xyz99

Can we leave Clifden around 9 – 9:30 am, drive along the coast of Black Head to Doolin, stop for linch on the way, see the Cliffs at sunset and also fit in a cruise below the cliffs? Is it overkill to see the cliffs from above and from below?
If you had to pick between the Cliffs cruise and the Dunguaire castle, which one would you pick? We’ll be there in August – thanks.

jent103

I haven't been to Clifden or Dunguaire, but have seen the Cliffs both from above and below. I don't think it's overkill at all. It doesn't take long to see them from above, and you get a completely different perspective from below.

If you do the cruise: I believe they boarded pretty much exactly on time, so you'll want to be there several minutes early at least. People in our group started queuing up ten minutes or so before the boat showed up.

mom83

While in Ireland in May/June, we visited Dunguaire Castle and took the boat cruise along the Cliffs of Moher. I would definitely vote for the boat cruise. We thought Dunguaire Castle was expensive for what it was. The boat cruise along the cliffs is unique. If it is a bad weather day, visit Dunguaire. If it is a beautiful day, take the boat cruise. Go to the websites and see what time the cruises are given. They may not have one late enough for you to make it, if you are thinking about a sunset cruise.
http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.c...edule.html#aug

xyz99

Thanks – I think we’ll use the time we have for the Cliffs – see them both from above and from below (it was what I was leaning towards, anyway).
Mom83, thanks for the link, that’s really helpful.

PegMcNeill

I think you are being way overambitious in terms of timing, just because the distance looks small between Clifden and Doolin doesn't mean it will be a short drive. I have driven it a number of times and you are talking about at least 4 hours drive from Clifden to Doolin. You could get to the Cliffs of Moher by sunset (long days in summertime) but I think you will have little time to stop and enjoy the sights on the way. Why don't you stay the night in Doolin, enjoy the music, and see cliffs the next day or take a boat trip to Inisheer island.

Erin74

We drove from Clifden to Doolin in one day easily-- with a 2.5 hour stop in Galway and a few quick stops around the Burren. We were checked into our hotel in Doolin in plenty of time to get out to the cliffs for sunset. It can definitely be done. Can't offer any tips on the cruise, though.

xyz99

Erin and Peg,
Thanks for both responses – though I’m still not sure what we’ll end up doing, I guess we’ll just play it by ear. Depending on when we get to Doolin (we’re booked there for the night), how tired we are, we’ll decide then. We definitely want to spend some time and walk the cliffs – so we might decide to do just the upper part.

Or change our mid and do the cruise that day, and as Peg suggested, walk the cliffs the next day. Who knows, we’ll be in vacation and while we have an itinerary, nothing is set in stone
Thanks