Hiking the Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail – My Experience from Doolin (September Edition)

footpath only
5. Nov.
4 Min. Lesezeit

If you’re looking for a hiking experience that blends dramatic coastline, raw weather and authentic Irish village life, the Cliffs of Moher trail from Doolin should definitely be on your list. I spent a full day exploring this route in September, and below I’ll walk you through how I did it (including accommodation, the walk route, detours and local food), plus practical details you’ll need — so you can plan your own trip.

Why Hiking the Cliffs of Moher?

The Cliffs of Moher are among the most iconic landscapes in Ireland: towering sea cliffs, the wild Atlantic beyond, and a coast that drops sharply into the ocean. Walking from the village of Doolin gives you a unique vantage: you start in a lively seaside settlement and gradually travel into ever-wilder terrain. The route is both approachable and rugged — you’ll feel the Atlantic wind more than once, the path slices along stone walls, past farmland, and leads you closer to the cliff edge than many other visitors. It’s a hike that's equal parts nature spectacle, physical experience and place-story.

Accommodation & Where to Stay – Doolin Base

I stayed at O’Connors Riverside Camping in Doolin — what a fantastic base for this hike. Nestled by the river just as the village leads toward the coast, the camping site offers peace after a day on the trail, yet you’re right in the heart of village life.

For hostel or B&B options, Doolin offers several cosy places catering to walkers and backpackers; you’ll find friendly hosts, shared rooms, plenty of drying space (which I appreciated given the weather!) and a short walk to the pubs and shops.Doolin itself has a small grocery store a bit outside of town and a few cafés and craft stores. After a day of hiking I popped into the Fishermansstreet, enjoyed a proper lunch and then relaxed in a local pub.

The Cliffs of Moher Trail – Step by Step

Start: From Doolin village, head towards the harbour and the pier at Doolin Pier. Before you set off fully, I strongly recommend a stop for lunch or strong coffee in the village. I had mine at Gus O’Connors pub on Fisherman’s Street — hearty stew, friendly staff, local atmosphere.

Route: After lunch, I walked from Doolin’s Fisherman’s Street → past the pier → then picked up the cliff-walking path. The route hugs the coastline: you’re between the far sea and rolling green farmland, the Atlantic roar always in your ears. According to guides it's roughly ~8 km one way from Doolin to the Visitor Centre of the Cliffs of Moher, taking 2-3 hours. Cliffs of Moher

Detour & Trail Closure: Because I visited in September, weather was unpredictable and when I reached the final section I discovered that the last portion of the trail (toward the Visitor Centre) was marked as closed for safety due to storm damage and erosion. Several sources confirm parts of the path are closed. So I turned around at the designated closure point, retraced my steps back towards Doolin, and embraced the walk even despite not reaching the full official end.

Scenery & Experience: The wind picked up sharply as I approached the higher cliff edges, the sea spray hitting sideways, the path narrowing. I paused often: to look toward the Aran Islands, to hear the birds, to feel how exposed this coastline is. The village of Doolin behind me seemed quiet in comparison to the roar of the Atlantic ahead.

Return: After the turn-around I returned via the same coastal route. Evening light accentuated the layers of rock, cliffs, farmland and ocean. Back in Doolin I walked down to the pier, imagined a ferry out to the islands, and felt the day had delivered what I came for: rugged beauty, hiking challenge, and Irish hospitality.

Local Village Life & After-trail

Doolin is the perfect base for this hike. You’ve got your camping (or hostel) at O’Connors Riverside Camping, or various guesthouses. After the trail you’ll want to hit one of the village pubs — many serve local fare, live sets of traditional Irish music (especially as night falls), and a warm welcome for hikers. For shopping you’ll find small outdoor and walking gear shops, local craft stores, cafés along Fisherman’s Street, and the pier-side ambiance adds charm.The walking trail connects effortlessly with the village: you finish your hike and you’re right back where you can get food, rest or catch a ferry (or simply sit by the water). Doolin is lovely but relaxed, ideal after a day of serious walking.

Final Thoughts of the Cliffs of Moher Trail

This hike remains one of the most memorable I’ve done in Ireland. Although I visited in September and the final section of the trail was closed, the part I completed was spectacular and enough to satisfy the wild-coast craving.

On my last night the weather tested me: a full-blown storm blew through with winds up to 50 knots, buffeting my tent at O’Connors, tossing rain sideways, and waking me repeatedly. I hardly got any sleep, but the feeling of enduring it made the next morning’s calm walk feel even more earned. If you go: bring sturdy hiking boots (the path is uneven and the wind strong), pack waterproof gear, check trail-closure information ahead of time, and allow time to explore Doolin itself.

The village, the pier, the pubs — they all add to the hiking story. Most of all: walk slowly, take in the sea, the rock, the wilderness, and let the Cliffs of Moher trail give you one of Ireland’s finest outdoor experiences.

If you want to see more about my Ireland Trip, check out my Youtube Channel, where I put up a Video about my 10 day’s Backpacking Trip to Ireland.