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.
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
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
Address: Aughris 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
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
Address: W 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
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 including panoramic views of Dublin Bay, Howth Harbour and both the Howth Harbour and Baily Lighthouses.
Starting Point: Howth Railway Station
Address: Howth, 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
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
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
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
Address: Sea 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
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
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
2. 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
Address: Cliffs 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
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
