Doolin Cliff Walk
Doolin Cliff Walk
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Doolin, County Clare, Ireland
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Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
969 reviews
Excellent
907
Very good
50
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
1
LS69
Dublin, Ireland35 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Our family of 5 did this walk today. This will be a highlight memory for us for years to come. The walk takes 3-4 hours and covers 9kms. It’s very do-able and there were older people on the trip.
It’s so much better to see the cliffs this way than the official location, which you end up at,at the end of the walk.
Pat Sweeney takes you across his land and other farms along the coast and he gives you a non stop narration of everything you can see. He is a top notch guide of the highest order.
Don’t hesitate to take this trip.
It cost us 10 euro per person and 5euro each for the bus back to Doolin. For 4 hrs of outdoors walking and a guide it is incredible value. Worth much much more than what we paid. I will never forget the trip and seeing the spectacular cliffs rise up above us as we came over the brow of a hill.
There we 15 people on the walk so it was like having a private guided trip. 5 star rating. Do it, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s so much better to see the cliffs this way than the official location, which you end up at,at the end of the walk.
Pat Sweeney takes you across his land and other farms along the coast and he gives you a non stop narration of everything you can see. He is a top notch guide of the highest order.
Don’t hesitate to take this trip.
It cost us 10 euro per person and 5euro each for the bus back to Doolin. For 4 hrs of outdoors walking and a guide it is incredible value. Worth much much more than what we paid. I will never forget the trip and seeing the spectacular cliffs rise up above us as we came over the brow of a hill.
There we 15 people on the walk so it was like having a private guided trip. 5 star rating. Do it, you won’t be disappointed.
Written 21 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill2016Cloud
Dublin, Ireland9 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We met Pat and it was a highlight of our trip to Clare Aug 2020. Really knowledgeable about the area, the history, the storms and all that has happened on the cliffs in recent years. The walk was tough, the weather was really windy but warm. Plenty of stops along the way to catch your breath and take photo’s. Need a reasonably good level of fitness and in parts being so close the edge was not for everyone. Fantastic enthusiastic guide who made the walk so much more interesting than had we gone ourselves. Remember you need a face mask to get on the bus back to Doolin and €5.00 for the bus driver, guided walk €10.00. Best €15 we have spent in a long time.
Written 4 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kipepeo5
Dublin, Ireland15 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We booked Pat Sweeneys tour last year. But due to covid we couldn't make it. We eventually got to meet him this weekend and we are so glad to have.
The tour started at Gus O Connors pub at 10am but should be booked in advance. We started off on our 4 hour hike to the cliffs of moher from doolin at about 10.15. There were stops along the way for pictures and breaths as some of the walk is tough but also suitable for all fitness levels.
It was great to see the cliffs from a different angle and away from the crowds of people at the main tourist center.
By all means you can do this tour alone but it was great to have a local man/story teller leading the way. His stories and knowledge about the area is phenomenal. Great man altogether.
Can't wait to come back and join another one of his tours.
Thank Pat (and Nacho)
The tour started at Gus O Connors pub at 10am but should be booked in advance. We started off on our 4 hour hike to the cliffs of moher from doolin at about 10.15. There were stops along the way for pictures and breaths as some of the walk is tough but also suitable for all fitness levels.
It was great to see the cliffs from a different angle and away from the crowds of people at the main tourist center.
By all means you can do this tour alone but it was great to have a local man/story teller leading the way. His stories and knowledge about the area is phenomenal. Great man altogether.
Can't wait to come back and join another one of his tours.
Thank Pat (and Nacho)
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren C
United States4 contributions
Mar 2022
There are not enough stars for Pat. This adventurous, fun, historical, hiking tours was one of the most incredible tours that my wife and I have ever been on. A hike like this could never be the same without a local farmer and land owner guiding you through as it gives insight into the Irish culture as well. Pat's enthusiasm and sense of pride about this hiking project on his land and the land of 39 of his fellow neighbor farmers, as well as for his community and country, was felt as he guided us along. Most importantly, his tour is VERY affordable and is built upon integrity - the way people used to operate back in the day with a genuine, friendly, non deceptive approach - you get what you get and you will know that truly he gives his heart. He makes you feel like family. It truly was the most memorable day and will definitely be one of the greatest highlights of our trip to Ireland. We look forward to coming back again with our family.
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flinnky
Leixlip, Ireland74 contributions
Jul 2021
Had the pleasure of spending 2 nights in Doolin and our B&B host recommended joining Pat Sweeney on his escorted walk to the Cliffs.
While the weather was cloudy when we started out, the sun came out and it was a great walk. Good walking shoes / hiking boots are recommended.
Pat is a brilliant guide with so much passion for his work, local area and life in general. He regaled us with lots of stories and we had a good laugh.
The walk is tough going in places but I would recommend it to anyone who is of average fitness and above.
While the weather was cloudy when we started out, the sun came out and it was a great walk. Good walking shoes / hiking boots are recommended.
Pat is a brilliant guide with so much passion for his work, local area and life in general. He regaled us with lots of stories and we had a good laugh.
The walk is tough going in places but I would recommend it to anyone who is of average fitness and above.
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asia B
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
This was absolutely spectacular, and if all the other glowing reviews aren't enough to convince you, let me add my voice to the chorus: GO! Please don't miss this unforgettable experience.
My mother (60s F) and I (30s F) were lucky enough to be in Ireland for eight days, and this was the highlight of our trip. Pat is really just a fantastic person and the perfect guide. You're literally walking across his and his family's ancestral land, and you'll get to see things you would never have seen otherwise. The landscape is incredible enough, but what really makes this special is the opportunity to see it with Pat. Along the way, Pat will tell stories, but this is nothing like a tour with a bunch of rehearsed speeches. Pat has that unique gift for truly engaging with people and making a connection that feels meaningful.
The hike starts in Doolin (parking was free) and heads up along the cliffs to the visitor's centre. Needless to say, the views are amazing every step of the way. We were SO happy we did this instead of just going to the area around the visitor's centre, which was easily the least compelling part of the entire hike. The visitor's centre is crowded and has barricades and structures that prevent you from seeing the cliffs in their natural beauty. We would not have appreciated the cliffs nearly as much if we hadn't seen them with Pat.
In terms of difficulty level, I think that anyone without notable physical limitations should be fine. My mom is a healthy 67, and she didn't find it overly challenging. It is primarily uphill, which is actually a good thing for anyone with joint issues. There are a couple of steep portions that will have you sweating on a hot day.
The hike itself is probably around three hours, since Pat gives you some time at the visitor's centre before a dedicated bus takes you back to Doolin at 2pm. This gives you enough time to make the 3:30pm ferry sailing if you want to see the cliffs from below (we'd already done the ferry, but this schedule worked well for others in the group).
Overall, I cannot recommend this strongly enough, and I want to thank Pat for taking such great care of us! I'm not exaggerating when I say that this would be worth structuring a trip to Ireland around. Plan to do this and then plan the rest of your trip accordingly!
My mother (60s F) and I (30s F) were lucky enough to be in Ireland for eight days, and this was the highlight of our trip. Pat is really just a fantastic person and the perfect guide. You're literally walking across his and his family's ancestral land, and you'll get to see things you would never have seen otherwise. The landscape is incredible enough, but what really makes this special is the opportunity to see it with Pat. Along the way, Pat will tell stories, but this is nothing like a tour with a bunch of rehearsed speeches. Pat has that unique gift for truly engaging with people and making a connection that feels meaningful.
The hike starts in Doolin (parking was free) and heads up along the cliffs to the visitor's centre. Needless to say, the views are amazing every step of the way. We were SO happy we did this instead of just going to the area around the visitor's centre, which was easily the least compelling part of the entire hike. The visitor's centre is crowded and has barricades and structures that prevent you from seeing the cliffs in their natural beauty. We would not have appreciated the cliffs nearly as much if we hadn't seen them with Pat.
In terms of difficulty level, I think that anyone without notable physical limitations should be fine. My mom is a healthy 67, and she didn't find it overly challenging. It is primarily uphill, which is actually a good thing for anyone with joint issues. There are a couple of steep portions that will have you sweating on a hot day.
The hike itself is probably around three hours, since Pat gives you some time at the visitor's centre before a dedicated bus takes you back to Doolin at 2pm. This gives you enough time to make the 3:30pm ferry sailing if you want to see the cliffs from below (we'd already done the ferry, but this schedule worked well for others in the group).
Overall, I cannot recommend this strongly enough, and I want to thank Pat for taking such great care of us! I'm not exaggerating when I say that this would be worth structuring a trip to Ireland around. Plan to do this and then plan the rest of your trip accordingly!
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol C
51 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I can't believe this is #2, it should be #1!!! If you get to Doolin, do NOT miss this experience. In fact, stay an extra night just to take a walk with Pat Sweeney and learn all about the Cliffs of Moher. We lucked out and it was just my husband and I with Pat in early April. It had been a wet March so it was muddy and rained the first 10 minutes of the hike. We kept on and the sky cleared up and it was truly a magical day. Pat is easy to talk with, extremely knowledgeable and very safe. "Stay focused" was the word of the day. He makes plenty of stops for photos so no need to be a tourist who walks and films. Soak it all in! While hiking shoes and rain pants might have been nice, we survived the 3.5 hour trek in sneakers and jeans. (I would recommend hiking boots though). Pat is very passionate about the cliffs and working hard to improve the trail each year. Our teenagers would have loved this experience. While anyone can walk the cliff path, we thought it was well worth it to have a guide who knows the area so well. Top of our list for coolest experience in Ireland!
Written 19 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BMRCIreland
Ireland133 contributions
Sept 2020
I had read about this walk before my trip and noted that there was no shuttle bus service running in the 2020 season so we were facing having to do the return walk as well. My husband and I are in our early 60s and while we are reasonably fit we are not avid hikers or Camino-type walkers! However, we did it! And what a pleasant walk it was too! We were lucky with the weather which was a bonus. It took us just over 2 hrs to walk from Doolin to the Visitors' Centre. There were some climbs but not too steep. Good sturdy footwear is essential and keep away from the cliff edge, of course. It can be mucky in places too so white runners are not advisable. It would have been helpful if there were some signs to indicate distances. The last part of the walk was closed so we had to move on to the busy road to get to the Visitors' Centre. The latter is well served with coffee, snacks and toilets. (No facilities on the cliff walk). We took an hour to rest and the return walk was a little shorter (1hr 45mins, mostly downhill). The weather closed in a bit on our return to Doolin and it can change very quickly on the west coast so bringing layers and a rain mac. Overall this walk has a lot to offer in terms of views and photographic opportunities. It was worth doing in spite of the 10 miles approx in total that we walked ( which included touring the area at the Visitors' Centre) ....don't let that deter you ....it's worth it!
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan S
San Angelo, TX82 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Pat , our guide, s a local farmer and business man who is the man behind creating the trail network across the farms so that people from all over the world can experience the amazing beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. He is PASSIONATE, he loves his ability to share his love for these cliffs. He is knowledgeable, entertaining. Friendly, and fun. This trip is 5 hours of a physically demanding hike. I walked 6 miles and had 15,000 steps. It’s narrow and very scary at times, due to the narrow path and proximity to the edge of a straight drop off. But Pat guides you, keeps you safe and lends you a hand. There are plenty of resting points to stop and take pictures. Important to wear very good, stable hiking shoes- not tennis shoes, as you need stable gripping soles. We loved every second of this tour and will say it was our top experience while in Ireland! DON’t miss if physically able! ThAnk you Pat- total blast!
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mac
Lawrence, KS7 contributions
Apr 2022
Pat Sweeney was an excellent tour guide who brought us along a new and developing path from the Cliffs of Moher to the town of Doolin. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in seeing the beauty and splendor of the cliffs with a touch of personal and local perspective that Pat Sweeney offers. Be aware that this experience does include a very long 3 hour hike.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
At the end of the wall, do we have time to look around the visitir center before boarding the shuttle van back to Doolin?
Written 23 March 2023
We went on the walk with Pat and had plenty of time at the end of the walk to visit the visitors center.
Written 24 March 2023
HI, von wo nach wo seid ihr gelaufen ? Welcher Teil des Cliff Walks ist denn der interessantere?
Danke schön und Grüsse
Knut
Written 19 May 2022
How did you get in touch with Pat Sweeney to book a walk?
Written 27 December 2019
Pat is at Doolin Cliff Walk on the web
Written 9 January 2020
Is the walk from the tower down to Doolin an easier walk? What should we expect weather wise if visiting at the 1st of Oct.
Written 20 August 2019
October might be a lot windier & wetter making the Cliffs path slippery. You might need to wait for the right day weather wise when there.
Written 21 August 2019
Hi Nancy,
How do you make reservations for the tour with Pat Sweeney?
Thanks, Laurie
Written 4 August 2019
You don’t need to reserve. Just show up at Gus O’Connell’s pub before 10am. pat doesn’t limit the number of hikers.
Written 5 August 2019
The walk from Doolin to the visitor centre is 5 miles, so around 2 hrs, depends on your ability, quite tricky in places, but worth a visit
Written 22 June 2019
I'm planning a day trip from Galway to the Cliffs in September with my stepmom. We're old(er) and only in fair shape. The Walk would not be manageable but we'd still like to see a vista, feel the wind, etc How close and easy is it to walk from the Visitor's Center to the edge? Are the views good there? Can the cliffs be seen from a car? I appreciate your advice, thanks!
Written 13 March 2019
There are many steps up to the walk. I really think if you just take your time and even rest if you need to that you would be able to make it. It is a beautiful view.
Written 13 March 2019
I'm planning a trip at the end of February. Do you think it will be worth staying in Doolin at that time of the year? I was concerned that not much would be open. What do you think?
Written 23 January 2019
Doolin is very small however...... after a long amazing beautiful and fun and informative walk along the Cliffs with Pat you wish you would have stayed in dooling instead of getting back in your car and driving all the way back to Galway ( which we did ) or anywhere else. You can have a great meal , in one of the pubs and do a little window shopping . FYI Pat runs a B&B out of his house overlooking the ocean it’s an amazing view . As far as weather is concerned, we went to weeks in May and two weeks in December of last year, and we had excellent weather both trips almost no rain and not too many gray skies. But if you do find yourself in some heavy sprinkles .... that’s what the pubs are for .. slainte
Written 24 January 2019
I would be uncomfortable letting my dog run free because of the height of the cliffs and the narrowness at some points on the path. And negotiating the path in places holding a dog leash would be difficult and perhaps dangerous
Written 14 January 2019
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