The Cliffs Of Moher Coastal Walk: Trail Guide + Map

The Cliffs Of Moher Coastal Walk is a strenuous, 19.5km linear trail that takes around 4.5 hours to finish.

It can be started in either Doolin or Liscannor and you can get a bus (the 350) from your finish point back to where you started.

The trail is good in places and by-no-means-great in others with a good bit of incline if you start from the Doolin side.

TRAIL NOW CLOSED (August 2024 update): This trail has been closed due to safety concerns. Work is due to commence this year to make the path safer, so please avoid until that time. There are plenty of other things to do in Doolin instead.

Some quick need-to-knows about the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk

There are a handful of need-to-knows about this trail along with several warnings, so please take 30 seconds to read the below points before scrolling to the map:

1. Start point

So, although you can start the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin or Liscannor, I’d personally be inclined to start it from the latter. The section between Doolin and the visitor centre has several steep inclines that, personally, I prefer to avoid (you can do whatever you like, of course!).

2. Length

This version of the Cliffs of Moher walking trail is 19.5km and it takes around 4.5 hours to finish, depending on pace along with how many times you stop to enjoy the views (there are shorter Cliffs of Moher walks, like the Hags Head Walk).

3. Difficulty

This is a strenuous trail and good fitness levels, along with sturdy footwear, are needed. The trail is long, very uneven in places and the gusts blowing in from the Atlantic make it challenging at times.

4. The bus back to your start point

You can get the 350 Bus Éireann route from either Doolin or Liscannor (see timetable) which removes the need to retrace your steps. Alternatively, you can call The Taxi Company on 065 707 5000.

5. Safety warning

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk takes you very close to the unguarded cliff edge. Please avoid straying off the main trail. There have been several tragedies here in recent years, so great care is needed at all times.

An overview of the Cliffs of Moher walking trail with map

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk varies greatly, depending on which side you start it from.

In my opinion, starting the walk from Liscannor is far more rewarding. The reason for this is that you get the stretch from Liscannor to Hags Head out of the way at the beginning.

This is a fairly unscenic section and it goes on for about 1.5 hours, which would be a slog if you had to face it at the end.

By starting in Liscannor, you’re greeted by the views of the Cliffs of Moher from early on and, when you get to the latter section of the walk, you have glorious views of the Burren to keep you going!

Starting in Doolin

• The first section of the trail follows what is known as the ‘Doolin Cliff Walk‘
• It’s around 6.6km from Doolin to the visitor centre and it should take you 1.5 hours
• There are several tough inclines to tackle from this section
• When you reach the visitor centre area, take in the views and O’Brien’s Tower
• From the visitor centre, you are walking to Hags Head – this section is 5.3km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours
• From Hags Head, you have the 6km/1.5 hour walk into Liscannor (not an overly scenic walk)

Starting in Liscannor

• You’ll follow the Liscannor to Cliffs of Moher walk for the first leg of this journey
• The walk from Liscannor into Hags Head is a relatively uneventful 6km/1.5 hour walk
• You’ll then get an eyeful of Moher Tower along with Hags Head
• The next section is the famous Hags Head to Cliffs of Moher trail (5.3km/1.5 to 2 hours)
• When you reach the visitor centre, you follow the Doolin Cliff Walk in reverse (you’ll have views of the Burren)

Other things to do around County Clare

There are plenty of things to do in Clare after you’ve conquered the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

Here are a handful of suggestions:

• Walks: The Kilkee Cliff Walk and the Burren walks
• Drives: The Loop Head Drive, the Burren Scenic Drive and Corkscrew Hill
• Unique stops: Father Ted’s House, Doonagore Castle and Quin Friary
• Islands: The Aran Islands can be accessed via the Doolin Ferry