Plan Your Visit to Liscannor
Everything you need to make the most of your trip—how to get here, where to stay, and what to explore.
Getting to Liscannor
Set between Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor welcomes visitors travelling the Wild Atlantic Way. Getting here is straightforward, with parking in the village and nearby.
Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring nearby villages and the cliffs. Approximate times: Galway ~1.5 hr, Shannon Airport ~50 min, Limerick ~1 hr 15 min, Dublin ~3 hr (M7/M18).
Bus Éireann connects Liscannor with Ennis, Lahinch, Doolin, and the Cliffs of Moher. Services are limited—check timetables in advance. Local taxis operate from Lahinch/Ennistymon and can be pre-booked.
You’ll find parking around the harbour in Liscannor; the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre has a larger paid car park a short drive away. In summer, arrive early or plan off-peak times for easier parking.
Visitor Tips
The inside line on how to make the most of your time in Liscannor
Summer (June–August) brings long daylight hours, outdoor dining, and lively pub sessions, though parking and attractions can be busy. Spring and autumn are calmer, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and easier access to the cliffs. Winter offers a wilder Atlantic atmosphere—perfect for storm watching—though some businesses close for the season.
Moher Hill Farm is a hit with children, featuring animals, a playground, and family activities. Elsewhere around the parish, cafés provide kid-friendly menus and safe spots for breaks, while the harbour is ideal for a stroll. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre also has interactive displays and exhibits designed to keep younger visitors engaged.
The harbour and village centre are mostly level and accessible, though some paths can be uneven. Holy wells, old stonework, and other walks may be tricky for wheelchairs or strollers. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre has paved paths, lifts, accessible viewing platforms, and family-friendly facilities, making it the most accommodating site for all abilities.
Irish music sessions (“trad”) in pubs are informal gatherings where musicians sit together and play. Visitors are welcome to listen, clap along, or join in if they know the tune. At holy wells, such as St. Brigid’s, many people still leave tokens or say prayers. Visitors are free to observe, but it’s respectful to keep the atmosphere quiet and thoughtful.
Ideas to Make the Most of Your Visit
Adventure Day
Morning
Start with a stroll along the harbour, watching fishing boats and seabirds.
Hike the coastal path towards Clahane, with rugged stone walls, fossils, and tidal pools.
Midday
Explore the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre: cliff trails, panoramic views, and O’Brien’s Tower.
Picnic on the cliffs or enjoy a light bite nearby.
Afternoon
Continue hiking south towards Hags Head for quieter cliff views.
Visit one of the area’s historic holy wells on your return.
Evening
Unwind with a hearty meal in the village and a relaxed evening by the sea.
Relax & Recharge
Morning
Begin with a slow breakfast overlooking the bay.
Visit a peaceful holy well for quiet reflection.
Midday
Join a yoga or wellness session in the village or take a meditative walk along the harbour.
Pause for a light lunch at a local café.
Afternoon
Browse gifts, crafts, or fossils in village shops.
Spend time by the sea at Clahane or the harbour wall, watching the tide roll in.
Evening
Enjoy a relaxed dinner and perhaps a traditional music session in one of the village pubs.
End with a sunset stroll along the harbour.
Family Day Out
Morning
Visit a local farm and petting zoo, where kids can meet animals and enjoy play areas with views of the Cliffs.
Take a mid-morning snack or ice cream break.
Midday
Head to a nearby village for a family-friendly lunch.
Let the kids enjoy a playground and sandy beach for a run-around.
Afternoon
Explore the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre with kid-friendly displays and safe viewing platforms.
Stop for a sweet treat before heading back.
Evening
Return to Liscannor for an early dinner in a welcoming family atmosphere.
Where to stay
Cliffs of Moher Hotel & Bloody Cranesbill Bar
This contemporary hotel bar and restaurant pairs art-filled décor with a terrace overlooking the village. A relaxed stop for good food, drinks, and evening gatherings.
Vaughan’s Anchor Inn
Award-winning seafood pub and restaurant at the heart of Liscannor. Famous for its fresh Atlantic catch, hearty Irish cooking, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favourite for both locals and visitors.
Atlantic View B&B
Panoramic ocean-view B&B just 1 km from the Cliffs of Moher, with spacious ensuite rooms and friendly hosts ideal for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Aiteall Boutique Accommodation
Boutique B&B in Clahane with ocean vistas; rated 9.9/10 by guests. We offer stylish ensuite rooms, continental breakfast and tranquil coastal setting a short walk from village and cliff walk.
Where to Eat & Drink
Moher Cottage
An award-winning, family-run coffee and gift store in Liscannor, with panoramic views of the Cliffs of Moher. Voted Best Coffee in Ireland, it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike — offering Irish-made gifts, prints, and handmade fudge to take home a taste of Clare.
Joseph McHugh’s Pub
A village landmark and true local institution, McHugh’s is known for hearty Irish fare, fresh seafood, and nightly trad sessions that keep the spirit of West Clare alive.
Dolly’s Cafe + Lifestyle
A bright community hub offering specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and Irish-made gifts in a beautifully restored cottage—also home to wellness classes and creative workshops upstairs.
Cliffs of Moher Hotel & Bloody Cranesbill Bar
This contemporary hotel bar and restaurant pairs art-filled décor with a terrace overlooking the village. A relaxed stop for good food, drinks, and evening gatherings.
Egan’s Bar
Egans is a traditional pub located in the heart of the village. Some say the beating heart of the village with great live music and a place to meet friends and enjoy yourself.
Vaughan’s Anchor Inn
Award-winning seafood pub and restaurant at the heart of Liscannor. Famous for its fresh Atlantic catch, hearty Irish cooking, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favourite for both locals and visitors.
The Rock Shop
A family-run tea room and gift emporium just outside Liscannor. Discover homemade treats, Irish gifts, fossils, and gemstones, paired with sweeping views of Liscannor Bay.
Things to do
Moher Hill Open Farm & Leisure Park
A family favourite five–ten minutes from Liscannor with animal encounters, indoor/outdoor play, go‑karts, a fairy trail and a fun mini‑golf course. Facilities include a café and buggy‑friendly paths. Operates under a zoo licence, so only assistance dogs are permitted.
Live Music & Pub Culture
Cosy, lively nights of trad tunes, ballads and community craic across Liscannor’s pubs. Weekends often feature live music; grab a table early, order seafood or a pint, and settle in for reels and sing‑songs. Rotas vary by season—ask locally.
Fishing in Liscannor
Try your luck from the harbour wall or join a sea angling trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. From mackerel and pollock to the thrill of deeper-water catches, fishing here combines the excitement of the ocean with the beauty of Liscannor’s rugged coastline. Nearby rivers and estuaries also offer peaceful spots for coarse and trout fishing.
The Rock Shop: Fossils, Gems & Tearoom
A kid‑approved stop with fossil and mineral displays, gifts and a cosy tearoom—great for wet days or gentle browsing between sights. Staff can offer magnifiers and ID cards to turn it into a mini ‘treasure hunt’ for children.
Running and Walking in Liscannor
Discover breathtaking running and walking routes along the Cliffs of Moher and Liscannor Bay, suited to every pace and ability.
Clahane Shore Walk & Sea Dip
A locals’ favourite coastal pocket west of the village with tidal rock pools, seabirds and a slipway. At low tide, explore pools; at high tide, confident swimmers take quick dips using the ladders when conditions are calm. Gorgeous at sunset and perfect for a short, wild Atlantic fix.
Surfing in Liscannor
Catch waves in Liscannor — from family-friendly surf lessons to the world-famous “Aileens” big wave break beneath the Cliffs of Moher.
Kilmacreehy Church Ruins & Parish Heritage
Atmospheric medieval church ruins east of Liscannor with carved stone details and a long parish history reaching toward Hag’s Head. A quiet, photogenic stop that grounds the cliffs area in its older story.
Liscannor GAA, LGFA & Moher Celtic
Experience local sport and community spirit with Gaelic football and soccer matches in Liscannor, played at the scenic Liscannor Community Sportsfield.
Liscannor Harbour Heritage Stroll
A gentle amble around the harbour—the historic artery for exporting Liscannor stone and local catch. Take in sea views over the bay, fishing boats at work and the commemorative stone honouring submarine pioneer John P. Holland.
Sauna Suaimhneas: Mobile Wood‑Fired Sauna + Sea Plunge
Boutique wellness on the Wild Atlantic: heat up in a wood‑fired barrel sauna, then plunge into the sea and repeat. The unit rotates locations (often Clahane/Lahinch) with a weekly timetable aligned to tides. A soul‑warming reset in any season.
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
The iconic cliff views with paved, protected paths, exhibits and facilities—ideal for families and accessible touring. Combine viewpoints with the visitor centre for the safest, most reliable way to enjoy the cliffs.
St Brigid’s Well: Pilgrimage & Pattern Walk
One of Clare’s most venerated holy wells just outside the village. Step into the candle‑lit grotto, read the notes and ribbons left by pilgrims, and follow the traditional ‘rounds’ up to the graveyard and back to the spring. A short, moving stop that blends folklore, faith and community—especially meaningful on Feb. 1 (St Brigid’s Day).