Experience the Cliffs of Moher and the breathtaking coastal walk from Doolin – a truly unique experience for visitors to the area.
What are the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. They run for about 9 miles (14 kilometres) in total, rising to 120 metres (390 ft) at the southern end above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head, and, up to 214 metres (702 ft) to the north near O’Brien’s Tower. The closest villages are Doolin, 7 km (4 miles) to the north and Liscannor, 6 km (4 miles) to the south. The cliffs rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland, with around 1.5 million visits per annum.
Doolin Cliff Walk, Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland
What is the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk & where does it start?
The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is a trail that links the villages of Doolin and Liscannor. From the Cliffs of Moher, on a clear day, one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara, Loop Head to the south and the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years.
The walk takes approximately 4 hours along a gravel path and finishes at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where public transport is available for your return to Doolin. Many people start in Doolin, walk the 8 km to the Visitor Center, and then take the shuttle bus back to Doolin. Or you could walk the entire 14 km along the Cliffs. The start of the trail is right beside Doolin Inn, making it the perfect base for exploring the area. We’ll also be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the walk on your visit to Doolin Inn.
Temporary Trail Closures Update 24/09/24:
Some parts of the Cliffs of Moher trail are closed for maintenance work. The Northern Section (Doolin to Surfers Path) remains open, but walkers must turn back at Surfers Path when on a self-guided walk as walking on the road here can be dangerous. Guests who are on a guided walk with one of our partners should note that they may have an altered route due to the temporary closures.
Video by Kev L Smith, Music by Doctor Turtle
Is the walk guided or self-guided?
Either. Doolin local, Pat Sweeney can guide you along the trail while sharing fun facts, stories and more on his Doolin Cliff Walk tour, or you can follow the trail yourself. Just be mindful that it is a cliff and dangers come with walking this terrain. Be sure to wear correct footwear and raingear, and always have someone with you. The walk is along a gravel path with flagstone steps cut out of the terrain to cross the drains and streams and on the steeper inclines. The trail is not a difficult walk, but it requires a basic level of fitness and a good head for heights.
Flora & Fauna along the Cliff Walk
The cliffs are home to some of the most unique flora and fauna. The area is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds under the EU Birds Directive and you may well see endangered species there – such as the chough – with significant numbers of kittiwake and fulmar. There are over 20 different species of bird in total.
Beautiful puffins are a hallmark of the Cliffs of Moher, and you’ll be able to catch them between May and June. You’ll see many beautiful wildflowers and grasses, many of them unique to the Cliffs countryside, while down in the waves below, you may be treated to the sight of a dolphin pod on a calm day.
Turning your attention from the ocean views to the ground around your path, you will see a rich variety of wild flowers starting in the Spring with the Primrose (March/April/May) followed by the Sea Pink (May/June/July). Moving into the summer, the Orchids appear (June/July/August) with the purple Knapweed and Heather appearing in July/August/September.
Staying near the Cliff Walk
Doolin Inn is located right beside the start of the coastal walk, making it the perfect base for your hiking adventure. Stay in our modern country house with hotel-style accommodation and wake up to a fantastic breakfast to fuel your day’s adventure.