Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail Update: What Travelers Need to Know Right Now
Standing on Ireland’s wild Atlantic edge is always unforgettable, but if you’re planning to walk the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail, a few important updates will shape how you experience it.
Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail Update: What’s Open and What’s Not
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is fully open, and the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail is also open – but they are no longer directly connected.
That’s the key change travelers need to understand.
You can still enjoy both experiences, but you cannot step from the Visitor Centre onto the long-distance cliff trail like you could in the past. Access points at the centre have been closed, even though the trail itself remains open.
This article is based on podcast episode 335 featuring Ollie Gleeson, owner of Ollie's Tours, a Doolin-based provider of Cliffs of Moher tours and other adventures.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.
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What You Can Do at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre still offers:
- Easy access viewpoints
- Views from atop O’Brien’s Tower
- A maintained walking area (roughly 500 meters each direction)
- Exhibits, facilities, and parking
It’s a great option if you want iconic views without a long hike – but it’s not the full cliff walk experience.
What’s Happening with the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail
The coastal trail from Doolin toward the cliffs remains open and is still one of the most rewarding walks in Ireland.
However:
- The southern section beyond the Visitor Centre towards Hags Head is currently closed
- Trail improvements are in progress but limited by seasonal restrictions
Repairs have already improved sections near Doolin, making parts of the walk easier and less muddy than before.
How to Walk the Cliffs of Moher Trail Right Now
If your goal is to actually hike the cliffs, you’ll want to start in Doolin – not at the Visitor Centre.
Start from Doolin for the Best Experience
From Doolin, you can:
- Walk approximately 7 km (about 4 miles) toward the cliffs
- Enjoy uninterrupted coastal views along the way
- Reach areas just short of the Visitor Centre
This route delivers the dramatic scenery most people expect when they picture the Cliffs of Moher.
Use the Shuttle for a “Best of Both Worlds” Day
From May through late summer (possibly into September), a free shuttle bus operates from Doolin to the Visitor Centre.
A smart plan:
- Walk the cliff trail from Doolin
- Return to town for lunch
- Take the shuttle to the Visitor Centre for additional views
This lets you experience both the rugged hike and the classic viewpoints in one day.
Parking in Doolin
You’ll find several parking options:
- Paid parking on Fisher Street (near shops and pubs)
- Parking at Doolin Pier
- Limited parking at businesses like Hotel Doolin (for customers)
Plan ahead and avoid leaving your car where it’s not permitted for the day.
Should You Walk with a Guide?
You don’t need a guide, but there are a few reasons you might want one.
Benefits of a Guided Walk
- Navigation and logistics are handled for you
- Safety support on uneven or exposed sections
- Local stories and history bring the landscape to life
The trail can include narrow paths, uneven footing, and changing weather conditions, so having someone who knows the terrain can make a big difference.
If You Go on Your Own
Keep these tips in mind:
- Wear proper footwear (hiking boots recommended)
- Expect mud in places, especially after rain
- Stay well back from cliff edges
- Don’t underestimate wind conditions
Even on calmer days, the Atlantic weather can shift quickly.
Weather on the Cliffs: What to Expect
There’s a saying in Ireland: there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.
At the cliffs, that feels especially true.
Conditions can include:
- Strong winds (sometimes strong enough to push sea spray upward)
- Sudden rain showers
- Bright sunshine
- Sometimes all in the same hour
Dress in layers, bring waterproof gear, and be ready for anything. Including mud.
Meet Your Guide: Ollie Gleeson
Ollie Gleeson is a local guide from County Clare who leads daily tours along the Cliffs of Moher and to the Aran Islands.
His offerings include:
- Guided cliff hikes from Doolin
- Aran Islands experiences, including Inisheer visits
- Bike tours and even proposal or vow renewal experiences
His focus is simple: help visitors enjoy the landscape safely while sharing the stories that make the place memorable.
Book direct at Ollies Tours.
Learn more & get inspired on Instagram & Facebook.
A Memorable Way to Experience the Cliffs
Even with access changes, the Cliffs of Moher remain one of Ireland’s most powerful landscapes.
With a bit of planning – starting in Doolin, using the shuttle, and preparing for the weather – you can enjoy an incredible day along the edge of the Atlantic.
And if the wind picks up while you’re there? Just consider it part of the adventure.
