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One Day in a City > Destinations > Europe > Ireland > Driving to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin & What to See Along the Way

Driving to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin & What to See Along the Way

November 2, 2020 By Gina
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How to Visit Cliffs of Moher from Dublin & Also See Ireland’s Prettiest Village, a Medieval Castle & More

With scenery like this, how can you NOT visit Ireland's mid-west?
With scenery like this, how can you NOT visit Ireland’s mid-west?

When you visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, you’ll be traveling to Ireland’s gorgeous mid-west area, which is the area along the central region of the country’s west coast. Plus, you’ll be doing so by road tripping through the actual middle of the county.

By turning your drive from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and the mid-west region of Ireland into a mini road trip, you’ll be able to see and experience a wide range of the Emerald Isle.

The Mid-west region of Ireland is entirely different from the good ol’ Midwest of the United States — and not just because one generally uses a hyphen and the other doesn’t. Instead of corn fields and cities that get below freezing in the winter (which I became quite accustomed to growing up there) you’ll find fields of bright green backing up to flowing rivers, and rugged cliffs bordering the crashing waves along the Irish coastline.

Scenic Mid-West of Ireland
Scenic Mid-West of Ireland

Here’s how to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin plus what else to see during your day’s journey from the east coast of Ireland to its west coast. Plan on starting your day early and heading straight from Dublin to Ireland’s most visited site: the Cliffs of Moher.

Getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

The quickest way to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin is to fly into Shannon Airport, which is located just 16 miles from Limerick. But for a day trip, you’ll likely just want to keep things simple and drive so you can see all the wonderful sights.

From Dublin, it’s just a roughly three hour drive (and a scenic one at that) to the Cliffs of Moher along the M7 highway. Many tour companies in Ireland also offer day trips to the Cliffs of Moher and surrounding sights that leave from Dublin.

Now let’s get into what you’ll experience at the Cliffs of Moher and the other top sites I recommend you see.

Also, side note, while you can get to the Cliffs of Moher and back — and even see most of the other mid-west Ireland sites I’m about to share with you — if you get up early enough, I think it’s best to make it into an overnight (or two!) part of your trip.

Then you won’t feel so rushed and can really enjoy the incredible scenery and attractions.

Cliffs of Moher from Dublin: Ireland’s Top Attraction is Worth the Drive

Cliffs of Moher are the main attraction of mid-west Ireland.
The Cliffs of Moher are the main attraction of Mid-west Ireland and possible to see on a day trip from Dublin.

The Cliffs of Moher make for a dramatic vista thanks to a sheer 600 foot vertical drop into the sea.

The cliffs are made up of mudstone and sandstone, which helps create the ambiance you’ll experience since the mudstone is softer and erodes which creates beautiful ledges on the side of the cliffs that seabirds habitat and breed on. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most important sea bird colonies in Europe and you’ll likely see many birds flying around while visiting, including the possibility of puffins.

There are also cow on the Cliffs of Moher.
Birds aren’t the only animals you’ll see at the Cliffs of Moher. There are also cows atop the cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, and with scenery like this, it’s easy to understand why.

Fields of green. Waters of blue. In Ireland's Mid-west region.
Fields of green. Waters of blue.
A lone sailboat out on the water surrounding the Cliffs of Moher in Midwest Ireland.
A lone sailboat out on the water surrounding the Cliffs of Moher.

For a small €2 fee, you can go up in O’Brien Tower located near the cliffs and which is just a short walk from the visitor center.

The tower was built by Cornelius O’Brien, a local landowner in the 19th century who was the person that originally had the vision to bring tourism to the Irish Mid-west and specifically the Cliffs of Moher. From the top of the tower, you can see all the way to Newfoundland on a clear day.

Cliffs of Moher Tower
O’Brien’s Tower
View from O'Brien's Tower at Cliffs of Moher
View from O’Brien’s Tower

The visitor center is also good for a walk-through or a warm haven if you’re visiting the cliffs on a blustery day like I did. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is actually built into the side of the earth and has beautiful views of the cliffs from its onsite café.

Bunratty Castle

The formidable Bunratty Castle entrance.
The formidable Bunratty Castle entrance.

Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland.

When visiting, you can tour the main castle plus its historic Folk Park, which is a recreation of what a village in the area would have been like in the 19th century.

It is seriously cool as you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to a full village complete with homes and businesses. Bunratty is a great spot for families to visit; adults will appreciate the history and attention to detail while kids will enjoy the exploration factor of all the different buildings to visit plus live animals onsite.

A pig, just one of the farm animals you can see at Bunratty Castle.
A pig near a medieval barn, just one of the farm animals you can see at Bunratty Castle.

Bunratty Castle was built in a Norman style in the 15th century and used to be surrounded by a moat.

Though it was left in ruin for 100 years before being restored in 1954  the floors never collapsed, so you’ll be walking over the same floor as the Great Earl did hundreds of years earlier. The fireplace you’ll see in the guard room (which now serves as a banquet room) is also the original.

A table in the main banquet room of Bunratty Castle.
A table in the main banquet room of Bunratty Castle.

While touring Bunratty Castle during your day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, you’ll learn about the home life of earls in Mid-west Ireland in the 15th century, like that the ceiling has a vent above the “central heating” fireplace and how the stone walls absorbed the heat and spread it all through the room. Much more complicated than turning a knob on a thermostat – good thing Ireland doesn’t get to 20 below zero on a regular basis like the Midwest winters I remember growing up with in Minnesota.

The bedrooms are also interesting to see, particularly the beds, which are covered in a 500-year-old bedspread and a nightgown that would have been worn in the era. The beds didn’t have springs, just ropes. At night the ropes would have to be tightened so people didn’t fall down the middle of the bed. This is where the term “sleep tight” comes from.

Medieval Bed in Bunratty Castle in Ireland.
Medieval Bed

There are many other old and interesting artifacts to see within the castle walls, including a sheela na gig, which is an ancient Irish fertility stone.

I rubbed it and…I became pregnant several months later! Use that information as you see fit to decide whether to rub it while you’re there or to keep your distance. 😉

Ancient Irish fertility stone in the castle.
Ancient Irish fertility stone in the castle. I had baby fever on my mind at this point in time so made sure to rub it. It seems to work. 😉

Once you leave the main castle, there’s even more fun to be had as you explore the Folk Park and see how people who weren’t earls lived back in the 1800s.

Recreated Medieval village awaits you in Bunratty, Ireland.
Recreated Medieval village awaits you in Bunratty.

You’ll be able to walk through recreated homes that have an impressive attention to detail and see various home furnishings and the way they were set up.

Like this bedroom, er…bed, nestled into the wall of one house in Bunratty.
Like this bedroom, er…bed, nestled into the wall of one house.

The grounds of Bunratty Folk Park are also simply pleasurable to walk around on thanks to meandering trails by cute Medieval-style buildings and lots of trees.

Bunratty, Ireland
Bunratty Medieval Village, Ireland

Along the way through the village, you’ll also have the opportunity to see a school house, mills and a blacksmith work area, plus lots of farmhouses.

If you have time into the evening, stick around for Bunratty Castle’s banquet, which takes place every night in the castle. You’ll be served food by the “butler and ladies of the castle” (dressed up in historic attire) and be entertained by live musical performances.

You May Also Enjoy Reading:
One Day in Killarney
One Day Around the Ring of Kerry
One Day in Limerick
One Day in Dublin

Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum

An actual size replica of an airplane at the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum near Limerick, Ireland
An actual size replica of an airplane at the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum.

The Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum sounded boring to me when I first heard of it, but it ended up being a highlight of my trip to Ireland for two main reasons.

First, you can tour a replicated Flying Boat, which gives you a good taste of what air travel was like back in its early days.

Second, the museum is housed in the old Foynes Airport, which is where the Irish Coffee was invented. At the end of your tour you’re given a demonstration on how to make one and then get to drink one. Now that is a pretty awesome museum experience if you ask me.

Pouring the cream on some whiskey-ified coffee in Foynes.
Pouring the cream on some whiskey-ified coffee in Foynes.

To see more pictures and read more about my time at this interesting air museum (and get the Irish Coffee recipe!) read my article on Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum.

Adare, the Prettiest Village in the Mid-West of Ireland

The thatched roof houses Adare, Ireland.
The thatched roof houses Adare, Ireland.

Adare is nicknamed Ireland’s Prettiest Village, and it’s easy to see why. The main street is lined with old homes that stand out thanks to their thatched roof characteristic.

Thatched roof loveliness in Adare, Ireland.
Thatched roof loveliness
How charming would it be to get a bite to eat at this adorable restaurant and tea room in Adare, Ireland?
How charming would it be to get a bite to eat at this adorable restaurant and tea room? (Alas, I didn’t have time to do so.)

Village Park

Adare isn’t just quaint little cottages, though; it also has a gorgeously green and leafy public garden to walk through called Village Park.

Though if you’re short on time during your trip to Cliffs of Moher from Dublin, then you’ve probably gotten enough nature at the cliffs and can skip this part.

The gazebo in the middle and trail leading up to Village Park in Adare, Ireland, is particularly lovely.
The gazebo in the middle and trail leading up to Village Park is particularly lovely.

Holy Trinity Abbey Church

If you want to see more historic architecture – or just love visiting churches – stop into Holy Trinity Abbey Church, which dates back to the 13th century.

Inside, you’ll find medieval looking arches leading to the understated, yet impressive altar. The one thing I particularly love about this church that makes it stand out compared to others in Europe is the layers of asymmetrical and haphazard gray bricks that make up the walls. They create an unexpected and intricate design aspect within the stone parameters of the church.

Holy Trinity Abbey Church in Adare
Holy Trinity Abbey Church

I also loved the pop of red from the door outside.

Holy Trinity Abbey Church in Adare, Ireland

Adare Manor

Adare is also home to the stately Adare Manor, which will have you feeling like you stepped into a more understated, but still fabulous, version of Downton Abbey.

The grounds are immaculately groomed around the stone mansion, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Adare Mansion, a stately resort in the charming village of Adare, Ireland.
Adare Manor
The grounds of Adare Manor are so inviting for a lovely stroll.
The grounds of Adare Manor are so inviting for a lovely walk.

Inside there is a welcoming lobby that leads to rooms for lucky people who book a room here.

Even if you’re not spending the night, you can reserve a spot for afternoon tea in Adare Manor’s charming tea room. It’s a great way to take a break after what has probably already been an eventful day of sightseeing.

Afternoon tea at Adare Manor
Afternoon tea at Adare Manor

Found this article helpful? Pin for later!

From the Cliffs of Moher to castles to coffee (with whiskey!), there is a lot to see and do in the midwest region of Ireland. Here are the top travel highlights and why you don't want to miss the gorgeous part of Ireland.

About Gina

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

Comments

  1. writing ireland says

    February 26, 2017 at

    After Reading This Post i get idea of at to See in the Mid-West of Ireland..Really i was exciting to know about Mid west of ireland.their food,environment,nature just awesome

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