Hike the Coastal Path from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher
Clare, Ireland
Description
Added by Elyse Clark
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.
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Hike the Coastal Path from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Reviews
This hike was probably my favorite in my week spent in Ireland. I did the hike in the winter, and there were only a few people besides my family on the trail. The trail hugs the coastline pretty much the whole way, so at any given time you will likely find yourself some awesome cliff views. However, do not limit yourself to staring down the coast, because a lot of beauty lies in the farmlands as well. Once you get to the Cliffs of Moher visitors center, you will likely find busloads of tourists with an abundance of selfie sticks. I think it is awesome that so many people get to enjoy these magnificent cliffs, but people seeming to be a bit careless on the edges of the cliffs did have me a bit anxious. If you do decide to peek over the edge, it is a wonderful and thrilling view and experience, but it is insanely dangerous due to the high and unpredictable winds that are common in this area. With that said, get your body low, and spread your body's surface area on the ground, or else you might really stress out another tourist, like me. One pro tip is that if you want to stay at the cliffs until sunset, which I highly recommend, you might be able to catch a late shuttle back into town, making this a one way hike. I believe the last shuttle heads back to Doolin at 6PM.
5.0
Did part of this walk today, really amazing! It was nice being away from all the crowds however I was really happy we did go to the main Cliffs of Moher area as the cliffs there were much more dramatic than the ones along the walk from Doolin
5.0
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