Cliffs of Moher & Wild Atlantic Way Day Trip from Dublin

Summary

From Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher with stops at Kinvara, Doolin, Bunratty Castle and the Burren

You’ll ride from Dublin through Ireland’s wild west coast—pausing in Kinvara’s harbor, wandering windswept Burren limestone fields, tasting local chowder in Doolin, and finally standing atop the Cliffs of Moher with sea spray on your face. Includes pickup, guide commentary, entry fees and time for a pint or two if you fancy it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how green everything looked out the bus window—like someone turned up the color just for us. Our driver, who introduced himself as Mick (he joked he’s “not that Mick, but close enough”), started telling stories before we’d even left Dublin. There was this moment when we stopped for coffee somewhere in the midlands—I can’t remember the name, but it smelled like peat smoke outside and strong tea inside. It’s funny how those tiny stops stick with you more than you expect.

Rolling into Kinvara felt like stepping into a postcard—fishing boats bobbing around, paint peeling on old doors. Mick pointed out Dunguaire Castle across the water. I tried to get a photo but my phone fogged up (Irish weather does what it wants). The drive along Galway Bay after that was wild—wind rattling the windows, Atlantic spray on the air. We passed through the Burren too, all that pale limestone stretching out in weird patterns. Someone behind me said it looked like another planet. Kind of true.

Doolin was our lunch stop—a tiny place with music posters everywhere and a couple of pubs already humming by noon. I had seafood chowder that tasted like it came straight from the ocean (maybe it did). The Cliffs of Moher were next. You hear about them so much it’s easy to think they won’t surprise you—but standing there, wind trying to steal my hat, gulls screaming overhead… I just stood quiet for a minute. The visitor center is tucked right into the hillside; clever design, honestly. There’s an exhibition inside if you want to know more about how these cliffs came to be—I only half-listened because I couldn’t stop looking back outside.

On our way back we stopped at Bunratty Castle for photos and maybe a pint if you wanted one (Durty Nelly’s pub is right there—Mick said it’s been around forever). By then everyone was quieter, tired in that good way after a long day out west. I still think about that view from the cliffs sometimes—you know how some places just stay with you? Anyway, if you’re thinking about this day trip from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher… well, I’d go again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way

• Scenic drive across Irish midlands
• Mid-morning comfort and coffee stop
• Stop at Kinvara fishing village
• Coastal drive along Galway Bay
• Explore the Burren and Mini Cliffs
• Lunch stop in Doolin village
• Visit Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Edge Exhibition
• Photo stop at Bunratty Castle village
• Return to Dublin city center

Top questions

How long is the Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours including travel time and all stops.

Is entrance to Cliffs of Moher included?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and Atlantic Edge Exhibition.

Are there restroom breaks during the tour?

Yes, there are ample restroom stops throughout the itinerary as there are no toilets on board.

What villages or towns do we visit on this tour?

You’ll stop in Kinvara village, Doolin for lunch, and Bunratty near Bunratty Castle.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there are plenty of options in Doolin for all diets.

Are hotel pickups available?

The tour includes pickup at specified points in Dublin city center listed during booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

Yes—the visitor center has elevators and accessible paths; walking is optional.

Can children join this tour?

Yes—infant seats are available and strollers can be brought along.

What vehicle is used for this tour?

A Mercedes-Benz Paddywagon coach with WiFi and USB charging ports is used.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Dublin meeting points, entry tickets to both the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and its Atlantic Edge Exhibition (so no extra fees), travel in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz coach with WiFi onboard plus USB charging ports if your phone gets low after all those photos. A professional Irish guide keeps things lively with stories along every stretch—and there’s plenty of time set aside for meals or snacks wherever hunger strikes along the Wild Atlantic Way before heading back to Dublin by evening.