Top 10 best cliff walks in Ireland, RANKED

Like an adventure and want to veer off to the edge of the Emerald Isle? Read on to find out about the ten best cliff walks in Ireland, from splendid Sligo to dazzling Donegal.

Top 10 best cliff walks in Ireland, RANKED

We could write a catalogue of articles articulating to you the best parks to walk in Ireland, from the city-scape of St Stephen’s Green in Dublin to where nature reigns in the magnificent Connemara in Galway or Glenveagh in Donegal.

But the Emerald Isle is also blessed a range of outstanding cliff walks that mix the very best of crystal coastlines, mild meadows, piercing peninsulas, stunning seas and wanderlust walkways, found in every corner of the country.

Here are the ten best cliff walks in Ireland, ranked.

10. Aughris Head Walk (Co. Sligo) – for Sligo’s highest sea-cliffs

Aughris Head Walk (Co. Sligo) – for Sligo’s highest sea-cliffs

The first of our best cliff walks in Ireland kicks off in the west of County Sligo. Aughris Head is a Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point, and contains the highest sea cliffs in the county, reaching 30 metres high. On a good day, make sure to check out the Raghly Point. 

Starting Point: The Beach Bar

AddressAughris head, Templeboy, Co. Sligo, F91 YE98, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is 4km and will last 1 hour

9. Kilkee Cliff Walk (Co. Clare) – for the alternative to the Cliffs of Moher

Kilkee Cliff Walk (Co. Clare) – for the alternative to the Cliffs of Moher

Another Wild Atlantic Way hotspot, the Kilkee Cliff Walk encompasses stunning natural swimming pools known as the ‘Pollock Holes’ and is a favourite for those not endeared to the sprawling tourism of the Cliffs of Moher.

Starting Point: Diamond Rocks Café, Pollocks Car Park

AddressW End, Kilkee Upper, Kilkee, Co. Clare, V15 YT10, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is 8km and will last 2-3 hours

8. Howth Cliff Walk (Co. Dublin) – escape from the city

Howth Cliff Walk (Co. Dublin) – escape from the city

Located only 15km from Dublin city, this is a cliff walk that must be on your Dublin Bucket List if you have the time.

A superb trek that includes panoramic views of Dublin Bay, Howth Harbour and both the Howth Harbour and Baily Lighthouses. This is certainly one of the best walks in and around Dublin.

Starting Point: Howth Railway Station

AddressHowth, Dublin, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is 6km and will take around 2 hours

7. Causeway Coastal Route (Co. Antrim) – one of the best cliff walks in Ireland

Causeway Coastal Route (Co. Antrim) – one of the best cliff walks in Ireland

This is a long walk, but worth it and it earns its spot on the list of the best cliff walks in Ireland. Walk in the footsteps of Game of Thrones from the beautiful Ballintoy Harbour before hitting the White Park Beach, Benbane Head and the historic Giant’s Causeway.

Starting Point: Ballintoy Harbour

Address: Ballycastle, Co. Antrim BT54 6NB

Time and distance: The walk is 16km long

6. Ballycotton Walk (Co. Cork) – for a peaceful coastal walk

Ballycotton Walk (Co. Cork) – for a peaceful coastal walk
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Taking you from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen Beach, this peaceful walk is flanked by meadows to one side and the ocean to your other, providing ample company for your to traverse the long track.

Starting Point: Ballycotton village

Address: Co. Cork, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is 13km and will take around 4 hours to complete

5. Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne (Co. Derry) – for architecture on the coast

Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne (Co. Derry) – for architecture on the coast

Undoubtedly one of the best cliff walks in Ireland, it is part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you will be treated to unrivalled views of Ireland’s North Coast, while you have the added bonus of the exceptional architecture of the Mussenden Temple that sits eerily on the cliff edge.

Starting Point: Mussenden Temple

AddressSea Coast Rd, Coleraine BT51 4RH

Time and distance: The walk is around 3km and will take around 1 hour

4. Bray Head Cliff Walk (Co. Wicklow) – for the best walking in Wicklow

Bray Head Cliff Walk (Co. Wicklow) – for the best walking in Wicklow
Credut: geograph.ie

The Bray Head Cliff Walk takes walking in Wicklow to an entirely new level. From Bray to Greystones, everything in between is a wonder, with the Bray beginning giving you the chance to capture views of the Irish Sea, the Wicklow Mountains and Bray town itself.

Starting Point: Bray Seafront

Address: Bray Promenade, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is 7km and will take around 2.5 hours

3. The Dingle Way (Co. Kerry) – Ireland’s most beautiful long-distance walk

The Dingle Way (Co. Kerry) – Ireland’s most beautiful long-distance walk
Dunquin, along the Dingle Peninsula.

Have you got 8 days on your hands? It may seem long, but the time will go by in the blink of an eye, for your week-long journey will present you with views of the Dingle Peninsula, the domineering Mount Brandon and on to the captivating town of Tralee. Surely Ireland’s most beautiful long-distance walk. Make sure to stop by Dunquin Pier, too.

Starting Point: Dingle Town

Address: Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is around 180km and you will need 8 days

Cliffs of Moher (Co. Clare) – the most popular trail on the Emerald Isle

No list of the best cliff walks in Ireland is complete without the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s premier tourist attraction. It is perhaps the standout mark of the Wild Atlantic Way, and incorporates images of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands and Aill na Searrach.

Starting Point: Cliffs of Moher

AddressCliffs of Moher Walking Trail, Fisher St, Ballyvara, Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is 13km and will take around 4 hours

1. Slieve League cliffs (Co. Donegal) – for a walk among Europe’s largest sea-cliffs

Slieve League cliffs (Co. Donegal) – for a walk among Europe’s largest sea-cliffs

And the gold medal goes to the Slieve League cliffs in irresistible County Donegal. The Atlantic Ocean waves up to you as you glimpse 609 metres above, while stunning natural beauty abounds in every direction. For the best cliff walk in Ireland, prepare to stand at the edge of the world.

Starting Point: Teelin

Address: Lergadaghtan, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Time and distance: The walk is 5.5km and will take 2-3 hours

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