A Little Adventure… Off-Road Hiking to Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher

Last updated on January 5, 2024 by Shannon

After arriving in Doolin, a charming town on the western coast of Ireland, I learned an important travel lesson from my host. He put it to me straight, noting that there are two ways to set out on any great travel adventure:

  • the way the guidebook recommends
  • the secret map hand-drawn for you by a local

I mean really, is there even a choice?! Given his recommendation that we walk to the Cliffs of Moher rather than drive my rental car and face the parking situation, we knew it was going to be an adventurous day. Plus, if you walk there then it’s free to visit! Only parking a car costs money at the Cliffs.

Gorgeous sunny day at the Cliffs of Moher
Gorgeous views for miles as we did the Doolin Coastal Walk to the Cliffs of Moher early in the morning.

There are a good number of things to do once you’re at the Cliffs of Moher—and a fair few reasons to visit! Here’s my download after having visited the Cliffs of Moher on my round-the-world trip via this hike, and later on a roadtrip with my dad where we did it the old-fashioned way (i.e. we drove in from Galway and parked there!)

Where are the Cliffs of Moher?

Located in Clare County on the west coast of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are an iconic destination that forms a significant stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’ve seen picture, then you know that visiting them you’re going to see dramatic cliff faces and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The cliffs—an UNESCO World Heritage Site—run for 9 miles (14 km), so there’s actually a lot you can see otside of the designated spot—which is why hiking or coastal walking the Cliffs of Moher is ideal.

One of the great advantages is that they can be easily included in almost any itinerary around Ireland. Whether you’re driving/walking over from Dublin, day tripping from vibrant Galway, or sleeping in Doolin for a night or two as you make your way north from Dingle (this was the route I did!) then Cliffs of Moher is within reach.

The accessibility of the cliffs— combined with their awe-inspiring beauty—makes stopping here a natural highlight that should not be missed on any Irish adventure.

How to Get to the Cliffs of Moher

sunny day at the cliffs of moher
If you’re lucky, you’ll get a sunny day at the Cliffs of Moher to view them scaling into the ocean, with waves crashing far below.

I was road-tripping around Ireland both times I visited the Cliffs of Moher, and as such decided to sleep nearby in Doolin—I think this is among the best ways to visit so that you’re not rushed during your day of exploring, and because Doolin has a hopping Irish music scene in the evenings.

Here’s an overview of what you need to know when planning on fit the Cliffs of Moher into your travels around Ireland.

From Dublin

The Cliffs of Moher are located approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) west of Dublin. It takes around 3 to 3.5 hours to drive from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. You can also reach the cliffs public transportation, but it’s a substantial distance to cover and will take a good part of your day depending on bus and train schedules. If you’re not driving yourself, booking this full day tour from Dublin is your best option.

From Galway

The Cliffs of Moher are around 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Galway. It’s a convenient and popular day trip destination from Galway, with various transportation options available. You’re looking at approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car, or in the car if you’re going via one of the many organized tours—this tour is perfect, or you can opt for a small-group tour if your budget can swing it.

From Cork

The Cliffs of Moher are situated about 230 kilometers (143 miles) north of Cork. While it’s possible to visit the cliffs from Cork, be prepared for a longer journey.

From Dingle

The Cliffs of Moher are located approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles) northeast of Dingle. Given that we were spending the day heading north, and crossing the Shannon River, we certainly were not visiting the Cliffs on the same day that we drove the roughly 4.5 hours to Doolin.

From Shannon Airport

The Cliffs of Moher are roughly 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Shannon Airport. This airport serves as a convenient entry point to the region, making it an excellent starting point for your visit to the cliffs given that it’s just about an hour’s drive.

How to Avoid the Steep Parking Fee at the Cliffs of Moher?

If you’re driving yourself to the Cliffs, there’s parking across the street from the Visitor Center in a designated parking lot. Parking costs up to €10 per person during peak hours, which is steep.

Luckily, there are a few other places you can park, and/or ways to get to the Cliffs of Moher without paying for parking. And check the Google Map links provided for current hours, as the lots are not the same hours as the Visitor’s Center.

Park at the start of the Liscannor Walk (Google Map link) for €5 per vehicle as of early 2024. It’s a mere 15 minute walk from this small parking lot to the first gate. Then it’s a truly gorgeous approximately 1.5 hour walk to the Visitor’s Center, if you’re keen to walk the entire route—but it’s not a kid-friendly hike.

Park at Guerin’s Path (Google Map link) for €5 per person (kids are free) and walk mere minutes to the start of the Cliffs of Moher.

Leave your car in Liscannor or Doolin for free and have your guesthouse owner draw you a map on how to walk there. This is the option I chose!

This is a good, official summary of the two coastal walks you can use to reach the Cliffs of Moher—what they’re like and what to expect when starting your visit there.

map of coastal hikes to cliffs of moher
View the full PDF of this map of the two Coastal Hikes, which includes its key.

A Secret Map to Hike to the Cliffs of Moher

 Aille River Hostel, doolin Ireland
The lovely Aille River Hostel, Ireland is a great place to stay when visiting the nearby Cliffs of Moher!

Note that there is now a formal coastal walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher, and there are even super affordable small hiking tours along this route. But this was my adventures in 2009 following a secret map to get there—if you’re just planning your visit, jump ahead to the best things to do!

My new friend Laura and I were ready to tackle the famed Cliffs of Moher and Carl—the owner of the truly lovely Aille River Hostel in Doolin, Ireland—let us in on a little secret. As long as you don’t park your car on the main road leading to the Cliffs, they won’t ticket you and you don’t have to pay the €10 per person fee, or use of the parking lot and facilities.

That sounded pretty great to us budget backpackers, but to further sweeten the deal, in addition to this parking tidbit he recommended a two-hour hiking path from Doolin. The path hugs the cliffs and drop-offs leading up the main site of the Cliffs of Moher.

Many travelers visit the Cliffs of Moher as a day-trip from Galway, but there are two reasons to dedicate an overnight here: The town of Doolin has phenomenal Irish music at the local pubs each evening, and the slightly dangerous and cow-filled hike to the Cliffs is a worthy memory for those up for the adventure.

Carl instructed us to park on a small road a couple of kilometers before the car park for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. I marooned my tiny European rental car (that wouldn’t even be road-worthy and legal in the U.S.) on a grassy bank off the side of the road. Then Laura and I set off to follow Carl’s lightly detailed map—just enough details to get us there, but not enough that it was a cake-walk!

Map to Cliffs of Moher from Doolin
Secret map to Cliffs of Moher from Doolin
Off-roading through the Irish countryside to get to the Cliffs of Moher.
Dangerous bull? Well, our map sad it had to happen, so we hopped a nearby fence!

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Here’s How Our Hike to the Cliffs of Moher Went!

Step 1: Jump a Gate to Leave the Road Far Behind

doolin to cliffs of moher walk
We were pretty confident we were on the right path when the fences led us closer to the gorgeous Irish coastline.

Both Scotland and Ireland are tolerant to tourists (and locals for that matter) wandering through sheep and cow pastures. At first, Laura and I felt a little weird jumping the first fence since the owner was right there. He was just finishing up with his bull and gave us an encouraging smile when he saw our plan.

He really didn’t mind! He even pointed out the easiest spot for us to jump the fence to avoid mud, cow dung, and wires.

Step 2: Walk Parallel the Fence Until You Reach the Cliff’s Edge

alternative way to the cliffs of moher from doolin
We thought the nearby pasture would offer a firmer ground. It did not. :-/

Once inside of the cow pasture, it’s pretty messy. We hiked along the fence, occasionally venturing away from the fence if it looked like the grass was less of a muddy, gooshy, sopping mess of churned earth and sludge. It never was.

At one point, we spotted salvation on the other side of a pass-fence—it looked so dry and firm on that side. Well, let me tell you: The grass isn’t always greener on the side. After sinking ankle deep into thick mud, we decided to make a messy break for it and we sprinted to the Cliff’s edge.

Step 3: Avoid the Cows

Not a tourist in sight as we walk toward the Cliffs of Moher

One key problem with tromping through active cow pastures is the cows. Seems logical, but we didn’t consider that facet of our hike until we were already en route to the Cliffs of Moher!

One friendly farmer was a bit snippy with us as we carefully picked our way across his field because he was herding his cattle through the fence and we were messing up his rhythm. He wasn’t mad, just firm that we needed to get on with ourselves and get out of his way.

Step 4: Tread Lightly and DON’T SLIP

Extreme danger sign on our hike to the Cliffs of Moher.
Not the most encouraging sign to see along your hiking route. We appreciated it though, as it was a warning that we should adjust our route to steer far clear of the edge, lest we fall over it.

The cow pasture portion of our hike to the Cliffs of Moher was all about mud. That was short-lived though, and we eventually made it into the county-owned land that led to sloped upward a bit toward the Visitor Center and the lookout points.

Once at that point though, it’s a grassy, overgrown path that sits about three feet from a 500 foot drop. At that point, you need to slow down and all I thought about was keeping perfect balance as we made our way through the field.

The caution sign might deter less adventurous hikers, but Carl’s adamant insistence that this route offered the best views of the Cliffs encouraged us to walk right past the sign and continue hiking up the steep path.

Step 5: Enjoy the Spoils of Your Off-the Path Hike

cliffs of moher without the tourists
Hiking to the Cliffs offers a different POV on the iconic sight.

By the time we reached the grassy pasture at the top, Laura and I took a few minutes to merely sit in the near-silence, listen to the waves crash, and look into the distance at the rugged Cliffs of Moher. This was why we had taken the more adventurous route.

The soft tread of our feet on the grass disturbed birds resting under the cliff face and every few minutes, a startled flock of gleaming white birds flew out from below us and fanned out across the blue ocean. Their frantic wings beat a rhythm that competed with the rushing waves slowly wearing at cliffs, together creating a beautiful soundtrack for our hike.

Step 6: Jump the Fence & Gloat

Iconic views of the Cliffs of Moher from the Visitor Center
This is the most iconic view of the Cliffs of Moher, taken from the Visitor Center rather than the hike along the coastline.

About two hours after leaving on our adventure hike to the Cliffs of Moher, our small path abruptly ended at a wire fence intended to keep the paying tourists from heading off on the very hiking path we had just used. We ignored the few curious looks from others as we dodged a glance around before catapulting over the fence. Then we were just one of the many tourists enjoying the gorgeous vistas.

On a sunny day, it’s a striking site to behold as the sheer size of the Cliffs contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green Irish countryside and deep blue ocean. There is no denying that the Cliffs are one of Ireland’s most prominent attractions and I’d go back all over again given the opportunity. Of course, if I did it again, I’d still take the adventurous path all over again!

How to Walk the Main Roads from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher

The cliffs are located about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Doolin. To walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher, there is now a marked trail that starts here.

The walk will take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. The route is generally well-marked and easy to follow, but it is a good idea to map it on your smartphone, just in case. You could also book a guide on a small-group hike from Doolin for all of the adventure, but none of the worry that you’ll get lost.

Keep in mind that the walk is mostly rural, with no facilities along the way. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, and be prepared for changes in weather—it gets super windy along the Cliffs, so you need to pack appropriately.

Best Things to Do at the Cliffs of Moher

Time it right and you can catch a pretty sunset on the Cliffs of Moher.

Take a Coastal Walk

Even if you park at the Visitor’s Center, spend a good hour just heading either north or south to take in the breathtaking coastal walks along the cliff edge, with fewer tourists. These paths are not well maintained near the visitor’s center, with the southern path getting rugged after a while—at that point it’s not family-friend.

The scenic walk offers a chance to soak in the fresh sea breeze, witness the dramatic cliff formations, and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the area. Since you’ve almost certainly brought your smartphone, turn it on vibrate for a bit and just connect with nature. Then turn it back on and capture those incredible photographs.

Listen to the Audio Tour

If you’ve paid for the Visitor’s Center and parking, then you can explore the cliffs while immersing yourself in the fascinating stories and history on an informative audio tour. The audio guide provides insightful commentary about the geological formations, local wildlife, cultural heritage, and folklore associated with the cliffs. If you’re keen to listen, be sure to download the app to your phone and get it all set up before you arrive.

Refresh at the Visitors Center

If you paid for parking then a visit to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Center is included—if you walked in along the coast, you will have to pay to enter. It could be worthwhile, particularly if you’re making a full day of it with hiking and nature. The center offers key facilities you might need (food and toilets) as well as neat exhibits.

You can learn about the natural forces that shaped the cliffs through interactive displays, videos, and informative panels. It also shares some of the fascinating local legends associated with this iconic natural landmark.

Climb O’Brien’s Tower

This is an iconic observation point located on the cliffs—it’s fun to climb if you’re keen, but honestly the views are just as good from the base of the tower. This historical tower offers panoramic views, allowing you to appreciate the vastness and grandeur of the cliffs from a higher vantage point.

It’s a photogenic spot to capture the cliffs, but also the Tower alongside the cliffs for a bit of perspective.

Take Advantage of Prime Birdwatching

Keep an eye out for the range of seabirds that life along the Cliffs of Moher. You could spot puffins, gannets, and guillemots. The cliffs serve as an important nesting site for these fascinating creatures, providing a unique chance to observe them in their natural habitat. Pack binoculars if you’re a birdwatching enthusiast.

Admire the Cliffs from Below

cliffs of moher from boat to Aran Islands
Admittedly not the best shot of the Cliffs, but this was looking back at them on the boat ride to the Aran Islands.

Boat tours allow you to view the cliffs from a unique perspective, right from on the wild Atlantic Ocean. It’s a vantage point few splurge on, but the immensity of the cliff’s is perhaps even more impressive when you’re a speck at the base looking up.

Boat tours provide an up-close encounter with the towering cliffs and they’re also an even better way to admire the birds and spot marine wildlife. And it goes without saying you’ll have stunning photos at the end.

I recommend booking a cruise that includes the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, and don’t book one that includes the Aran Islands. (I deeply loved visiting the Aran Islands and recommend that all travelers spend a night there to really experience the magic).

Refuel with Coffee and Fudge at Moher Cottage

teapot flowerpot doolin ireland
Pretty as a picture is this teapot flower. Ireland’s cafes and BnBs often add charming features like this, which make the visit that much more special and memorable.

Visit Moher Cottage, a charming woman-owned cafe and craft shop located near the cliffs along the road to Liscannor. This cozy spot offers a break from exploring, and the coffee was voted the best in Ireland, so you really can’t go wrong.

The locally made crafts make perfect souvenirs, and the pretty terrace views make it a great place to relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and immerse yourself in the warm Irish hospitality.

Visit the Cliffs at Sunset

Tour buses descend on the Cliffs of Moher near the Visitor’s Center from about 10am-4pm every day. If you visit outside of these hours, not only is the entrance fee cheaper (if you book online first), but you may just catch a stunning sunset over the Atlantic Ocean if you’re lucky enough for clear skies during your visit.

It’s worth timing your visit to sunset if the forecast is clear on the day you plan to visit!

How to Visit the Cliffs of Moher

Doonagore Castle near doolin and the cliffs of moher
Doonagore Castle: Where history meets the endless horizon. This scenic 16th century castle perched by the sea whispers tales of a bygone era, while the ocean’s vast expanse stirs the imagination with its timeless mysteries.

Where to Stay

Budget travelers should look no further than Aille River Hostel in Doolin. Doolin is the best town from which to organize a trip to the cliffs since it’s close, it has a range of accommodation options, and the local pubs jam out with traditional Irish music in the evenings.

Mid-range travelers couldn’t go wrong with a night or two at Fairwinds B&B, which is walkable to the pubs.

Best Doolin Pubs for Irish Music

McGann’s Pub Doolin and Gus O’Connor’s Pub should both be on your list and I recommend checking out both pubs. Doolin was once a quaint fishing village and it still holds onto its traditional roots. Music sessions start around 9 pm every evening at Gus O’Connor’s Pub.

And while both locations serve food, McGann’s gets top marks for a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options for travelers like me with dietary restrictions. Once you arrive, to truly be sure you find the best music in town, ask your guesthouse for recommendations as some pubs might offer alternating music nights if you’re visiting in shoulder or off-season.

Other Things to Do in Doolin

There’s more to Doolin than just a launching point to the Cliffs of Moher. If you’re in the area, you should explore more.

  • Visit the Doolin Cave. Measuring 23 feet (7.3 m), this cave offers the longest free-hanging stalactite in the northern hemisphere. It’s a mere 4 km outside of town and is easily the second most popular local activity after the cliffs visit.
  • Venture along the 18 km Coastal Walk from Doolin to Liscannor. If you want something a bit more adventurous than the mere two hour hike to the Cliffs, this is a quiet route that includes the Cliffs portion, and then continues further along the coastline. It’s long though, so be sure to pick a day with good weather and start early!
  • Sip microbrews at The Burren Brewery. I can’t resist the microbrewery trend and you can’t go wrong with stopping for a pint or two in Lisdoonvarna village, which is a mere 10 minutes from Doolin.
  • Drive the Burren. Burren National Park is worthy of a day trip all of its own. This rugged, rocky limestone landscape is unlike anywhere else in the country and is an easy drive from Doolin.
  • Day trip to the Aran Islands. I actually stayed in the Aran Islands for a couple of nights, but many travelers leave from Doolin just for the day and explore.

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12 thoughts on “A Little Adventure… Off-Road Hiking to Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher”

  1. I need this path please. What side of the road and where is this fence you jumped? I am going to the cliff in a week and want to avoid the tourist path. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. This was one of the most memorable experiences of My entire trip! Hopping fences and cow patties. Love the pics…I hadn't seen any of them yet. Helps me go re-live the day all over again. :)

    Reply
  3. Aghh, I wanna go back to Ireland do this so badly! The landscape is so incredible…reminds me a lot of Newfoundland. Also, I love the happiness in the photo in contrast to the deathly sign.

    Reply
    • You let me know when you head there and I'll give you the scoop on the secret map ;-) And boots were essential – I was sad that one of mine had sprung a leak by that point :(

      Reply

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