Know Before You Go: There are not safety railings in many parts of this trail, so if you have kids or dogs please watch them carefully. Also, the trail is rocky in some places and could be slick when wet so wear good hiking shoes. You will want to take along a waterproof windbreaker as well as quick rains and strong winds are common. Also, there are several free or inexpensive parking lots that access the Walk. We parked at the visitor center and paid $25, but saw free and $3 parking along the route. The Walk is free. Length: Hiking from the south end at Liscannor to the Doolin at the north end is a total of 20 kilometers. We hiked 7 miles from the visitor center to the keep ruins at the south end and back. Time: The southern half took us 3 hours as an out-and-back hike. Terrain: Crushed aggregate, some paved trail, some dirt and grass. Difficulty: Moderate. Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must be leashed. Kid-friendly: Yes, but keep a very close eye on children as there are not safety railings and the conditions can be tough.
The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk offers a beautiful look at Ireland’s most famous shoreline. You can park at several places to access the cliffs; some are free, others very inexpensive, and one parking lot is outside a ticketed visitor center that offers interpretive displays and the history of the area. We were unable to hike the whole Coastal Walk because the path from the visitor center north to Doolin was closed, but we hiked over 7 miles of spectacular shoreline on the southern half. The path is paved in some places, crushed aggregate in others and dirt in some spots. It’s relatively flat with some minor uphill walking. Be careful to stay far from the edge as parts of the cliffs are crumbling and there are not safety barriers along the entire walk.
On the southern end of the Coastal Walk is Moher Fort at Hag’s Head, an old watchtower. Near the visitor center stands a second, still-old-but-newer tower where we found picnickers and many tourists called O’Brien’s Tower. Both are extremely photogenic!
This is a popular, often-crowded walk, but I highly recommend it. Simply find a spot to stand and watch the waves crash into the cliffs far below and take a moment to wonder at God’s creation. The turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the golden cliffs and bright green grass, and offers a dazzling display of nature’s beauty.
Another memorable point about this walk: the restrooms at the visitor center are co-ed. Men and women in stalls next to each other and sharing sinks. That was different!
Over the years, hikers have built hundreds of cairns along this trail.
Moher Fort at Hag's Head | Southern End
O'Brien's Tower | Near Visitor Center and Halfway Point