Doonagore Castle as seen from Cliffs of Moher Cruise. Ireland travel tips | Ireland vacation | IrelandFamilyVacations.com
| | |

Cliffs of Moher Cruise – a New View of Ireland’s Most Popular Destination

It’s one of Ireland’s top destinations, visited by nearly one million people annually. No one can deny the Cliffs of Moher are simply stunning. Standing high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, you can see for miles along the coast and even across the water as far as the Aran Islands on a clear day.

Cliffs of Moher - O'Briens Tower and An Branán Mór Sea Stack
O’Brien’s Tower overlooks the An Branán Mór Sea Stack at the Cliffs of Moher

Having visited the famed cliffs multiple times – and enjoying different experiences with each visit – I chose to approach the cliffs from a different vantage point this year, with a cruise on Doolin Ferry. The cruise, approximately one hour long, departs Doolin 3 times daily, weather permitting.

Podcast Extra: Learn about cruises to the Aran Islands & below the Cliffs of Moher

Hop Aboard a Cliffs of Moher Cruise

The village of Doolin is just north of the Cliffs of Moher. As you enter the village, follow the R479 west, to Doolin Pier. You’ll find plentiful parking and the ticketing office is easy to spot. While tickets may be purchased on site, your best option is to reserve in advance online during high season to guarantee the sailing time you want, or phone the day before to check availability. Note: tickets are refunded if the cruise is canceled due to weather. 

Cliffs of Moher Cruise on the Jack B, Doolin2Aran Ferries
Our ferry, the Jack B, was used by the film crew of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Wondering why? Keep reading!

You’ll want to dress warmly for the cruise, adding a hat and gloves, if you plan to remain outside the protection of the cabin during your cruise. Plenty of seating is available at the rear of the boat and the upper deck offers standing room.

Cliffs of Moher Cruise on the Jack B, Doolan2Aran Ferries
Be prepared for a bit of wind and the bobbing of the boat if you choose to stand on the top platform during your Cliffs of Moher cruise!

The day of our sailing was clear and the wind was mild. As we waited for our boat, I was introduced to Katherine Webster, director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. Our cruise was narrated but it wasn’t easy to hear from our seats at the rear of the boat. Luckily Katherine is incredibly knowledgeable about the Cliffs and their history and we learned a lot from her.

Harry Potter Cave at the Cliffs of Moher
Fans of Harry Potter may recognize this sea cave from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. The on location crew used the Jack B for a week of filming and cave exploration.
Sea Stack at the Base of the Cliffs of Moher
Sea Stack at the Base of the Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher surfing Aileen's wave beach
Surfing near the Cliffs of Moher has grown in popularity. When conditions are just right, Aileen’s is one of the most spectacular waves to be found. Surfers follow a goat trail down the side of the sea cliff to this beach and paddle out to reach the waves.
Doonagore Castle, Dingle, Ireland
Doonagore Castle, at the edge of Doolin, can be seen as you begin and end your cruise.

A Cliffs of Moher cruise is the perfect accompaniment to your visit to the Cliffs of Moher and, in my opinion, should be added to every Cliffs of Moher itinerary.

Jody Halsted
Follow Along

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

6 Comments

  1. Pingback: Spend a Few Days in The Burren in County Clare | Traveling in Ireland
  2. Pingback: 5 Family Adventures You Can Find In Ireland - globetotting.com
  3. Pingback: Tour the West of Ireland from Bruff, County Limerick - Ireland Family Vacations
  4. Pingback: Harry Potter cave at the Cliffs of Moher: Harry Potter | Harry Potter Wizard Of Hogwarts
  5. Hi Jody
    I am delighted you enjoyed your cruise with us so much – your photos are fantastic! There is just one thing I wanted to correct, we do actually have audio commentary on board in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish, but perhaps there was a problem with the speakers when you were on your cruise.
    You were indeed lucky to meet up with Katherine, as director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre, there are very few people who know more about the Cliffs than her 🙂  The Cliffs of Moher website was recently upgraded and has a great new layout with a wealth of information. We also have some background details on our own site: http://www.doolin2aranferries.com/cliffs-of-moher.html 
    Thanks again for sharing!
    All the best
    Joan Reilly, Marketing Manager, Doolin2Aran Ferries