Running along the Cliffs of Moher?

Except for the sidewalks in the visitor center area, I wasn't aware that there was a trail along the Cliffs of Moher, and I've been there twice (there could well be one, but it's not obvious). The Burren is unsuitable for running because it is mostly uneven limestone surfaces. It is also home to fragile and unique plant life that you wouldn't want to damage.

Thanks, Nancy and Kim.

Supposedly, there is a walking trail. Upon further Googling, I found info that says there is a big sign posted warning people not to go on the trail (I think some hikers fell and died), but it seems some people do anyway.

Here's a reference to the trail. I wonder if the construction work has been finished:

"The cliffs are a significant tourist attraction, and there is a visitor center and parking lot on the site managed by Shannon Heritage, which also operates O'Brien's Tower. A largely unenclosed walking trail runs along the top edge of the entire length of the cliffs, skirting private grazing lands and often running within mere meters of a sheer dropoff into the ocean. As of 2005 the trail is not accessible from the visitor centre due to large-scale construction work. A new much larger visitor centre is under construction in the hillside behind the cliffs. A massive section of the hill has been removed to allow the centre to be built into the hillside."

And a link to some folks who went around the sign (not that I'm advocating that):
http://www.qype.co.uk/place/21878-Cliffs-of-Moher-Doolin

In any case - sounds too dangerous for running on, so I guess that answers my own question.

There is a foot path along the Cliffs of Moher (not sure how far it goes), but unless you get there really early, you're going to have to fight through dawdling tourists to actually get in a good "run". Also, it's very, very, very close to the edge and it is very, very, very far down. I wouldn't want to put myself (or the tourists you scoot off the trail) in more danger than necessary.

This probably doesn't help, but I rarely saw a runner, jogger, or trail runner in Ireland, with the exception of Dublin. Europeans are more walking focused - I guess they like to stop and smell the roses. Try Googling "walking Ireland" and there are plenty of walking paths listed that I suspect you could run on as well. Just keep in mind that many are rocky and uneven and often through sheep and cow pasture.

Some of the area near Doolin looks like you could run along the back roads. These roads are not busy at all and have spectacular views of the oceans and cliffs and Doonagore tower. I talked to a young couple who had hiked along the part of the Burren Way that leads along the cliffs from Doolin towards the Cliffs of Moher and they loved it -- tho I don"t know how good it would be for running.

The construction in the visitor center area is finished, but it is not a suitable place for running. And yes, they do seem to have fatalities there about once a year from people falling from the cliffs. It is well-posted to stay away from the edge, and there are fences in place for at least part of the way.

Thanks everyone. Looks like the footpath along the Cliffs of Moher is out, and more research is in order. Will look into walking paths, and the area around Doolin, and see if other enticing options come up. Thanks again!

Hi Janet
I would NOT recommend running along the Cliffs of Moher. A few years ago my travel companions and I walked from a town called Doolin along the cliffs to the visitor center. In short, we had to trudge through farmer's fields, almost got trampled by a herd of horses that came out of nowhere and encountered a solitary, angry-looking bull. The cliffs were very unsafe (unkept trail with loose rocks very close to the edge) and there were a few markers showing where hikers had perished. It was a VERY nerve-racking walk! There is a nice highway that leads to the visitor center but I don't think you'd really get the scenery you'd want. Sorry!

It could be very very windy and rainy ....and I think you may have an interesting experience trying to stand up straight at the top of the Cliffs of Moher.....

If you do this..........let us know.........

Would love to hear what you end up doing...