The Cliffs of Moher walking trail is safe provided visitors stay on the official trail, according to the body responsible for the popular amenity.
The Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) has warned however, “there is a safety risk where walkers leave the official trail and walk onto old pathways which are closer to the cliff edge.”
Stretching from Doolin to Liscannor and along the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, the 18km route has become firmly established as one of the West of Ireland’s most popular walking trails since its launch in 2013.
Under a joint initiative between Clare County Council, Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, a proposed new ‘Management Plan for the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk’ will set out how the trail will be managed, protected, and maintained in the future.
While much work has been done to make the popular route safe, additional efforts are being made, in conjunction with local landowners, to further improve safety. However, if it arises that agreement cannot be reached with landowners, portions of the trail could be closed.
Concerns have been expressed about safety issues on the cliff trail following two recent tragedies. There are also concerns about people deviating from the official trail and stepping too close to or actually sitting on the cliff edge, putting themselves and others in grave danger.
A spokesperson for CLDC said: “Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) and Clare County Council are currently putting additional safety measures in place at points where walkers are more likely to leave the official trail, which will be completed this week. Where it is not possible to undertake this additional work with landowner agreement, sections of the trail will be closed in the coming days.
Clare County Council have secured government funding to upgrade sections of the trail later this year, which will improve the overall safety of the trail.”
“Over the past 10 months, CLDC, Clare County Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Dept of Rural & Community Development have been working together to develop an agreed management plan for the Cliffs of Moher trail. This has involved extensive consultation with the 38 landowners who own the trail. The plan will be completed by the end of 2024 and will be implemented from 2025, subject to landowner agreement,” the spokesperson added.
