you have to do is take the access ramp, which leads you directly to the foot of this small tower built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien to offer tourists (already numerous at the time) an observation point. From the tower, on a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.

From here, if the spectacle before your eyes makes you want to go further, there are short paths that take you along the eight kilometres of cliffs before you. Be careful, though, as some sections have not been developed and therefore have no barriers: so be careful not to get too close to the edge!

Allow a good afternoon if you want to walk around the Cliffs of Moher. This short walk in the fresh air in the heart of an impressive landscape is also an opportunity to meet the site's flora and fauna, renowned the world over for their diversity and richness.

The area is a delight for budding birdwatchers, who will be able to spot numerous seabirds. The best time to do this is during the nesting season. It's not uncommon to see cormorants, guillemots, razorbills and puffins.

For a different view of the Cliffs of Moher, you can also discover them from the ocean on a boat trip. From the port of Doolin, the boats (which can accommodate around ten people) head for the foot of the cliffs while a guide talks to amazed visitors. Indeed, it's only here, at sea level, that you really realise the imposing size of the Cliffs of Moher: you can't help but feel very small in front of such a spectacle of nature.

The Cliffs of Moher are only an hour and a half's drive from Galway, but there are several places worth visiting along the way, starting with Lisdoonvarna, a small town of colourful houses where gastronomy, wellbeing and festivities are the order of the day.

It lies on the edge of the Burren plateau, an immense limestone formation streaked with caves and crevices. The grey and white of the rocks contrast with the blue of the sky and ocean... you immediately feel transported to another planet.

A little further on, Doolin is the place to be. Here too, the cottages are a sight to behold. Some people walk from here to the Cliffs of Moher (about a 3-hour walk), while others take a boat trip. But you won't regret staying in Doolin, whether to visit Doolin Pier and Doolin Cave or to listen to traditional music in a pub.

If you're in the mood for more, you can continue on to Lahinch Beach, a huge, pristine beach just 15 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. Further on, Kilkee and its cliffs, untouched by mass tourism, await you! You can even go as far as the Bridges of Ross, a bridge carved out of the rock by the Atlantic Ocean.

👛 Cliffs of Moher Prize

• Full price: €12
• Students & senior citizens (over 65): €10
• Under 12s: free

You can book your ticket online on the Cliffs of Moher website.

⏰ Cliffs of Moher opening times

The Cliffs of Moher are accessible from 8am to 7pm between March and October, 8am to 9pm between May and August and 9am to 5pm between November and February.

🚗 How do I get to the Cliffs of Moher?

The Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare, in the west of Ireland. From Galway, allow around an hour and a half's drive via the N67 road. There is a car park on site, but it is often full between 11am and 4pm in high season and at weekends.

To reach Galway, Aer Lingus operates twice-weekly direct flights between Paris and Shannon, an hour's drive from Galway.