EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW (07/25):
The northern walking-trail is opened for the first 6 km, you get a nice walk with scenic cliff views but you cannot go until the end (to the visitor center), which means you won't get the view to the famous cliffs at the very end.
Everything is exactly like it is explained on the official website, you will find a good overview there. You can walk from Doolin about 6km to the Cliffs without needing to cross any fences or prohibition signs. The sign on the entrance (as you can see it in other reviews) correctly says, that the trail is closed 5 km ahead, so the first 5 km are open. On the ending you need to turn and walk back, because the last kilometer is closed (due to safety issues). One could walk about 20 minutes alongside the street, but since there is no footpath this is highly dangourus, I wouldn't recommend it. There is public transport e.g. from Doolin and other shuttle busses (see the official website) which take you to the visitor center, which is built nicely and brings you a stunning view to the cliffs - going by bus is much cheaper then parking the car there.
My recommendation: If you like walking, go to Doolin and do the walk for the nice experience and the scenic views, both are great. Then go back and take the bus to the...
Read morePark in Doolin but get there for around 9am - plenty of parking available at this time of the day. Then walk from Doolin up to the trail. There are signs stating that the trail path is closed 5km with no access to the visitors centre. Despite this you can still walk the 5km along the trail taking in all the views which are breathtaking. The trail ends near the main road and there are further signs prohibiting you from going any further. There are also signs warning visitors not to walk the road as it is extremely dangerous - and yes it is - DO NOT do it. Instead walk back down the trail back into Doolin, pop in to the pub, have a drink and then drive up to the visitors centre and then finish off there. Downside is that there is a charge of €15 Per Adult to park which is really extortionate. Either drop any adults in your party off before entering the car park or get there super early or super late. Trail is a fairly easy walk and climb, there and back took us...
Read moreAn amazing walk! From Doolin to the Visitor Center is a little over 4.5 miles. Pat’s View is closer at 2 miles. The view from Pat’s View is splendid. The trail is a very nice walk but gets pretty narrow between Pat’s View and the Visitor Center, with sections very near to the cliff’s edge.
From Doolin to Hag’s Head is 7.6 miles one way, and a little over 15 miles round trip. We did the round trip and it mades for a fantastic day!! We started at 7am and only saw two other hikers on the trail between Doolin and the Visitor’s Center. It was like we had the cliffs to ourselves!!
The Visitor Center has restrooms and a cafe halfway each direction for a pit stop! Also, a number of operators offer a pickup service along the path for those not wishing to do the 15 mile roundtrip. There are a few adds along the fence line throughout the walk for these services.
Good hiking shows are a must, and I recommend some level of waterproofing. Also, check the weather and have...
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