What towns are between Galway and Cliffs of Moher?

Scenic Drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher
  • Stop 1: Connemara National Park. We recommend you get up nice and early and head west from Galway city to discover the beautiful Connemara National Park. ...
  • Stop 2: Kylemore Abbey. ...
  • Stop 3: Clifden. ...
  • Stop 4: Kinvara. ...
  • Stop 5: The Burren and Aillwee Cave. ...
  • Step 6: Doolin.




The drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland's most scenic routes, typically taking you along the Wild Atlantic Way through several charming towns and villages. The most notable stop is Kinvara, a picturesque fishing village famous for the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle. Following the coast, you will reach Ballyvaughan, a gateway to the unique limestone landscape of the Burren. As you continue toward the cliffs, you will pass through Lisdoonvarna, renowned for its annual matchmaking festival, and Doolin, the "traditional music capital" of Ireland and a popular launching point for ferries to the Aran Islands. In 2026, these towns remain essential stops for travelers wanting to experience authentic Irish hospitality, local seafood, and stunning coastal views before arriving at the majestic vertical drops of the cliffs themselves.

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The walk takes approximately 3 hours along a gravel path and finishes at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where public transport is available for your return to Doolin. Many people start in Doolin, walk the 8 km to the Visitor Center, and then take the shuttle bus back to Doolin.

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We recommend spending a minimum of two hours at the Cliffs of Moher, though many visitors choose to spend a little longer. If you are doing the Cliffs of Moher Coastal walk, commencing at Cliffs of Moher Experience this will take anything from 2 hours each way. See Cliffs of Moher Coastal walk.

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The beauty of the Cliffs and the weather is that they can be cloaked in fog one minute and basking in the sun's rays the next. The weather is highly unpredictable. So when visiting, it's best to come prepared for all types of weather with a good rain jacket and a pair of walking boots.

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Pack warm clothing and a rain jacket Be prepared for wild weather mood swings. One minute might be rainy, and the next one might be sunny. Even if you check the forecast for a general idea of the day, no one ever really knows what the weather around the Cliffs will be like. The best thing you can do is be prepared.

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Please book this trip if you would like to visit Inis Mór (the largest of the Aran Islands) and see the Cliffs of Moher on a Day Trip. Experience traditional Irish culture on the Aran Islands before viewing the iconic Cliffs of Moher from sea-level on a Day Tour from Galway City Docks.

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Galway might be Ireland's most charming city: compact, walkable and filled to the brim with independent shops and restaurants that walk the fine line between cool and kitsch.

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If you're looking to visit the Cliffs of Moher for free, you can do one of the cliff walks. Whack 'Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk' into your sat nav. You'll get parking here (it was €4 when I was here last) and you can take a handy 15 to 20-minute walk up to the viewing point across from Hag's Head.

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Distance From Doolin to the Cliffs Of Moher The Doolin Cliff Walk is 8km long, (5 miles)each way, so it's not too challenging and most people should be able to complete the trail without any problems. I would recommend giving yourself at least 3 hours to complete the walk, even if you're a relatively experienced hiker.

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