Distance: 16 km (10 miles) roundtrip. Elevation gain: 126 m (400 ft). Sweeping coastal views. No Cliffs of Moher entrance fee. Charming seaside village with great food/pubs.
This walk is part of the 18km (11 mi) Coastal Path connecting the villages of Doolin and Liscanoor, and enables you to enjoy the coastal cliffs of County Clare without the crowds that the Cliffs of Moher draws or paying the entrance/parking fee for the Cliffs. The section from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher is 8km (5 mi) for a 16 km round-trip with 125 m (400 ft) elevation gain.
Start at the village of Doolin and park in the lot across from Gus O'Connors Pub on Fisher Street. When facing the pub, walk to the right along the road and turn right onto the paved road at the intersection. The path will soon break off to the right and you'll follow a well-trodden walk along the coast. Doonagore Castle will be on your left as you begin to gain some elevation. The cliffs get taller and the path steepens as you near the Cliffs of Moher. You'll know you're at the Cliffs once you begin seeing large crowds.
Enjoy the scenery, bring a rain jacket, and be careful on the path-parts of it are very close to the edge of the cliff face. Return to Doolin by simply retracing your steps, and stop at O'Connors for a bite to eat and an authentic pub experience on your way out.