Clare · Ireland

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk

The 20km coastal path from Doolin to Liscannor along the top of the Cliffs of Moher — one of the world's great cliff walks.

20km5-6 hours (day walk)Ascent 400mmoderate
Written by Séamus O'Byrne · Aug 23, 2026

Updated August 23, 2026

Better than the Visitor Centre viewpoint by a factor of ten. You see the cliffs from all angles, pass sea stacks + the Puffins Point sea arch, and end in Liscannor in a proper pub. Buses back to Doolin.

Best months: April-October (windy in winter)
Trailhead / base town: Doolin
Nearest airport: SNN
Waymarked: Yes — signposted route

Waypoint map — 5 points

Topographic base map + trail polyline. Click each waypoint for the trail-note.

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Elevation profile

Estimated — download the GPX for definitive elevation data on device.

320m

Peak gain

0m80m160m240m320m0km5km10km15km20km

Profile is an approximation from the trail's published ascent metres + typical mountain-profile shape. Real per-metre elevation available in the GPX download opened on Garmin, Gaia, Komoot, or Apple Watch.

Community reviews

Real hikers, real dates, real conditions. No premium tier — no AllTrails-style paywall.

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Trail waypoints in order

  1. 1

    Doolin Pier (Start)

  2. 2

    Ballyryan

  3. 3

    Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre

    Highest cliff point — 214m

  4. 4

    Hag's Head

  5. 5

    Liscannor (Finish)

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk — frequently asked

How long does the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk take to complete?

5-6 hours (day walk) for the full 20km (400m total ascent). Difficulty grade: moderate.

Is the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk waymarked?

Yes — waymarked with yellow arrow + walking-man signs at every junction. You do not need a topo map to complete it, but bring one anyway for weather-diversion decisions.

When is the best time of year for the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk?

April-October (windy in winter). Outside these months conditions can turn technical (mud, mist, short daylight) and the value-per-effort drops sharply.

Where should I base myself for the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk?

Doolin — the trailhead is here and it's the natural place to sleep before + after. Fly into SNN, pre-book airport transfer, and pick a base hotel with parking if you're doing multiple sections.

Do I need a permit for the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk?

No permit required — the trail crosses public land, National Parks land, or is a formally waymarked national trail with open access. Respect any farm-stile signs and leave gates as you found them.