Ireland

Family Fun at the Cliffs of Moher with Kids in Ireland

If you’ve ever seen a movie set in Ireland, you’ve probably seen its famous cliffs. In fact, movies are what drove us to these cliffs in the first place. I binge-watched The Princess Bride as a little girl every day for probably a year!  I will never forget the scene of them climbing up the cliffs, and when I found out they were in Ireland, we had to go!  One look at the photos, and my husband was also in for the ride.  He loves to take amazing photos!

When planning, I wasn’t so sure if kids are good to bring to the cliffs. Thankfully, the answer is yes! Of course, you never want to leave them unattended as there can be dangers, but it was well protected.  

We landed in Ireland, spent the night and then spent the entire next day getting to these cliffs.  We showed up right at sunset and it was glorious.  Not only was it a golden hour, but all the other tourists had left for the day.  We had the place entirely to ourselves.  This did mean we missed dinner as all the restaurants close early, but it was well worth the sacrifice.

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Why Visit the Cliffs of Moher with Kids

Apart from being beautiful, there are many reasons why you should visit the Cliffs of Moher with kids in Ireland.  For starters, many artists, painters and writers have been inspired by these cliffs, even movies like one scene from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was once filmed here!

Also, it’s probably one of Ireland’s most iconic natural attractions!  Not just because of its beauty, but also because it’s part of the UNESCO Global Geopark as this area has significant geological and ecological importance.  Why?  The cliffs seemed to have been formed about 350 million years ago!  It’s home to many bird species and plants while showcasing six thousand years of human history.

History aside, the huge sea cliffs are something worth seeing in person.  They are approximately 700 feet above sea level and stretch five miles along the coastline. Can you imagine? Add that and the dramatic cliffside views, you get perfect picture spots in every corner. My kids loved seeing the cliffs as it offered several viewpoints.  Thankfully, the cliffs are concave, meaning  you can see them from one side or the other (unlike the Cliffs of Dover in England, which are really best seen from below in a boat).  

The wind was a bit crazy, but we ran around taking it all in. My kids loved the cows along the trail, the lighthouse and the spectacular views.

If you are movie fans like us (Harry Potter fans) you will probably have a very fun visit.  Overall, the Cliffs of Moher are fun, family-friendly and suitable for kids older than six years old.  Just keep in mind that some paths can be a bit dangerous for your kids, and make sure to always keep them close.  I never let the kids roam more than about five feet from me to be safe, and I’d recommend the same.

Best Times to Visit the Cliff of Moher in Ireland

In general, the best times to visit the Cliffs of Moher with kids are the shoulder seasons (think spring and fall), but this can be tricky with school breaks.  If you’re able to also visit when it’s not peak season, take advantage of that!  However, let’s break down the perks of each season.

• Spring:  This is probably the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher.  The weather is warm and nice, the days are clear and you can see all the flowers blooming, giving the cliffs a picturesque and colorful look.
  
  Also, during this time of year, crowds tend to be smaller compared to summer.  This helps if your kids can’t handle bigger crowds and allows you to take in more of this place in a peaceful way.  Tip: Be sure to check out all the birds as they usually nest in the cliffs during this time.  We visited in May and it was lovely!  Not too cold, but definitely bring a jacket.

• Summer:  This season is probably the most popular time of the year for the Cliffs of Moher.  The weather is warm, making this time perfect for exploring the cliffs more comfortably.  Additionally, they have extended hours, closing at 9 p.m. 
  
  Just be aware that the cliffs can have bigger crowds compared to the rest of the year.  If you’re visiting this season, try to avoid midday crowds by visiting very early in the morning (you can arrive as early as 8 a.m.) or late in the afternoon.  Be like us and show up at sunset!
  
• Autumn:  If you’re planning to visit during the months of September to November, then this is also a great time to do so.  The hot summer weather starts to drift, but it’s not yet super cold.
  
  Also, crowds are smaller, and you can watch the beautiful colors of fall, adding a magical charm to this place.  However, the days begin to shorten and rain may dampen things.

• Winter:  This is the least popular season as it’s when the weather is super cold and harsh (mostly cloudy days).  There is less daylight, so their opening hours are shorter, and there are fewer tour options.  

• You will not find that many crowds as it’s mostly empty, but I would not recommend it as the weather may not be tolerable or great for kids.  

No matter the time of the year, if you’re looking for the best lighting you can take advantage of early morning or late afternoons.  You can’t fully watch the sunrise, but during summer you can catch a glimpse of the spectacular sunset views. 

Also, the day we went it was very windy!  Make sure to keep your kids close as some trails do not have any railing at all. Strong winds plus little kids can be a bit risky. Just make sure they are with you the whole time.

Ticket Prices and Hours at Cliffs of Moher

Now let’s talk about some of the most important information for the Cliffs of Moher. Most tours that take you here include the entrance price, transportation plus another activity. 

Opening hours vary depending on the season and how much daylight there is.  So, it goes like this:

• From November to February, they are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  
• In March, April, September and October, they are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• From May to August, they are open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.

And now let’s talk about pricing.  They offer different options depending on age, but they also offer a package for families of four (two kids and two adults).  You can buy in person, with a higher price, or book your tickets online.  These are the online costs:

• Adults from €8

• Seniors, ages 65+ from €6

• Students, ages 13+ from €6

• Kids, 12 years and under are free

• Family Ticket: 2 adults, 2 children from €16

*Keep in mind that you can only book four kids under the age of 12 per adult.

How to Get to Cliffs of Moher

Getting to the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland is not hard, as you have many options to choose from. Before you choose a transport option, consider how many people you’re traveling with.  

For example, it’s not the same to travel with two kids as with five kids.  Or it is also not always comfortable to travel in buses or subways when you have to bring a stroller.  Consider these factors before selecting your transportation option.

Driving:  This is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable way to get to the Cliffs of Moher.  There is parking on site, and a drive from Galway can take about an hour and a half.  But if you drive from Dublin, it can be a three-hour drive.  We drove straight from Dublin.  Driving on the other side of the road is an adventure (and kind of hard, honestly), so you may want to spread this over two days.  We rented a car from the Dublin airport.

If you choose to rent a car, just know that booking your tickets in advance can help you get a good spot in the parking lot.  Also, the parking lot is on the opposite side of the road from the visitor center.

Bus:  There are different public routes you can take to the Cliff of Moher, and they depend on where you’re staying.  There is route 350 from Bus Éireann, and they do daily trips from Galway to Ennis, where the Cliffs of Moher are located.

Then there’s also route 351 from the TFI (Transport for Ireland) Local Link which also provides daily trips from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. 

Bike: Yes, you read that right!  Did you know that The Cliffs of Moher made it into one of the top 10 greatest cycling routes in the world?  If you and your family are into cycling, you can take advantage of this beautiful route in the County Clare Coastline and enjoy this beautiful view.

Tours:  This is perhaps also one of the most convenient ways to get to the Cliffs of Moher with kids as a tourist.   Many tours offer transportation options from your destination and they get you back to your hotel.  Plus, you get to hear amazing historical and fun facts to learn all you need to know about this stunning destination. Here are some tours you can find:

• Take a boat ride to the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy the views from a different perspective.
  
• Looking for something more exclusive? Take an early access to the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way Experience.
  
• You want to explore more while in Ireland?  Maybe a longer day trip that includes the cliff and other places like Doolin, Burren, and Galway is the option you’re looking for!

Where to Stay Near Cliffs of Moher with Kids

You have options to stay near the Cliffs of Moher with kids (some hotels are as close as 30-40 minutes walking) or to stay in Galway, where you can take the bus or drive (as mentioned above). Anyway, here are some of the hotels you could consider during your trip to Ireland:

1. Cliffs of Moher Hotel:  What I liked about this hotel is that they have rooms so big, you have the possibility of having three beds in one room (around six people can fit)!  This hotel is small, but it’s pretty.  I loved the moody style, and they offer free parking in case you rented a car.  They can also keep your luggage, and the closeness to the Cliffs of Moher is just perfect!
   
2. Doolin Inn:  This hotel also has a moody style and very Irish accent decorations throughout the building. I like the location of this hotel because it has different food options at walking distance and it’s also near the cliffs. 
   
3. Leonardo Hotel Galway:  This hotel is not as close as the other ones mentioned above.  However the location is still good and has family rooms that allow up to 3 kids per room.  There are nearby restaurants, museums and beaches you can visit during your stay. 

What to Do at the Cliffs of Moher with kids

Once you arrive at the Cliffs of Moher, there are actually a few things you can do besides just admiring the cliffs (although I would not judge you if you just do that)! 

• Walk the Cliff Trail for panoramic views.  Walk a lot, explore!  The views of the coastline are something else.  Depending on how much your kids can take or how sporty they are, there are short trail sections or you can walk the full length of the trail!
  
• Visit the Visitor Centre.  Here you’ll find interactive exhibits about the cliff’s history, wildlife and its geological importance.  Plus, you’ll find a cafe and restrooms (perfect for taking a break, and if your kids need to use one).
  
• Go to O’Brien’s Tower for a better view.  Many tours include visiting this tower built in 1835.  It is an observation point and marks the tallest point of the cliffs.  It is worth seeing and a great photo spot for the family!
  
• Take time to watch some wildlife.  Something that I’m pretty sure your kids will love is that here you can see puffins, other seabirds and, depending on the time of year, dolphins!  You can’t miss staring at the sea and spotting some animals, your kids will love it!

• Take a boat tour to see the cliffs from the sea.  If everyone in your family can handle boats, then taking this tour is a must!  It gives you a different perspective of the cliffs as you get to see them from the sea, which makes them feel more impactful!
  
  This tour departs from Doolin Pier, takes you to Aillwee Cave, includes a guide and is suitable for people of all ages.  It costs around $35 USD per person.

What to Bring to the Cliffs of Moher

Your packing list may vary, as it all comes down to the time of the year you choose to travel. It can also vary depending on the ages in your group, babies need strollers or carriers but teenagers can use a small backpack!  However, there are still a few items you can pack all year round, like:

• Waterproof jackets:  Ireland’s weather is quite predictable, but if you’re visiting during the rainy season, I would recommend bringing light waterproof jackets for women, men and all the kids!  Make sure they are light and easy to pack and fold for your backpack.
  
• Comfortable walking shoes:  You will be doing a lot of walking in the Cliffs of Moher, so make sure that everyone has good sneakers for walking, even the kids!
  
• Baby Carrier:  There are a lot of steps in the Cliffs of Moher, and some are steep.  So, be sure to bring a comfy baby carrier instead of a stroller, as it will be a bit hard to walk around with one.

• Light Backpack:  As a mom, I tend to carry most of the things; however, I try to make sure I’m bringing a small backpack (a reasonable and not too bulky one).  Just try to pack smart and if you can, buy your kids one so they can bring their essentials for travel!
  
• Refillable Water Bottles:  No matter where you go, it’s always smart to bring some water with you!  Especially if you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and trust me, you will walk a lot here.  So, pack a refillable water bottle for everyone in your crew.
  
• Binoculars:  Now, this is not really a must when travelling to the Cliffs of Moher, but if you’d like to do some bird watching, then you should definitely bring some!  This can be a very fun and enriching adventure with kids so I’d highly encourage you to bring some during spring.
  
• Sunscreen:  Summer tends to be hot, and there are not really that many trees here where you can get some shade.  So I’d recommend you bring sunscreen to protect all your family’s skin!
  
• Snacks for hiking:  Are you planning to spend most of your day here?  Then bringing a few snacks would be a great idea!  Your kids might get hungry or tired, so bringing a few snacks can help lift up their energy a bit.

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