The most beautiful cliffs in Ireland

The Ireland's most beautiful cliffs offer some of the most impressive landscapes on the island. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, immense rock walls, wild headlands and coastal paths allow you to discover a spectacular Ireland, shaped by the wind and the sea.

In short: The Cliffs of Moher (214 meters, County Clare) are the most famous in Ireland, but not the highest. Croaghaun, on Achill Island, reaches 688 meters, and Slieve League, in Donegal, is around 600 meters. For a first trip, combine Moher with the Burren and Galway. For a more tranquil experience, consider Kilkee, Loop Head, or the Kerry Cliffs. These cliffs can be visited year-round, but ideally from May to September.

From the famous Cliffs of Moher to the vertiginous heights of Slieve League, via Achill Island, Kilkee, and the Iveragh Peninsula, the Irish coastline also holds many surprises. To see Moher without any planning, our 8-day tour of Ireland It also connects Dublin, Kerry and Connemara.

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What kind of traveler are you for? The most beautiful cliffs in Ireland "?

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Your ideal coastal spot?

Cliffs and sweeping panoramasBeaches, harbors and small villages

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On foot along a pathBy car with several stops

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A beautiful viewpointA cafe or pub by the water

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What appeals to you most?

The wild sideThe atmosphere of the villages

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A sunsetA good local dinner

Here is our selection of Ireland's most beautiful cliffs to include in your next trip.

Moher, the most famous of Ireland's beautiful cliffs

Located in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are probably the most famous cliffs in the country.

They extend for several kilometers above the Atlantic Ocean and reach 214 meters at their highest point.

From the various trails and viewpoints, the panorama opens onto the ocean, the Aran Islands and, when conditions are good, the landscapes of Connemara.

The site attracts large crowds during the day. For a more peaceful atmosphere, opt for a visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The ticket includes parking, the visitor center, and the O'Brien Tower. It costs €15 at the ticket office, but it's cheaper if you book online. official website, especially before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Entry is free for children under 12. The site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to February, and until 9 p.m. from May to August.

The Cliffs of Moher thus fit easily into a route between Galway, the Burren, and the west coast. Connemara, accessible from Galway, nicely complements this stage.

Slieve League, among the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland

Head to the northwest of Ireland to discover Slieve League.

Located in County Donegal, these cliffs are among the most impressive in Europe. They rise to approximately 600 meters above the Atlantic Ocean.

Their environment is also much wilder than that of the Cliffs of Moher.

Several viewpoints also allow you to enjoy the scenery without undertaking a long hike. Experienced hikers can also explore certain trails at higher altitudes.

On a clear day, the contrast between the green mountains and the ocean is spectacular.

Slieve League is therefore an excellent stop for travelers wishing to discover a more secluded side of Ireland. It is located on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Croaghaun Cliffs on Achill Island

The cliffs of Croaghaun, on Achill Island, are among the wildest treasures of the Irish coast.

They reach 688 meters and plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean: they are the highest sea cliffs in Ireland.

Unlike other famous cliffs, they do not have a large, developed tourist site. To fully admire them, you generally have to walk.

This lack of infrastructure, however, contributes significantly to the atmosphere of the place.

Achill Island also offers several beaches, scenic drives, and mountains. A visit can therefore easily fill a whole day, or even longer.

Weather conditions can change rapidly. Therefore, good preparation is essential before undertaking a hike at altitude.

The Kerry Cliffs on the Iveragh Peninsula

The Kerry Cliffs are located near Portmagee, on the spectacular Iveragh Peninsula.

Although less well-known than the Cliffs of Moher, they offer remarkable views of the Atlantic.

From the viewpoints, it is possible to see the Skellig Islands when visibility is good.

The site makes an interesting stop on a road trip along the Ring of Kerry.

Its location also makes it possible to combine exploring the cliffs with Portmagee, Valentia Island, and several other iconic landscapes of the peninsula. Find more stops in our essentials for a road trip in Ireland.

The cliffs of Kilkee

Still in County Clare, Kilkee constitutes an excellent alternative to the Cliffs of Moher.

The town is located on the Atlantic coast and offers several trails for exploring the surrounding cliffs.

The Kilkee Cliff Walk is particularly pleasant.

This walk follows the coast and gradually reveals coves, rock formations and panoramas of the Atlantic.

The atmosphere is also more peaceful than at the major tourist sites in the region.

Kilkee also fits easily into a route around the Loop Head peninsula.

Loop Head, at the end of County Clare

The peninsula of Loop Head is located at the westernmost point of County Clare.

Here, the landscapes gradually become wilder as you approach the lighthouse.

The cliffs offer superb views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Shannon.

The region is also interesting for travellers who wish to get off the beaten tourist track.

A scenic route allows you to discover several villages, beaches and viewpoints before reaching Loop Head Lighthouse.

Dún Aonghasa and the cliffs of Inis Mór

The Aran Islands also have spectacular cliffs.

On Inis Mór, The prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa is situated on the edge of an impressive cliff overlooking the Atlantic.

The contrast between the ancient stone fortifications and the ocean creates one of the most recognizable landscapes of the Aran Islands.

However, access requires a walk from the site entrance.

This excursion can be undertaken from Galway or Doolin, depending on the season and available connections.

It allows for a combination of seascapes, heritage and traditional Irish culture.

Horn Head in Donegal

North of Donegal, Horn Head offers yet another facet of the Irish coastline.

This promontory thus overlooks the Atlantic near Dunfanaghy.

The cliffs, moors and vast wilderness areas give the region a particularly isolated atmosphere.

Several roads and walks allow you to discover the different viewpoints.

Horn Head can easily be combined with Glenveagh National Park when touring North Donegal.

Howth, the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland near Dublin

Moreover, it is not necessary to travel all the way across Ireland to discover beautiful coastal landscapes.

Just a few kilometers from Dublin, Howth offers an excellent seaside getaway.

From the village, several paths allow you to walk along the cliffs and admire Dublin Bay.

Le Howth Cliff Walk is particularly appreciated for its easy access from the capital.

This hike is therefore an excellent option for travelers with limited time who want to add a nature experience to their stay in Dublin. It's also popular with families: see our ideas for traveling to Ireland as a family.

The cliffs of Ireland at a glance

Cliff	County	Maximum height	Access
Cliffs of Moher	Clare	214 m	Site facilities: €15 at the ticket office, cheaper online
Croaghaun (Achill Island)	Mayo	688 m	Free access, challenging hike
Slieve League	Donegal	Approximately 600 m	Free access, viewpoints and trails
Kerry Cliffs	Kerry	Approximately 300 m	Private site, paid access
Dún Aonghasa (Inis Mór)	Galway	Approximately 100 m	Historical site: €5 per adult

What are the highest cliffs in Ireland?

The answer depends on how the cliffs are measured and classified.

The cliffs of Croaghaun, on Achill Island, reach 688 meters, a little more than the spectacular reliefs of Slieve League.

For comparison, the Cliffs of Moher reach a height of 214 meters.

However, height isn't everything.

The Cliffs of Moher impress with their length and accessibility, while Slieve League and Croaghaun offer a much wilder feel.

Which beautiful cliffs in Ireland should you choose for a first trip?

For a first trip, the Cliffs of Moher remain an obvious choice.

They are easily accessible from Galway and fit naturally into a circuit around the Burren and the west coast.

If you are looking for more tranquility, consider Kilkee or Loop Head.

Travelers wishing to explore more remote areas will appreciate Slieve League or Croaghaun more.

Finally, the Kerry Cliffs are particularly interesting when traveling around the Ring of Kerry.

When to visit the cliffs of Ireland?

The cliffs can be explored throughout the year.

However, the months between May and September generally offer more hours of daylight.

Spring and early autumn are particularly good times to avoid some of the summer crowds.

Irish weather, however, remains very changeable.

Always pack a waterproof jacket and good shoes, even when the forecast looks promising. Our guide when to go to Ireland details each season.

Discover Ireland's most beautiful cliffs safely

Ireland's coastal landscapes can be impressive, but they require some precautions.

Stay on official trails and respect the barriers present on developed sites.

Also avoid getting too close to the edge of the cliffs, especially when the wind is strong.

Some areas have no protection whatsoever.

Finally, adapt your hikes to the weather conditions. On the Atlantic coast, wind, rain and fog can quickly change conditions.

Incorporate Ireland's most beautiful cliffs into a road trip

The Ireland's most beautiful cliffs are spread over a large part of the Atlantic coast.

For a one-week trip, it is therefore best to focus on one or two regions.

An itinerary around Galway could, for example, combine Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.

A trip to Kerry, for example, allows you to combine Killarney, the Ring of Kerry and the Kerry Cliffs.

Finally, a longer road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way can reach Achill Island, Donegal and Slieve League.

However, avoid trying to see them all in a single trip. The distances and small roads make journeys longer than they appear on a map.

Also read: Ring of Kerry: route, stages and tips ; Dingle Peninsula: Slea Head, stages and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the highest cliffs in Ireland?

The cliffs of Croaghaun, on Achill Island, and Slieve League, in Donegal, reach between 600 and 688 meters. The Cliffs of Moher reach a height of 214 meters.

Where are the Cliffs of Moher?

In County Clare, on the west coast. They are easily accessible from Galway and form part of a route around the Burren.

What's a quieter alternative to the Cliffs of Moher?

Kilkee and the Loop Head peninsula, still in County Clare, offer beautiful panoramas with a more tranquil atmosphere.

Can you see beautiful Irish cliffs near Dublin?

Yes, in Howth, a few kilometers from the capital. The Howth Cliff Walk runs along the cliffs and offers beautiful views of Dublin Bay.

When to visit the cliffs of Ireland?

From May to September, the days are longer. Spring and early autumn also allow visitors to avoid some of the summer crowds.

How to visit the cliffs safely?

Stay on the official trails, respect the barriers and do not approach the edge, especially in strong winds. Some areas have no protection.

Discover Ireland's most beautiful cliffs with Brightside Travel

Discover the Ireland's most beautiful cliffs allows us to understand the full diversity of the Atlantic coast.

From the Cliffs of Moher to the wild landscapes of Donegal, each region has a different atmosphere. Some cliffs are easily accessible, while others require more walking and offer a more secluded experience.

At Brightside Travel, we create tailor-made itineraries that allow you to integrate these landscapes into your trip according to your pace, the length of your stay and your desires.

You can also find all our Tailor-made trips to Ireland to discover our different itinerary ideas.

To prepare for your stay and discover more of the Irish coast's landscapes, also consult the official website of Tourism Ireland.

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