recommended route
Walk to Doolin via the Cliffs of Moher (alternative route)
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Walking on cliff tops to DoolinPhoto: Heleen Bosch, Macs Adventure
A short transfer (10 min) will bring you to the start of your walk near Moher Tower, an old watchtower at the tip of Hag's Head.
Follow the coast towards the spectacular Cliffs of Moher along narrow clifftop paths. Upon reaching the towering cliffs you will be in awe as they rise to a height of over 200m. On a clear day, you can see over to the Aran Islands, the waters of Galway Bay and even the hills of Connemara. Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and take in one of Ireland's most iconic views.
Important: the coastal walk to Doolin is officially closed by Clare Local Development Company due to safety issues along the route from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor's centre to Doolin. Work is being done to make it safer and this is ongoing and taking longer to complete than originally thought. This re-route takes you away from the cliff edge. You need to walk on the main road for approximately 3km. Since there are not as many visitors as usual because of Covid-19 travel restrictions the road should not be too busy and there are no blind curves. This is the only other option for walking to Doolin, avoiding the cliffs.
Author’s recommendation
There are over 30 species of birds that nest on the cliff faces, including kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and even puffins at the right time of year. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Joseph McHugh's PubCliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
The Ivy Cottage Restaurant
Doolin Cave
Glas Restaurant
Doolin Café
McDermott’s Pub & Restaurant
Safety information
Keep in mind that the hiking trail towards the Cliffs of Moher encompasses narrow and more exposed cliff paths with steep ascents and descents. Pay attention to your footing, don't go too close to the edge of the cliffs and always remain on the path. If it's windy it would be better to stay on the optional path behind the fence.
There are several short stretches where you must walk on the road as there is no pavement, always walk on the right side of the road towards any oncoming vehicles and make yourself as visible as possible.
This walk covers some distance over open land with little in the way of shelter from the elements so check the forecast and speak to locals if you do decide to set out on a bad weather day. Bear in mind that parts of the path may be slippery when wet, place your feet with care and keep close to the waymarked track in low visibility.
There is a risk of ticks in the grass. Use insect repellent and check your body on arrival.
Tips and hints
Extended walk
If you would like to extend your walk by 8km, you can follow the route straight from your accommodation in Liscannor to Doolin instead, following the route directions and descriptions below. Please let us know in advance, so we can cancel your transfer to Moher Tower.
Alternative transport
Bus Eireann Bus 350 (www.buseireann.ie) runs from the cliffs to Doolin (15 min.). There are up to 5 services per day from June to Mid-September and at least 2 services per day from mid-September to May.
There is a seasonal Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Shuttlebus (www.cliffsofmohercoastalwalk.ie) which connects the Cliffs of Moher with Doolin and Liscannor. There are 6 services daily between March and October.
Food & Drink
In Liscannor there is a bakery and a petrol station where you can buy some snacks and drinks for the walk. Please note that there is no supermarket. During your walk, you will pass the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. Here you can find a toilet and opportunities to buy some snacks and drinks.
Point of Interest
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center
One of Ireland’s most famous sights, the Cliffs of Moher are entirely vertical and the cliff edge is abrupt. On a clear day, the views are tremendous, with the Aran Islands etched on the waters of Galway Bay. From the cliff edge, you can just hear the booming far below as the waves crash and gnaw at the soft shale and sandstone.
Weblink: https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/plan-your-visit/things-to-do/visitor-centre/
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Please note: If you are walking from Liscannor to Doolin start here. This makes your total walking distance 19km.
0.00 km - With your back to Vaughan's Anchor Inn TURN RIGHT and follow the main street. Take care of the traffic (left-hand traffic). Continue STRAIGHT ON down the main street. There is a gas station to your left.
1.00 km - TURN LEFT into the L1068 road. There are signs for Liscannor mobile home park, Injury Clinic & Pilates and Pak’s Cottage.
1.10 km - TURN LEFT and follow the direction to Liscannor mobile home park (You will see waymarkers here). You are walking through a neighbourhood on a tarmac road.
1.50 km - Follow the street, that curves right. Walk STRAIGHT ON.
2.50 km - You reach the edge of a little cliff. The water is to your left-hand side. Keep STRAIGHT ON and follow the street. At 2.90km there is an info point and viewpoint to your left-hand side. You'll find some information about John Philipp Holland and Liscannor on it.
3.10 km - The road curves right, keep STRAIGHT ON on following it with the sea to your left-hand side.
4.30 km - You will reach a junction. TURN SHARP LEFT and you will see a waymarker for Burren Way to your left-hand side. Go STRAIGHT ON.
6.00 km - TURN RIGHT. Here there is a waymarker for Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Car Park.
6.50 km - When you see the two metal gates in front of you TURN LEFT.
6.70 km - You can see the car park to your left-hand side. The street changes into a gravel path. Keep going STRAIGHT ON and follow the track.
7.30 km - You reach two metal gates. Take the left one and use the little stony steps on the left side for going through the gate. Go STRAIGHT ON and you will go through two more gates in the next 500m.
Please note: If you are walking from Moher Tower to Doolin start here. This makes your total walking distance 11km.
7.90 km - The path is getting tighter and changes to a little single trail. Go STRAIGHT ON on the track. There is a fence on your right-hand side and the sea to your left-hand side. You have reached the Cliffs of Moher Coastal path now. Admire the beautiful cliffs but be careful and don’t step too close to the edge.
11.10 km - You will reach a field with some rocks strewn about. Just go STRAIGHT ON and cross the field. The cliffs are still to your left-hand side and a fence to your right-hand side. (There are two routes that are parallel to each other: If you feel more comfortable walking behind the fence you don't need to use the track that is directly at the cliff's edge.)
12.20 km - The Cliffs of Moher visitor Center is to your right-hand side. From here you will need to follow the provided GPS tracks and walk along the main road for 3km before walking along a smaller road into Doolin.
Coordinates
Equipment
Along with your usual gear for a day of walking, you should consider packing gaiters, poles, and an extra layer along with a solid good-quality pair of waterproof boots of course. Always take plenty of water, especially in sunny weather and wear sun protective clothing and sun cream.
Statistics
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
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