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Where to Stay in Cliffs of Moher

Where to Stay in Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs Of Moher County Clare, Ireland Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Common Accommodation Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dormitory beds and private rooms. Common in Doolin, Lahinch, and Ennis. A practical base for exploring.

  • B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts)

    Popular and iconic in rural Ireland. Stay in a private home, often with ensuite bathroom and full Irish breakfast. Find these throughout County Clare.

  • Guesthouses

    Generally larger and commercially run than B&Bs. They may include lounge areas or small bars, maintaining a personal feel.

  • Hotels

    Options range from budget-friendly to luxury. Wider selection in Lahinch, Ennis, or further afield in Limerick and Galway cities.

Other Accommodation Types

  • Self-Catering Houses/Apartments

    Vacation rentals with kitchen facilities. Popular for families or groups desiring space, privacy, and cooking options. Available via Vrbo and local agencies.

  • Farm Stays

    Some working farms offer B&B or self-catering. An immersive rural experience, seeing daily farm life.

  • Boutique Guesthouses

    Renovated historic properties or specially designed spaces. Stylish, personalized stays with unique decor and high service.

  • Camping and Glamping

    Designated campsites near coastal towns like Doolin and Lahinch. Wild camping is generally not permitted without landowner permission.

Neighborhood Guide

Proximity to the Cliffs frequently shapes visitor choices. All listed areas are generally very safe for tourists.

Liscannor

Pros
  • Very close to Cliffs (southern end)
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Good seafood pub
Cons
  • Limited amenities
  • Driving often needed for most activities

Lahinch

Pros
  • Beach, surf schools, golf course
  • Good restaurants/cafes
  • More services
Cons
  • Further from Cliffs than Doolin/Liscannor
  • Busy, especially in summer

Doolin

Pros
  • Closest village to Cliffs
  • Famous for traditional music pubs
  • Ferry access to Aran Islands
Cons
  • Can be very busy in peak season
  • Accommodation books quickly
  • Limited non-pub dining

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Lively Spots:

Doolin can be lively and noisy in the evenings, notably around pubs with traditional music sessions. Consider accommodation slightly away from the main pub cluster for quiet.

Quieter Areas:

Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna, Ennistymon, and Ennis generally feature noise levels typical of small towns. Lahinch may present a more energetic vibe during summer due to its beach and surf scene.

Booking Strategies

Effective booking strategies help you find lodging at the right price, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-August): Book 3-6 months in advance for popular coastal villages like Doolin and Lahinch.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, Sep-Oct): Book 1-3 months ahead for good selection and prices.
  • Low Season (Nov-March): More booking flexibility. A few weeks ahead is still advisable for specific B&Bs or holidays.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common for established hotels or B&Bs; prices are typically fixed.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Platforms like Booking.com and Agoda are widely used, presenting broad selections and guest reviews.
  • Direct Booking: Many B&Bs and guesthouses prefer direct bookings via their own websites or by phone; this sometimes presents better rates.
  • Vacation Rentals: Vrbo or local property management websites for self-catering. Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.
  • Official Tourism Websites: Failte Ireland may list approved accommodations.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

General Policies:
  • Policies vary significantly by accommodation type and provider.
  • Hotels/Guesthouses: Often require a credit card guarantee; cancellations typically allow full refund 24-72 hours prior.
  • B&Bs: May seek an one-night deposit or full payment for short stays; cancellations can be stricter (e.g., 7 days' notice).
  • Vacation Rentals: Often feature stricter cancellation policies and may seek larger upfront deposits.
Price Fluctuations:
  • Prices are highest during high season (June-August) and during major local events like the Doolin Folk Festival or Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival.
  • Prices drop significantly during low season (November-March), presenting good value.
  • Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) balance price with pleasant weather and crowds.

Accommodation Chains

Hotel Chains:

While many accommodations are independent, larger towns may feature international hotel chains. IHG Hotels is one such example with properties in larger Irish cities, providing consistent standards.

Hostel Chains:

For budget travelers, international hostel networks or independent hostels are available. Hostelworld is a platform to find and book various hostel options in County Clare.

Vacation Rental Networks:

Platforms like Booking.com and Agoda feature many independent vacation rentals beyond hotels, providing diverse choices for longer stays or groups.

Accommodation Recommendations

Specific property names are omitted to retain neutrality.

Top Picks for Different Budget Levels

Budget

Hostels in Doolin, Lahinch, or Ennis.

  • Dormitory beds or simple private rooms.
  • Communal facilities, social atmosphere.
  • Good base for activities.
Mid-Range

B&Bs/Guesthouses throughout Doolin, Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna, Lahinch.

  • Personalized service, often includes a full Irish breakfast.
  • Comfortable rooms, local charm, good value.

Luxury & Specific Traveler Types

Luxury

Boutique Hotels/High-end B&Bs in Lahinch, or higher-rated B&Bs in Doolin.

  • Exceptional service, premium amenities.
  • Often gourmet breakfast, unique design.
  • May feature sea views or prime locations.
Family-Friendly

Self-Catering Cottages/Apartments, larger B&Bs/Guesthouses, hotels with pools.

  • Multiple bedrooms, kitchen facilities, outdoor areas.
  • Specific family rooms or connecting rooms.
  • Swimming pools for entertainment.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels

    Ideal for meeting other travelers and joining social events. Common rooms foster interaction.

  • B&Bs

    Offer a welcoming and safe environment. Hosts frequently share local advice. Many offer single rooms at a reduced rate.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Self-Catering Rentals are practical and cost-effective for stays of a week or more. They are a home base for slower exploration. Some B&Bs may offer discounted rates for longer bookings, especially off-peak.

  • Cultural/Historical Properties

    Historic country houses or renovated farmhouses in County Clare offer a glimpse into traditional Irish living and heritage. These present an authentic cultural experience.

Discover More Accommodation Options

  • Booking.com

    A global platform for diverse accommodation bookings. Browse hotels, B&Bs, and apartments worldwide. Explore options.

  • Agoda

    An accommodation booking site with strong representation, particularly in Asia, but with global listings. Find stays.

  • IHG Hotels

    International chain with various brands, offering consistent standards. Look for properties in larger cities or accessible locations. View hotels.

  • Hostelworld

    Specialist for budget accommodation worldwide. Discover hostels with social atmospheres and communal facilities. Book hostels.

Special Accommodation Types

Vacation Rentals & Apartments

Excellent choice for longer stays or groups/families. They provide a home-away-from-home experience with kitchen facilities and more living space.

  • Widely available in coastal towns like Lahinch, Doolin, Liscannor.
  • Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo list many options.
  • Local property management websites also specialize in these rentals.
Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

B&Bs in Ireland resemble homestays, promoting direct interaction with local hosts who frequently share insights into the area. Family-run guesthouses also foster community connection.

  • Directly support local families and businesses.
  • Experience authentic local culture.
  • Hosts may provide valuable insider tips.

Further Information

Cliffs of Moher Area

The official Cliffs of Moher website may present nearby accommodation providers.

Tourism Authority

Failte Ireland (Ireland's National Tourism Development Authority) website may list approved accommodations for the region.

Outdoor Stays

Designated campsites operate in County Clare, specifically near Doolin and Lahinch, offering pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes.