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Dublin to Cliffs of Moher & Galway Day Trip with Burren

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/10

Duration12h 30m

GroupUp to 53

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Cliffs of Moher winds Galway music and Burren stone on a west coast day

You’ll step out onto windswept cliffs above crashing Atlantic waves, cross through ancient Burren stone fields with stories hiding underfoot, and soak up Galway’s music-filled streets. With entry fees covered and a local guide sharing tales along every twisty road, you’ll come home carrying more than just photos — maybe even a bit of Irish weather in your bones.

12h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Stop at Barack Obama Plaza
Drive past Limerick, Ennis, River Shannon
Navigate Kissing Corner of Ennistymon
Explore Cliffs of Moher for 2 hours
Drive through Burren and Wild Atlantic Way
Drive-by Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara
Spend 2 hours exploring Galway city
Return to Dublin around 7:30 PM

The Experience

We rolled out of Dublin before sunrise, still half asleep, and by the time we hit Barack Obama Plaza (yes, that’s really what it’s called), I was awake enough to laugh at the statue and grab a coffee. Our guide, Siobhán, joked about how every Irish town seems to have its own claim to fame — apparently even gas stations. The air inside smelled like fresh pastries and something fried; outside, it was just cold and a bit damp, which felt right for Ireland in spring.

The drive into County Clare got twisty fast. There’s this spot in Ennistymon — “Kissing Corner” — where our driver threaded the bus through such a tight turn that everyone actually clapped. I mean, I’ve never applauded driving before. Then suddenly there they were: the Cliffs of Moher. You get two hours here, which sounds long but honestly isn’t enough. The wind nearly took my hat off (twice), gulls screaming overhead, ocean crashing below. I tried to spot puffins but only managed sheep in the distance and some brave tourists edging closer than I’d dare. The visitor centre is included if you want warmth or a bathroom — both necessary.

After that wild Atlantic air, we cut across the Burren. It’s hard to describe this place — all limestone slabs and tiny flowers poking up between cracks. Siobhán pointed out fairy forts and told us about people who still believe in them; she swears her cousin won’t cut a certain bush because of “the little folk.” The road hugs the sea for ages. We passed Dunguaire Castle near Kinvara (just a quick photo stop from the bus) and then suddenly you’re in Galway.

Galway’s loud in the best way: street musicians everywhere, bright shopfronts, people laughing over oysters and pints even though it started to drizzle again. I wandered down Quay Street with my sandwich from earlier (should’ve tried something local instead). Two hours goes fast here too — I barely had time for a coffee before we had to meet up again for Dublin. Still think about that salty air at the cliffs sometimes when things are too quiet back home.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning departure from Dublin city centre by modern coach with Wi-Fi, a stop at Barack Obama Plaza for snacks or breakfast, entry fees for full access at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre (with two hours there), scenic drives through Ennistymon, Lahinch and along Wild Atlantic Way past Dunguaire Castle near Kinvara, plus free time in Galway city before heading back in the evening—all led by an Irish guide sharing stories every mile.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Finn McCools Tours