County Clare, Ireland
Bus Éireann is the main public bus service connecting towns and villages in County Clare. It operates inter-urban routes that link major towns and some local routes that reach smaller communities. It is the most relevant public transport option for reaching the Cliffs of Moher directly. Ireland’s national train service, Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann), connects major towns like Ennis (County Clare’s county town) to larger cities like Dublin and Limerick. However, the train network does not extend to the immediate coastal area around the Cliffs of Moher. You will need to switch to a bus or taxi from Ennis to reach the Cliffs. Metropolitan transport systems like metros or trams exist only in Ireland’s largest cities, like Dublin. They are not available in County Clare.
Route 350: This route is the most important public transport link for Cliffs of Moher visitors. It runs between Galway City in the north and Ennis in the south. Along its path, it serves many popular coastal towns and villages, including Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Lahinch, Ennistymon, and critically, it stops directly at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.
Frequency of Bus Éireann Route 350 varies significantly by season. Summer high season (June-August) features more frequent services (4-5 times daily). Winter low season (Nov-March) means much less frequent service (1-2 times daily).
Limited winter service means careful planning is needed if you rely solely on public transport. Buses generally do not run very late into the evening in rural areas. Always check current timetables on the Bus Éireann website.
Newer Bus Éireann coaches are generally wheelchair accessible. Contact Bus Éireann in advance to confirm accessibility for your specific route. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre shows accessibility. Paved paths lead to main viewing platforms.
Identifiable by a roof sign (lit when available) and a taxi license plate.
Can hail on street in larger towns (Ennis, Lahinch). Less common in smaller villages like Doolin.
Best to pre-book by phone, especially in rural areas or for specific times. Ask accommodation for local numbers.
Regulated by meter. For rural/pre-booked, agree on fixed price. Doolin to Cliffs: €15-€25. Lahinch to Cliffs: €30-€40.
Driving offers the most flexibility, but buses and trains also serve the region.
Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk (well-maintained sections), Doolin, Lahinch, Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna villages are walkable. Burren National Park offers marked walking trails.
Guided walks by local experts offer in-depth geological/cultural insights. Self-guided options with maps and information are available online or at visitor centers.
Do not go beyond safety barriers at Cliffs of Moher (unstable edges, high winds, dangerous). Pedestrians/cyclists are not permitted on motorways (M roads). Avoid cycling on busy national roads (N-roads) without dedicated paths.
Beyond standard options, some unique transport methods enhance specific experiences around the Cliffs of Moher.
The main visitor centre building and paved viewing platforms are wheelchair-friendly. Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available.
Wheelchairs are available for loan at the Visitor Centre.
The paved path from the Visitor Centre extends for a short distance (approx. 80 meters or 260 feet) north and south, offering accessible views.
Beyond this, the Coastal Walk is unpaved and not suitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges.
Assistance dogs are permitted in the Visitor Centre and on the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.
For optimal travel, consider downloading offline maps for areas with limited mobile signal.
Always double-check opening hours and seasonal availability for attractions and transport services closer to your travel dates.
