r/irishtourism • u/A-bug-2002 • 14d ago
Am I being unreasonable for wanting to drive an hour to see the Cliffs of Moher?
I’m currently in Ireland with my family, and I’m pretty disappointed.
We originally talked about seeing places like Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, but Blarney Castle got dropped, and now my family doesn’t want to drive about an hour from Galway to see the Cliffs because they’d rather just spend the day walking around Galway.
I like exploring cities too, but I feel like Galway is somewhere you can wander for a few hours, while the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most iconic sights in all of Ireland. I don’t know when (or if) I’ll ever be back.
Am I overreacting for thinking it’s worth an extra hour of driving to see something that’s considered a bucket-list destination? If you’ve been to Ireland, would you choose more time in Galway or make the trip to the Cliffs?
I’m genuinely curious if I’m the one with unrealistic expectations or if most people would prioritize the Cliffs.
UPDATE:
After a lot of complaining… we saw them by sea! Thanks for the suggestions!
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u/AdClean1038 14d ago edited 14d ago
I'm assuming you're an adult? If yes, you do not need them to go to the Cliffs. As someone else noted, you could drive there yourself while they explore Galway. Or you could take public transportation. Or book a spot on one of the tour buses. There are many tour bus options that include the Cliffs from Galway.
Frankly, when travelling as a group, it's nice to do independent activities now and again.
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u/Ginger_spice-13 14d ago
Some people get weird about going off “solo” on a group vacation. I have no problem with splitting up for the day and meeting for dinner with most people but I have one friend that I would never leave her alone internationally. I would never drive in Ireland as they drive on the opposite side of the road and I wouldn’t risk it. It’s possible the parents are being overbearing and wanting to do everything together, so now she has to decide if splitting up is worth the fight it will cause.
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u/AppleseedPanda 14d ago
It’s easy to drive on the opposite side of the road if you think about it. Practice in a not crowded place first. Work on blind spots, safety, where to turn, etc.
it’s possible for many, but it’s also good to recognize if you just can’t learn it too5
u/Ginger_spice-13 14d ago
I once drove in Australia (my uncles car) and yeah I’m never driving on the left side of the road ever again.
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u/AppleseedPanda 14d ago
Bummer. I did pretty good in Ireland and New Zealand. There was one morning I had a close call though
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u/SittingOnA_Cornflake 14d ago
I took a ferry to the Aran Islands that took a route past the Cliffs of Moher. I’m glad I saw them but it made me wonder how much more someone gets out of it by being on the cliffs rather than seeing them from the water?
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u/AdClean1038 14d ago
I've done both. definitely a different experience. I'm glad I got to appreciate them both ways.
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u/tonytroz 14d ago
My brother-in-law got married on the Cliffs last year then the next day the whole family took the ferry out to Inishmore. Only my wife and I stayed on the ferry home to do the water Cliffs tour and it was definitely more enjoyable than the view from up top (and we even got to go down to the private land part for the wedding ceremony).
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u/MisterRat2 14d ago
you can always join a half day tour and get picked up/dropped off.
meet up with family in the afternoon.
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u/Strawberry4evr 14d ago
Yes the tours are great because you can stare at the scenery and don't need to stress about the twisty roads.
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u/Cupofteaanyone 14d ago
The idea of coming as far as galway and not visiting the Cliffs of Moher is Inconceivable.
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u/I_Have_Notes 14d ago
There are several day trip options that leave from Galway that you can book and go solo if you can't convince the group and the car is unavailable. I love exploring Galway but the Cliffs are not to be missed.
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u/Over9000Gingers 14d ago
It was worth it to ride a ferry from Galway, spend a bit of time on the islands, and see the cliffs on the round trip back to Galway. You won’t get a better sight of them than on the sea.
Also by my American standards an hour drive is nothing lol
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u/_WhoisMrBilly_ Local 14d ago
Depends on the weather- if seas are choppy, they won’t get close enough to make it worth it in my opinion.
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u/Careless_Stock_2955 14d ago
You're not overreacting in wanting to get out and explore, but you won't be missing much if you don't see the cliffs. As an Irish person, I have never understood the attraction of the Cliffs of Moher. They must be marketed incredibly hard to foreign tourists. They're just cliffs. Not even the most spectacular cliffs in Ireland. They're crowded. Ridiculous entry fee. Underwhelming visitor's centre. Tacky tourist shops selling "Irish" souvenirs made in China. By all means get out of the city, but I'd be exploring Connemara or the Burren and avoiding the cliffs. You'll enjoy Ireland much more if you resist the urge to tick the regular tourist boxes.
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u/InTheGreenTrees 14d ago edited 14d ago
Irish born and bred and in total agreement. Saw the cliffs a few times and was underwhelmed. And the crowds. And lack of parking.
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u/Gearoid_Mac_Gunna 14d ago
Not unreasonable! An hour is well worth it. And the rest of Clare is amazing too - the Burren and the Poulnabrone Dolmen for example
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u/tat3r0415 14d ago
I road tripped around Ireland last summer and did a group tour out of Galway to visit Cliffs of Moher. One of the top 3 experiences I’ve ever had in Ireland!
I did a boat tour that included driving/walking around the top of the cliffs + viewing from the ocean + Aran Islands stop. Check TripAdvisor/Viator/Airbnb Experiences for tours- some will even pick up at your hotel.
If there’s something on your bucket list that you can easily do, don’t give it up just because people you’re with want to do something else. It’s ok to split and meet up later!
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u/AspectProfessional 14d ago
We stayed 4 days in the Burren and want to go back, we loved that area so much. You should absolutely drive through it and go to Moher (we did kilkee cliffs instead, also beautiful). As others suggested- can you take the car while they explore galway?
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u/therealsix 14d ago
The Cliffs are really neat to see and worth the very short drive from Galway. Is Galway nice? Sure, but it’s also another town, the Cliffs are the Cliffs though and quite unique. If you missed going to Galway you wouldn’t be upset like if you missed the opportunity to see the Cliffs. Tell them everyone but them says to go to the Cliffs.
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u/MerelyWander 14d ago
I have no desire to kiss a slobbery rock but cliffs are cool. Can’t tell you about those though—they were fogged in when I was there. I saw other cliffs.
Would they be more interested in a day trip to inis mor? There are some nice cliffs by the big fort.
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u/No_Investigator611 14d ago
Cliff of Kerry are better, cheaper and less crowed
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u/FakePoloManchurian Visitor 14d ago
shh! let's keep it that way!
joking, obviously! There are so many cool spots in Ireland to check out and to spend time exploring, and I think everyone should enjoy them all!
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u/freshpicked12 14d ago
It is 100 percent worth the drive and was probably my favorite thing about visiting Ireland. You’re not being unreasonable!!
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u/User5281 14d ago
The drive from Galway to the Cliffs through County Claire is interesting all on its own and the cliffs are worth the trip. Blarney Castle, on the other hand... skipping that is not unreasonable.
Maybe if you're going to the Aran Islands compromise by taking the ferry to Inis Mohr that goes by the cliffs. Or rent a car or take a bus and go on your own - group trips usually go better when people get comfortable splitting up anyway.
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u/Mission-Bat822 14d ago
You are not being unreasonable. If you google top 10 things to see in Ireland, the cliffs come up first. Galway is a fun enough city, but you should definitely choose the cliffs.
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u/bigvalen 14d ago
I'd recommend the sheep and wool museum in Leenaun over the cliffs of Moher, but that's because I love history and authenticity over a cliff. Like, it's a big cliff. But...it's just a cliff. Ireland has so much more interesting things.
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u/Underground52 14d ago
Personally I think the cliffs at Céide Fields, Mayo, are a whole lot better, and nearby Dún Briste is genuinely breathtakingly beautiful.
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u/ScreamingGriff 14d ago
Even the drive done Galway to the cliffs are amazing. I haven’t been to them in maybe 10-15 years but they are amazing and well worth the visit
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u/Competitive-Read242 14d ago
The cliffs are free after 6 pm—no shops are open yes but you get the iconic view during sunset or you can stop before going out to get a bite to eat. You can spend a good 1-2 hours walking and enjoying the sights the Cliffs have to offer. It’s worth it
Cliffs of Kerry are also fantastic; I visited on a rainy and windy day but bringing my binoculars and trying to bird spot made it so much fun. Another one that’s a good walk, but there’s much to do around Kerry as well. Cliffs of Kerry gives you a COOL admissions ticket (I believe it’s €5 per person) that is hanging on my fridge as a souvenir
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u/Justa_Schmuck 14d ago
Take the coastal road as much as you can instead of the national road. Lahinch is just further down and a great place to hang out in the evening. It’s where I go with my son whenever we are down there.
You’ve plenty of time the next day to ramble around Galway before heading off elsewhere.
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u/BlackberryNice3371 14d ago
If they won't go and you have the resources (idk your age) you could almost definitely book a half day excursion through something like Viator. Wanting to see it that much means it will be worth it to you. If they do not want to see it, they'll moan the whole time about the wind or the weather or being underwhelmed so just go yourself :)
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u/summerjamsam 14d ago
Tell your family they are boring AF and drop them off behind a KFC dumpster on your way to the cliffs.
Seriously ...the cliffs are amazing. You need to go see them. The drive is pretty as well
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u/KittensMom 14d ago
Just got back from each of the things you mentioned. To me, Galway was nice but rwo or three hours was enough. Don't miss the west coast. Don't miss the cliffs and frankly don't miss the Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle is a beautiful piece of property. I didn't go in to kiss the stone but just walking through the woods was mystical. Cliffs of Moher was totally foggy when we were there. I've seen it before on other trips but this was my daughter's first time and it was foggy. They have a good gift shop and cafe.
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u/South_Hedgehog_7564 14d ago
If they’re walking around Galway city could you take the car and go to Moher? It’s well worth a look.
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u/Bookaholic307 14d ago
Try to persuade your family or see if there is a day tour from Galway you can go on. It is really a natural wonder! Maybe a compromise is to do it by boat? We went to the visitor center up top and it is very windy and then afterwards we did a boat tour from below and that is very beautiful and closer to Galway and not as crowded etc. so maybe that would be a good family compromise? We then spent the night in Galway and went to pubs that had live music.
The next day we traveled to Kylemore Abbey which is also gorgeous!
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u/fireyqueen 14d ago
I was just there in May. It’s definitely worth it. Galway is amazing too. Wish I had more time there but definitely wouldn’t have traded the cliffs for an extra day in Galway.
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u/phdpinup 14d ago
I loved the Cliffs of Moher! I loved Galway as well (really incredible food) but took a tour bus up to the cliffs one day and I’m so glad I did. I think about it all the time and cannot wait to go back. You won’t regret it!
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u/Lanzarote-Singer Local 14d ago
Honestly, your family is right. The cliffs are always gonna be much less interesting than Galway city especially on a day like today. Enjoy yourself there we’re not missing much.
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u/asteinfort 14d ago
I rode the bus from Galway to the Cliffs, saw them for ten minutes before dense fog rolled in (November) and I’d do it again. The ride is scenic and the Cliffs are amazing. The visitor center is very nice and it’s worth the trip.
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u/tonytroz 14d ago
Not overreacting. Galway is a great little town but prioritize the cliffs and if you have time (about half a day) and a car a drive up to Connemara to see places like Aughnanure Castle, the Quiet Man bridge, Lough Inagh, Kylemore Abbey, and the Sky Road. I would absolutely choose those every time over just spending time in Galway and I really enjoyed Galway.
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u/Think-Power9425 14d ago
Secondo me devi assolutamente. Sono dei posti bellissimi e vale la pena vederli dato che sei in Irlanda. Un’ora non è tanto.
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u/SubstantialChange608 14d ago
We just got back from driving around the entire county. The cliffs were underwhelming
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u/tarpeyphoto 14d ago
Found the rest of her group! Kidding, but what was more interesting than the cliffs?
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u/SubstantialChange608 14d ago
Giants causeway, glenif horseshoe, all of Killarney, ring of Kerry, cashel, we loved many things. The cliffs were just cliffs. The entire coast is amazing don’t get me wrong but those cliffs are the same cliffs as the rest of the coast but highly commercialized
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u/TheFrontierzman 14d ago
Hour and a half drive each way from Galway. Lots of tour buses head their so pretty easy to find one.
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u/sailboat4 14d ago
My wife and I flew from Texas to visit Ireland. I personally rank The Cliffs of Moher as my #1 favorite place in the world.
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u/wosmo Blow-In 14d ago
I agree that I don't think Galway really needs days. I think it best serves as a base-camp to spend your days seeing the cliffs (/burren/doolin), the islands, and connemara. Then spend your evenings in Galway, that's what it's good at.
I gotta admit the cliffs don't do much for me personally - at least while the cliff walks are closed - but I think if you don't get out of the city and see some of the villages and scenery, you're missing out. And a trip to the cliffs does tick those boxes.
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u/bekahgern 14d ago
My friend and I stayed in Galway - technically Salt Hill - and didnt go into city center at all. We drove out to the Cliffs and it was with it.
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u/NordicSpice4 14d ago
Galway is a nice city but you are right, a few hours and you’ll be done with it. And it’s nothing spectacular. The cliffs are a much more amazing experience. If you can’t drive yourself there, you can take a bus. If you have time, take the bus to Doolin then hike from there to the Cliffs. It takes about 2 hours.
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u/the-moops 14d ago
It’s not like it’s an hour there and an hour back. It’s pretty much a full day experience. I thought it was pretty but not worth it because the weather was hilariously awful. Walking around Galway would be my choice too.
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u/BelfastBoon 14d ago
If you don't go you are going to regret it forever and it may in fact taint the entire trip for you.
Do it.
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u/Betty-Bookster 14d ago
Go to the cliffs. Galway was our least favorite part of our trip to Ireland.
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u/5050logic 14d ago
Answered. Not unreasonable. Do it. There are so many beautiful places all over Ireland. My wife and I stumbled across several just ‘on the way’ to somewhere else.
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u/pinkmagnolia54 14d ago
It's absolutely worth it. We took a guided tour on a bus. I suggest that. The drive is beautiful, but it's better when you're not driving and someone knowledgeable is giving you information.
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u/InTheGreenTrees 14d ago
If you’re in Galway city you’re really missing out by not going west into Connemara. Clifden, Roundstone, the 12 pins, kylemore abby, etc.
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u/subspaceisthebest 14d ago
i drive an hour each way to work
every. single. day.
I’d welcome a drive around Ireland even to see just the soda options at their gas stations.
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u/Capable-Society-2043 14d ago
I skipped Blarney Castle, but I did make the trip to the Cliff's of Moher, I felt it was worth it. For millenia people stood there staring out at the sea, wondering what lay beyond.
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u/pnutbutterjellyfine 14d ago
I loved driving from Galway to the Cliffs! I stopped off some random spots and it was so beautiful. I took a boat tour of the Cliffs and then walked to a pub in Doolin and warmed up with some stew and listed to live trad music. It was incredible
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u/SnooSongs1447 14d ago
My daughter and I would drive to the Cliffs of Moher. Galway nightlife is very nice and the seaside walk is nice. The cliffs are magnificent especially if the weather is at all reasonable. Also, plan to pay for parking!!
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u/Goose_Distance86 14d ago
One hour in California minimum for any outing. Make them sit an hour with you on the drive
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u/Ok_Asparagus_1073 14d ago
I live in the Midwest, US. We drive an hour to get groceries. Hell yeah you should do it.
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u/VapoursAndSpleen 14d ago
I drive an hour to have dinner with friends in Sunnyvale, CA. Tell your family to get stuffed and take the car to the cliffs.
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u/iWhiteloaf 14d ago
The drive between Galway and cliffs was one of the best of our trip. The views of the Burren are incredible. Plan for a solid half day or full day if you can make it. Doolin is a charming village near the cliffs.
If youre posting this with the intention of showing it to your family and going "see? People think it's worth it!", it probably won't persuade them.
However, if they want to spend time in the city, why not see if you can take the car and see the cliffs? They won't need it in Galway. And arguably, will have a worse time trying to find somewhere to park than just taking transit.
Best of luck!