The Croaghaun cliffs in County Mayo are the highest in Ireland and among the highest in Europe, and the unmarked cliff walk to reach them is one of Ireland’s most thrilling adventures
For a small island, Ireland has no shortage of dramatic cliff walks, with the most famous being the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Slieve League in County Donegal.
While these stunning natural attractions draw huge crowds and mesmerise visitors with their scale and spectacle, there are a few lesser-known and even bigger sea cliffs waiting to be explored.
Much larger sea cliffs like Croaghaun cliffs in County Mayo are accessible on foot, along a path that even Google doesn’t know about, and this certainly adds to the appeal.
Here is all you need to know about exploring the Croaghaun cliffs via the barely trodden trail on beautiful Achill Island.
The edge of Ireland – Croaghaun Cliffs are among the highest in Europe
Let’s face it, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are one of Ireland’s best-known attractions, but just around 3.5 hours north along the Wild Atlantic Way, you will find the far taller and far quieter Croaghaun Cliffs.
These spectacular sea cliffs are relatively unknown to visitors, yet locals have been coming to this raw and unfiltered landscape for years.
While Achill Island, an island joined to the mainland by a bridge, is known for its iconic beaches like Keem Bay and Keel Beach, few venture further to the more rugged corners of the island, where the cliffs rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean.
Given that many of Ireland’s cliff walks are often marked on Google Maps, Croaghaun Cliff walk is the exception, which makes it a genuine find.
You might think that a natural attraction that holds such a strong claim to fame might be overrun with visitors, but the opposite is true, and Croaghaun remains one of the quietest and most dramatic coastal viewpoints in Ireland. It truly feels like the edge of Ireland.
Embark on the Croaghaun Cliff Walk – A must-do when in County Mayo
If you are visiting Achill Island, you will most likely stop at Keem Bay, often ranked among the world’s best beaches, and this is the starting point for the walk.
The iconic horseshoe-shaped bay with its turquoise water, golden sand and community of local sheep, feels a world away from the towering cliffs that are situated just above it.
As with any cliff walk in Ireland, this is best undertaken on a calm, clear, dry day when the views can truly be soaked up.
Swapping waymarked trails for grassy mountain paths and sheep tracks, the accent begins almost immediately at the western end of the bay.
The trail to Croaghaun Cliffs is wonderfully unstructured, which is why some may not notice it, and perhaps why Google Maps does not recognise it as a distinct trail.
No official signs point the way, and certainly no paved paths guide your steps; instead, hikers follow the natural ridgelines to the summit.
Dramatic views over the 688m (2,257 ft) sea cliffs and unsurpassed views over the wild Atlantic define this incredible cliff walk, but the lack of protection from the exposed edges means that extra care should be taken along the way.
The hike, which takes between three and five hours return, is a must for adventure seekers, nature lovers and anyone looking for a rewarding challenge.
What to know before you go – tips and advice for your hike
The Croaghaun cliff walk is one of the most spectacular hikes you can undertake in Ireland, but it is not to be underestimated.
The ever-changing Atlantic weather is just one concern for those hiking in Ireland, so double and triple-checking the weather forecast is always a good idea before embarking on an adventure like this.
Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing and plenty of water are among the bare necessities needed for this cliff walk, but it is also wise to ensure you are feeling energetic and ready to take on the challenge.
Now that safety and preparation are covered, it is worth noting that this region is well known for diverse bird life and sealife.
Seabirds circle the cliffs, and seals can sometimes be spotted in the waters below, so it might be worth packing a pair of binoculars and a good camera before setting off.
For those willing to make the climb, the cliff path to Croaghaun cliffs provides the rare opportunity to feel as though you have discovered a place for the first time.
