Thousands walk on the wild side

Just two months after it was opened, North Clare’s latest activity tourism initiative is yielding results.  Already thousands of people have taken to the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, a 12k route developed at a cost of €400,000.

The new trail provides improved public access to spectacular coastal locations between Doolin and Hags Head near Liscannor villages, and is part of the Burren Way long distance walking route. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is a convenient halfway point.

Growing numbers of people have been enjoying the walk as news spreads of the remarkable vistas it provides. It gives a perspective to the magnificent cliffs that would only normally be seen by landowners.
Last weekend, parking spaces around Liscannor, even in some fields that were opened up, were at a premium and people faced a long walk to Hags Head before heading on the cliff walk.  It was so busy at times, with people meeting from opposite directions, that walkers had stop to allow others pass.

The additional visitors bought a welcome spin off for the Cliffs of Moher centre as well as shops, pubs and restaurants in the Doolin, Liscannor and Lahinch areas.
The coastal walk is a collaborative effort between Clare County Council, Clare Local Development Company, the National Trails Office, Fáilte Ireland, the local community and almost 40 landowners.

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk trail maps can be downloaded for free from www.discoverireland.ie and www.irishtrails.ie.