Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin
As one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations, the Cliffs of Moher will very likely be on your travel itinerary. If you want to make your trip to the Cliffs that much more memorable and enjoy hiking, I would definitely recommend you walk the Coastal Walk.
The Coastal Walk approaches the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre from either side, but this article will focus on the self-guided Coastal Walk from Doolin. You do not have to pay to walk the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. Read on to find out how long the walk is, where the walk starts and what to expect from it.
*IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of September 2024, the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is CLOSED to the public. The local government is in the process of upgrading the safety of the walk. It is uncertain when the walk will re-open.
There are many more stunning walks close to the Cliffs of Moher. Consider any of these:
This section of the Burren Way
Distance + Time
14km return walk from the parking lot at O’Connors Pub in Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. Calculate 3-4 hours for the whole walk.
Many people choose to walk to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre from Doolin (7 hours, about 1.5-2hrs) and then take the bus back.
See Bus Eireann’s bus schedule before you set out to plan your return. The bus journey back to Doolin takes about 15 minutes. If you want more flexibility, you could also arrange a taxi ride back.
John (+353 86 235 3100) and Sean (+353 86 402 9997) are both local taxi drivers.
Difficulty
Moderate. There are two steep inclines on the walk coming from Doolin, which makes the walk a bit more challenging.
How to get there (parking)
The best place to park your car is at O’Connors Pub on Fisher Street in Doolin. You will see the allocated parking spots just behind the pub.
Should there be no free parking spots on Fisher Street (it gets especially busy around here during midday), you can also park your car at Fitzpatrick’s Pub or at Doolin Pier.
If you are getting to Doolin via public transport, the bus (Bus Eireann) from Galway or Ennis goes directly to Doolin. The Route Number is 350 (this will be indicated on the bus) and stops at Fitzpatrick’s Pub. The stop’s name is Doolin (Hotel Doolin). You can find the bus timetable here.
Map of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin.
Getting on the walk
Your starting point is O’Connors Pub on Fisher Street. Walk over the bridge (so past all the colourful houses). You will see the road winds up a hill towards the right. Walk up that road for about 500 metres and you will see a gate. This is the official start of the Coastal Walk.
What to expect from the walk
The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is all off-terrain, meaning that if it has rained the walk can get very muddy and full of puddles. In that case, hiking boots (or at least shoes with traction sole) are recommended. Most of the walk will be on a single lane and often along exposed cliff edges - extreme caution is therefore advised.
Do not walk onto the cliff edge or try and take pictures off the allocated path. Please be aware that accidents happen here occasionally, so stay on the path and enjoy the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk responsibly.
Public toilets
The pubs around Doolin are very kind, so do ask the friendly staff in O’Connors Pub in if you can use the bathroom before you set out on the walk. You can also use the toilets at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.
You can also do the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Liscannor. That route is shorter and not as strenuous, as there is no incline. This is also the better choice if you are a photographer, as the sun shines onto the Cliffs from this direction.