Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Ennis & Bunratty Castle Day Trip

Summary

Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin with Ennis walk and Bunratty Castle tour

You’ll feel Ireland shift under your feet: wild Atlantic winds at the Cliffs of Moher, laughter echoing through Ennis’ streets, ancient stones beneath your hand at Bunratty Castle. With transport from Dublin, entry tickets included, and a local guide sharing stories along the way—you’ll see more than scenery on this day trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed on the 7am start. But standing in line outside that Starbucks in Dublin, half-awake and clutching coffee, I caught a weird excitement in the air—people swapping sleepy smiles, our guide counting us off like a school trip. The drive west was longer than I expected (bring snacks), but watching the countryside change—stone walls, sheep everywhere—felt oddly soothing. Our driver told stories about Clare’s stubborn weather and pointed out a ruined abbey I’d never have noticed. The bus had Wi-Fi but honestly, I just watched rain streak the window for a while.

The Cliffs of Moher hit you all at once. You step off the coach and there’s this cold Atlantic wind that kind of wakes you up for real. The cliffs are huge—way bigger than photos—and you can smell salt and grass mixed together. I wandered along the paved path, trying not to lose my scarf or my nerve (it gets blustery). Our guide showed me where to spot puffins if you’re lucky—no dice for me this time—and explained how the sunlight changes everything here depending on the hour. There’s a visitor centre if you need to warm up or grab a snack; I just stood outside staring for ages. My phone photos don’t do it justice.

Ennis surprised me—I thought it’d be sleepy but it’s actually buzzing around lunchtime. We did this quick walking tour (optional but worth it), ducking into narrow lanes and past bright shopfronts. A local waved us into a pub where someone was tuning up for music later; I ordered soup and brown bread because it felt right. Our guide joked about Ennis being “the friendliest town” and honestly, people really did say hi as they passed by—maybe it’s just an Ennis thing?

Bunratty Castle looks straight out of a storybook but smells faintly of old stone and woodsmoke inside. The spiral stairs are tight (watch your head), and there’s all these odd details—a murder hole over the door, tapestries that look like they’ve seen centuries pass by. In the Folk Park next door, kids were chasing chickens and costumed staff were baking bread in an open hearth kitchen; one woman let me taste a bit (still warm). By late afternoon my legs were tired in that good way—you know? We got back to Dublin after dark, everyone quieter than this morning but somehow lighter too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dublin to Cliffs, Ennis, Bunratty Castle

• Meet at Starbucks Café, Dublin
• Travel to Cliffs of Moher
• Explore Cliffs of Moher and Visitor Centre
• Travel to Ennis town
• Join optional walking tour in Ennis
• Have lunch in Ennis pubs
• Travel to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
• Tour Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
• Return to Dublin, drop off at D'Olier Street

Top questions

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

The tour departs at 7 AM from Dublin and returns around 7:45 PM, so expect about 13 hours total including travel time.

Is lunch included on this Cliffs of Moher day trip?

No set lunch is included; most people have lunch in Ennis at a traditional pub or café during free time.

Are entry fees covered for Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle?

Yes, admission fees for both Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park are included.

Is there a guided tour in Ennis town?

A complimentary 20-minute walking tour in Ennis is offered by your guide; joining is optional.

Where does the day trip start and end in Dublin?

The tour starts at Starbucks Café on Crampton Quay and ends nearby on D'Olier Street in central Dublin.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; storage is available for most items.

Are bathrooms available during travel?

No bathrooms are onboard the coach but rest stops are scheduled along the route.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring snacks, layers for unpredictable weather, comfortable shoes, and any motion sickness remedies if needed due to winding roads.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning departure from central Dublin with transport by air-conditioned coach (Wi-Fi onboard), entry tickets to both Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, plus a short guided walking tour through Ennis town—all before returning to Dublin by evening.