Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Trip from Galway with Doolin Lunch

Summary

Windy cliffs, ancient stones and a Doolin lunch break from Galway

You’ll feel Atlantic winds on your face at Cliffs of Moher, wander among ancient stones at Poulnabrone Dolmen, taste real Irish chowder in Doolin, and ride through wild Burren landscapes—all with a local guide who knows every twist in the road. Expect quiet moments and unexpected laughs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to start my day staring up at Dunguaire Castle, but there we were—Kinvara’s morning air had that salty bite and the castle just sat there, kind of brooding over the water. Our guide, Tomás, joked about local ghosts (I’m still not sure if he was kidding). We only had about fifteen minutes, which was just enough to circle it once and watch a couple of swans glide past. The bus windows fogged up a bit as we headed into the Burren—someone behind me kept wiping little circles in the glass to see the limestone hills. It’s weirdly beautiful out there, all grey rock and tiny wildflowers poking through cracks.

Poulnabrone Dolmen looked smaller than I’d pictured but older too—like it’s been waiting forever for someone to ask its story. Tomás explained it’s over 5,000 years old. I touched one of the stones (probably not allowed?) and it felt cold even though the sun was out. By then I was getting hungry, so when we rolled into Doolin for lunch I practically jogged off the bus. There’s this pub where you can smell peat smoke before you even open the door. My fish chowder was so hot it steamed my glasses up; an older couple next to me nodded like they approved my choice.

The main event is obviously the Cliffs of Moher. I thought I’d seen enough photos online to be ready but… no. The wind nearly knocked my phone out of my hand when I tried to take a picture (pro tip: hold tight). Seagulls wheeled below us and you could hear them even over the wind—it’s louder than you think up there. Everyone sort of spread out along the path; some people just stood quietly for ages looking out at nothing but ocean and sky. There was a moment where everything went quiet except for that wind—I still think about that silence sometimes.

On the way back to Galway we took the coast road, which Tomás said has “the best views in Ireland unless you’re driving.” He pointed out Inisheer in the distance, half-lost in mist. The sun came out right before we rolled back into town around 6:15pm—felt like we’d been gone longer somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Burren and Cliffs of Moher

• Depart Galway at 10:00
• View Dunguaire Castle exterior
• Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen site
• Lunch stop in Doolin village
• Free time at Cliffs of Moher
• Return to Galway via Coast Road

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Galway to Cliffs of Moher?

The tour departs at 10:00am from Galway and returns around 6:15pm.

Is lunch included on this Cliffs of Moher tour?

No, lunch is not included in the ticket price; you’ll have time to buy your own meal in Doolin.

What stops are included on this Burren day trip?

You’ll stop at Dunguaire Castle (outside), Poulnabrone Dolmen, Doolin village for lunch, and spend two hours at Cliffs of Moher.

How much time do you get at Cliffs of Moher?

You’ll have about two hours of free time to explore Cliffs of Moher on foot.

Is entry to Cliffs of Moher included?

Yes, entrance fees for Cliffs of Moher are included with your tour ticket.

Are there guides or commentary during the trip?

Yes, a professional local driver/guide provides live commentary throughout the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on laps.

Does this day trip operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or wind.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned coach from Galway city centre with live commentary from a local driver-guide, entrance fee for Cliffs of Moher, short stops at Dunguaire Castle and Poulnabrone Dolmen, plus free time for lunch in Doolin before returning via scenic coastal roads in early evening.