Cliffs Of Moher Ireland: 11 Big Mistakes to Avoid

Are you planning to visit the Cliffs of Moher Ireland? If yes, then make sure you don’t make these mistakes on your visit.

I have visited the Cliffs of Moher and that has given me first-hand knowledge of the things to avoid when planning and visiting one of Ireland’s most popular attractions.

From spending too long at the visitor center, not exploring Obrien’s Tower to veering too close to the edge, I have listed mistakes to avoid at the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

Do you want to make the most of your trip to these Ireland cliffs? If yes, then read my list of the 11 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

Cliffs Of Moher Ireland: 11 Big Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Only Considering A Tour Group Instead Of Exploring The Cliffs Of Moher On Your Own

When you are traveling to Ireland, one of the top places on your bucket list may be the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

Do not think you must only hire a tour company or private guide to take you around the Cliffs of Moher.

The local guides are wonderful, but not necessary for the Cliffs of Moher.

A bit of research, and reading this article, will be all the planning necessary.

You can take a Cliffs of Moher Ireland boat tour for a unique vantage but no need for a guided land tour.

If you choose to visit on your own, you won’t have any time limitations.

You can hike, have refreshments in the visitor center, and spend as much time as you please there, which is the best way to enjoy the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

Mistake 2: Spending Too Long At The Visitor Center

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center is built into the side of a hill. You will notice it upon your arrival at the Cliffs on your right-hand side.

It houses exhibits, two cafes, a first aid station, and a place for you to store your oversized and/or heavy luggage.

Trust me, when you are flying a long international flight to reach such a beautiful location, you don’t want to make these silly mistakes and ruin your experience.

Although it is easy to lose time here with so many interesting exhibits and refreshment options, don’t spend too much time here.

After you buy the Cliffs of Moher tickets, use the restroom, stock up on snacks, and head out to explore.

The walk from the Visitor Center to the Cliff of Moher Ireland is a lot so, you don’t want to waste too much time here.

Tickets Here: Cliffs of Moher From Dublin

Tickets Here: From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour

Mistake 3: Not Using The Bathroom At The Visitor Center Before You Venture Out

You do not want to make the mistake of not using the restrooms at the visitor center before you head on out to explore the Cliffs of Moher.

It is a nice long walk just to get to the Cliffs of Moher Ireland and there are no restrooms elsewhere.

So, make sure you and everyone in your party use the bathroom before you head out to explore the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

Tickets Here: From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Galway City Full-Day Trip

Mistake 4: Spending Too Little Time At The Cliffs Of Moher

You will certainly want to schedule a good bit of time out of your day to explore and enjoy the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

I would suggest a minimum of two to three hours.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous places in Ireland. The views are spectacular and you will get stunning photographs here.

The O’Brian Lookout is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the magnificent vistas to be seen at the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

And, sunset is an especially wonderful time to be at the Cliffs of Moher. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Tickets Here: From Limerick: Tour of Cliffs of Moher

Tickets Here: From Galway: Cliffs of Moher and The Burren Tour

Mistake 5: Not Bringing And Wearing Bug Spray At The Cliffs Of Moher Ireland

Vast expanses of farmlands containing lots and lots of cows or goats or sheep neighbor the Cliffs of Moher Ireland.

As a result, there are a lot of insects and bugs at the Cliffs of Moher.

So, for a pleasant and insect-free visit to these Irish Cliffs, plan on bringing and applying insect repellent.

Mistake 6: Standing Or Sitting Too Close To The Edge

It is natural to want to capture that perfect and memorable photograph when you are away on vacation.

However, it is a huge mistake to sit, stand, or even walk too close to the edge of the Cliffs of Moher.

Remember it is 700 feet down to the Atlantic Ocean at the bottom! 

There are Cliffs of Moher deaths every year because the tourists are too close to the edge.

Do not be that tourist.

Mistake 7: Completely Dismissing The Cliffs To Doolin Coastal Trail

The Doolin Coastal Trail is a spectacular 8-kilometer (less than five miles) hike.

It lies between the Cliffs of Moher Ireland and Doolin and offers stunning views.

On one side is the incomparable bucolic Irish countryside with its green rolling hills.

On the other side are the stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands out in the distance.

Look Here: From Doolin: Cliffs of Moher Guided Coastal Walk

Mistake 8: Not Wearing Proper Clothing When Visiting The Cliffs Of Moher

As silly as this tip sounds, do not shrug it off. The weather at the Cliffs of Moher Ireland can change in an instant.

One evening my family went to visit the Cliffs of Moher and the weather was chilly, cloudy and very buggy. (No they did not have bug repellant with them. That was their big mistake!)

The next afternoon when I went with them, the cliffs of Moher weather was very warm and cloudless. You may visit when it is raining and blustery.

You want to check the weather forecast so you can be prepared for any weather conditions.

Tickets Here: From Dublin to Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic

Mistake 9: Not Visiting Doolin

Of course, when you visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, you should consider visiting Doolin Ireland.

You will find a lot of things to do in Doolin Ireland such as visiting a traditional Irish pub, going on a cruise, exploring the Doonagore Castle, and so on.

So, do not skip this place.

You can make it your base like me and go on day trips to the Cliff of Moher Ireland and the Aran Islands from here.

Tickets Here: From Doolin: Cliffs of Moher Guided Coastal Walk

Tickets Here: Doolin Cave: Underground Stalactite Tour

Mistake 10: Not Exploring Inside Obrien’s Tower

When you are visiting the famous Cliffs of Moher Ireland, you cannot miss out on exploring the Obrien’s Tower.

Built in 1835, this tower is perched on a cliff and is the perfect observation point. On my countless trips to the Moher Ireland cliffs, I have always spent a few minutes at this vantage point.

From here, you can enjoy the view of the Aran Islands and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. How amazing, right?

Tickets Here: Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Ennis & Bunratty Castle Day Tour

Mistake 11: Not Visiting Aran Islands

Another great mistake that I would recommend you not make is to not include the beautiful Aran Islands on your Ireland itinerary.

It is located in Galway Bay and you can take a ferry from Dooling or Galway City to reach the islands.

There are lots of things to do in the Aran Islands such as relaxing on the beach, cycling around the islands, scuba diving, and so on.

So, if you are a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, then one of the top famous places in Ireland to visit is the Aran Islands.

Tickets Here: From Doolin: Day Trip to Inisheer with Bike or Tractor Tour

Tickets Here: From Galway: Aran Islands Day Trip & Cliffs of Moher Cruise

Where to Stay Near Cliffs of Moher

Vaughans Anchor Inn – One of the best hotels near the Cliffs of Moher, Vaughans Anchor Inn is in the fishing village of Liscannor.

This adult-only accommodation is 2 miles from the Cliffs of Moher and also features an award-winning restaurant.

Check Prices Here

Aiteall Boutique Accommodation – Another great hotel that is only 5 km from Cliffs of Moher Ireland is Aiteall Boutique Accommodation.

This bed and breakfast features a beautiful garden and is perfect as a base for hiking enthusiasts.

Check Prices Here

West Haven House – White Haven House is another one of the top hotels near the Cliffs of Moher. It is located in Doolin and is 10 km from the attraction.

The accommodation features spacious family rooms with a terrace, a common garden, and free parking space.

Check Prices Here

Packing Tips for Your Trip To The Cliffs Of Moher Ireland

Read my tips on how to pack lightly for additional packing suggestions.

lso, do make sure you don’t fall sick on the flight else it can ruin your Ireland trip.

My family and I would never leave on any trip without our filtered Bobble water bottle. It is the perfect size to fit into a pocket or backpack.

And the replaceable carbon filter ensures clean healthy water all the time.

This foldable food-grade silicone water bottle is lightweight and folds into almost nothing.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

And this world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.

This ultra-lightweight daypack is a great one to consider. It is lightweight and folds up into its little pouch to tuck into a suitcase or drawer when not in use.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

I like these Skechers Go Joy Walking Shoes. No laces to tie!

If you want to kick it up a notch for some longer exploratory walks or hikes, like the Doolin Coastal Trail, these Merrell Women’s Edge hikers are great.

This Columbia full zip soft fleece jacket will keep you warm on chilly days, and this waterproof rain jacket will keep you dry on wet and windy days.

If you are traveling during the colder months of the year this mighty light hooded jacket will keep you warm.

These trendy unisex sunglasses protect you from the UVA/UVB damaging rays but are also polarized.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

Don’t forget TSA-approved luggage locks.

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