This one-hour long cruise takes visitors on a voyage of discovery along a 8 km shoreline.
Passengers enjoy approaching the Cliffs of Moher on the southern tip of Galway Bay and
the Burren. The scale and uniqueness of this
phenomenon are quite memorable.
The Cliffs of Moher rise from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 214 meters and extend
for a distance of 8 km from Hag’s Head due west to Liscannor to a point beyond O’Brien’s Tower where the Cliffs reach their highest point.
The Cliffs take their name from a ruined fort on the headland, Mothar, which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower in the 1800’s.
An Bhreannan Mor is an impressive 70m high
stack or rock pillar which is below O’Brien’s Tower. At the stack, you can see the many
different species of sea birds right up close who make their home at the Cliffs. The Cliffs have
been designated as a Special Area of Conservation by the EU and they are home to
about 30,000 birds. The most famous are the
Atlantic Puffins, which live in large colonies at the isolated parts of the Cliffs. Ireland’s largest seabird colony is found at the Cliffs.
O’Brien’s Tower was erected in 1853 by Cornelius O’Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, as an observation point on the highest point of the Cliffs. From here, on a clear day, you can see
as far as the Kerry Mountains, the Aran Islands, and the Twelve Bens of Connemara.
Hag’s Head is a large rock formation above a sea arch which resembles a seated woman looking out to sea. The point affords spectacular panoramic views of cliffs, sea caves, and the ocean.
There is also a Napoleonic signal tower built
around 1806.
Directions for Cruise:
The Cliffs of Moher Cruise leaves from
Doolin Pier and Liscannor Pier.
To get to the Doolin Pier, head towards O’Connor’s Pub at the Fisherstreet end of
Doolin, drive on past the Pitch and Putt course
and Nagle’s campsite - the road will end at the pier.
To get to the pier in Liscannor, go to the Logues Liscannor Hotel on the main street in the village. The pier is located right beside the hotel.
Directions from Limerick, Shannon and Ennis.
In Limerick follow the signs for Shannon airport or Ennis.
(Shannon Airport is approx 1 1/2 hours drive from Doolin.)
Take the N18 from Limerick to Ennis.
Take the N85 from Ennis to Ennistymon via Inagh.
Drive straight through Ennistymon towards Lisdoonvarna on the N67.
At the 2nd crossroads after the village of Kilshaney, turn left onto the R478.
This road will bring you to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.
About 2-3 miles you come to a cross roads and a Gas Station.
Turn right down the hill towards the sea, passing the national school.
Turn left at the next crossroads, and then take the next right.
This will bring you into Fisherstreet end of Doolin and towards Doolin pier.
Directions from Galway
Take the N18 out of Galway, and turn right in the village of Kilcolgan on to the N67. Stay on the N67 passing through Ballyvaughan and then Lisdoonvarna.
Drive right through Lisdoonvarna, turning right at the bottom of the hill.
At the next junction (crossroads) drive straight through, taking the R478.
This road will bring you to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.
About 2-3 miles you come to a cross roads and a Gas Station.
Turn right down the hill towards the sea, passing the national school.
Turn left at the next crossroads, and then take the next right.
This will bring you into Fisherstreet end of Doolin and towards Doolin pier.
Directions from Kerry
When driving from Kerry, the quickest route is to use the ferry between Tarbert and Killimer: Shannon Ferries
From Killimer, head north to Lahinch, then Liscannor
You will pass by the Visitors Centre for the Cliffs of Moher.
Continue on this road until you come to a crossroad junction and a Gas Station.
Turn left down the hill towards the sea, passing the national school.
Turn left at the next crossroads, and then take the next right.
This will bring you into Fisherstreet end of Doolin and towards Doolin pier.
Public transport information:
Irish Rail - mainline train service from Dublin to Ennis and Galway.
Bus Eireann - Express buses serve Ennis from Dublin and other major cities.
Local buses link towns and villages throughout the county.
Phone: (+) 353 (0) 65 7075949
Mobile: (+) 353 (0) 87 2453239
Email: mohercruises@eircom.net
Website: www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com
Sailing Schedule for Cliffs of Moher Cruises:
(These times are set around the low tide, based
on the 2008 tide tables. Ferry departure times can be subject to change due to tidal restrictions, so please call the day prior to
sailing to confirm or email with your specific dates for more information.
Depart From Time Sailing Duration
Liscannor 9 a.m. 1 hour
Doolin noon 1 hour
Doolin 3 p.m. 1 hour
Doolin 4 p.m. 1 hour
Boat:
Jack B is the new purpose-built 15m vessel, capable of carrying 67 passengers and a crew of three. (There is room for forty passengers to be under cover). She was named for the owners’ parents, the late Jack and Biddy Garrihy. Jack B is capable of traveling at speeds of 15 knots. She has a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art navigation equipment and is fully licensed by Department Communications, Marine and Natural resources.
Skipper:
PJ Garrihy is the skipper of the Jack B. he is
a veteran sailor who has fished and sailed the
coastline for the past thirty years. He and his crew are very knowledgeable about the cliffs and the local birds and provide an entertaining
voyage for their passengers.
Trips Also Available to Aran Islands
Cliffs of Moher Cruises also sails every day,
weather permitting, from March 21 until October 31 to the Aran Islands from the
Doolin Pier.
Aran Islands (Inis Oirr)
Depart From Time Sailing Duration
Doolin 10:30 a.m. 30 minutes
1 p.m. 30 minutes
5 p.m. 30 minutes
Aran Islands 2:15 p.m. 30 minutes