Living in America on (what we hope) is the back-end of this pandemic makes you feel especially distant from the rest of the world, but great places we’ve visited are still front and center on our mind. The Cliffs of Moher, located in County Clare, Ireland, is one of these places.
In Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most popular locations for tourists. However, it’s not a place that you can really stay close to, so you’ll want to plan a visit here as a type of day trip. Luckily, because of how popular the location is, you can get a day trip from just about anywhere. We actually stayed on the opposite coast, all the way in Dublin, and a round-trip visit in an air conditioned bus only took about four hours each way, and we were able to make a proper day trip out of it.
Now, there are good-sized cities that are much close – such as Galway and Limerick. If you happen to be visiting multiple cities in Ireland and want to make the Cliffs of Moher a part of that plan, you should probably start in Dublin (easiest to fly into), then either rent a car or travel via train across the country to different locations. The Irish countryside is really beautiful, so renting a car certainly has its benefits. The best way to book a day trip, however, is through Viator – a website we’ve probably used 100 times, and one we trust for affordable day trips that are well-organized, and enjoyable.
In terms of food, there are some great restaurants in County Clare and near The Cliffs of Moher you should try. One of the best reputations in the area is in nearby Lahinch, where Barrtra Seafood Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the area – if not a little on the pricey side. If you’re looking for something really nice, however, it’s worth the trip.
Just down the street from the cliffs, there are two great restaurants. One is Stonecutter’s Kitchen (which is only seasonally open – not during winter), and the other is Vaughan’s Anchor Inn. Vaughan’s is a hotel first, but the restaurant boasts nearly 5-star reviews and is located in nearby Liscannor.
While you’re actually at The Cliffs of Moher, you don’t have to stress about food. There’s a great restaurant on-site that serves authentic Irish fare in a cafeteria-like settings!
One option is the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, which has a café and a restaurant. The café offers a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages, while the restaurant serves more substantial dishes such as soups, sandwiches, and salads. Both the café and the restaurant offer indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Ocean.
Another option is the Doolin Café, which is located in the nearby village of Doolin. This café serves a range of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, as well as hot and cold beverages. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and offers indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
There are also several pubs in the area that serve food, such as O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin and McGann’s Pub in Liscannor. These pubs offer a range of traditional Irish dishes, as well as sandwiches, salads, and other pub favorites.
Overall, there are plenty of options for places to eat while visiting the Cliffs of Moher, whether you are looking for a quick snack or a more substantial meal.