The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland are easily the Emerald Isle’s biggest tourist attraction. It’s a must-see stop on any Ireland road trip and you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss it when you travel to Ireland.

You’ll naturally want a photo of yourself at the Cliffs of Moher (it’s only the quintessential Ireland keepsake), and the last thing you need is a hoard of grubby tourists in the background ruining your shot. In this post, I cover the secret way to see the Ireland Cliffs of Moher without all the crowds.

The Cliffs of Moher on a sunny day in mid-September.

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Why Visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland?

These craggy cliffs attract between one and two million tourist per year, and for good reason. They tower 390 feet (120 meters) above the ocean, offering tourists and locals alike unobstructed views of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean to the west, and Irish countryside to the east.

There are no guard rails along the edges of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland so you can walk right up to the edge and peer down at the ocean below with wind sweeping your hair and that eerie feeling in your stomach.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland?

There are so many things I love about Ireland, but one my favorite is things is that you can visit Ireland year round! Ireland’s summer, during June, July and August, is the warmest and most crowded time of year. I recommend avoiding those months if you want to avoid the tourist hoards and premium rates.

The months of March-May and September-November are the ideal time to visit because the weather is moderate and there aren’t as many tourists. Though, it’s important to note that some attractions (like wildlife/boat tours) and hotels close after October for the winter.

No matter when you visit Ireland, it will likely rain some days and be cloudy overall, though you can get lucky. I visited Ireland during mid-September and late February and on both trips we had clear, sunny days almost the whole trip!

Me at the Cliffs of Moher in late February.

Guerin’s Path: The Secret to Avoiding All the Tourists at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

Most tourists visiting Ireland are going to the Cliffs of Mohr Visitor Center where there’s a big parking lot full of tour buses, restrooms, WiFi and a cafe, but you’re not most tourists. You’re going to see the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland via Guerin’s Path. Unfortunately, you need a car to go to Guerin’s Path, so this option is a no-go for those seeing Ireland via bus tour.

Guerin’s Path is a chunk of privately-owned land along the cliffs where you can pay just €5 for the ultimate Cliffs of Mohr viewing point. The property is a big beautiful farm with sheep roaming around and there’s an easy path to the edge of the Cliffs of Moher from the parking lot.

Unlike the official Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center, you don’t need an audio tour guide or have to book advanced tickets to get the best rate.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Dingle, Ireland

How to Get to Guerin’s Path

Guerin’s Path is for those of you who have a car and are doing a road trip of Ireland. All you do is enter “Guerin’s Path” into your GPS or Maps and it will take you right to a drive with a little gate that says “Guerin’s Path” that will be open during open hours. From there you follow the road to a little parking lot and pay the person waiting there €5 per person in your car in cash.

I’m unaware of any official open hours for Guerin’s Path, so I recommend going during normal hours, meaning not too early in the morning and not too late in the evening.

Related Post: 7 Things to Know Before Getting a Rental Car in Dublin, Ireland

My mom and I eating at Tasty Station in Lahinch

Where to Eat Near the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher are situated amongst multiple little Irish towns. Liscannor is the closest but it’s a tiny town that you’ll quickly drive through while admiring the famous Liscannor Flagstone along the roads. Just a few more miles up the road you’ll find Lahinch, which is a quaint little surf town that’s the perfect home base for your visit to the Cliffs of Moher.

Coffee, Brunch or Lunch: Dodi Cafe in Lahinch

Dodi Cafe is located right on Main Street in Lahinch, about a 15 minute drive from the Cliffs of Moher. My husband and I ate lunch here after we walked Guerin’s Path and the food was seriously outstanding. It’s a small little cafe so if it’s packed you may have to wait—but it’s worth it. Their soup of the day was to die for and I enjoyed the best cappuccino I’ve ever had!

Brunch, Lunch or Dinner: Tasty Station in Lahinch

Tasty Station is a cute little restaurant right in Lahinch with great prices and even better food. It’s right along the beach where you can watch surfers and just 15 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. They have everything you can want including burgers, pizza, seafood and wings. The food was so fresh and delicious when my mom and I ate here—it was one of our favorite meals in Ireland! We both got shrimp dishes with curry.

Me at the Cliffs of Moher viewing point at Guerin’s Path in February.

Where to Stay Near the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

If you’re staying overnight near the Ireland Cliffs of Moher, I definitely recommend staying at Cragshore B&B. This quaint little B&B is right on the edge of Lahinch, walking distance to Tasty Station Restaurant. There’s beautiful ocean views and the hosts are so friendly and helpful. The B&B host is actually who told us to go to Guerin’s Path to avoid all the tourists!

I hope you enjoy your crisp, clear views of the Ireland Cliffs of Moher without tons of tourists! If you appreciated this post, please leave a comment below and tell me your thoughts.