Kerry cliff

Many famous cliffs in Ireland, like the Cliffs of Moher, draw millions of visitors annually. Standing over 300m above the wild Atlantic, the prominent and not less picturesque Kerry Cliffs are ignored by many, though. If you want to take a break, this is the right place to have a nice picnic with family and friends.

Unjustly overlooked attraction
When you think of cliffs in Ireland, what comes to your mind? The Cliffs of Moher in Clare first, and maybe the Slieve Leauge Cliffs in Donegal as a second thought. Few people will think of the Kerry Cliffs, although they are higher than the famous Cliffs of Moher and are very striking, with a beautiful banding through the rock face. Moreover, it is an official Wild Atlantic Way Point. A minimum of 1 hour should be allowed to visit the Kerry Cliffs.

The Kerry Cliffs are widely regarded as one of the most stunning cliffs in the country. The images of the Kerry Cliffs do not show off their incredible height, an impressive 300 metres above the sea. Compared to the Cliffs of Moher – they are 214 metres. So, while they are no doubt one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Ireland, the Kerry Cliffs are, in fact, much taller. Long neglected, the Cliffs only became a place of growing interest in recent years when the O’Donoghue family developed the site with a walkway to the Cliffs.

The Kerry Cliffs is a short spin away from a clatter of man-made and natural attractions. You will find the Kerry Cliffs along the Ring of Kerry (a circular route that takes in the most popular tourist spots). The pretty fishing village of Portmagee is only 3km away from the Cliff. Its colourful houses and working harbour give an authentic glimpse into local life. Previously more known as a gateway to the picturesque Valentia Island, Portmagee is now famous as the departing point for tours to the Skellig Islands. If Portmagee is your primary destination, the Kerry Cliffs is a perfect pre-dinner sightseeing activity.

On-site amenities
Once you pull in off the street, you will find yourself in a large gravel car park. You can park wherever you like, and the parking itself is free. This tourist attraction is privately owned and requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a ticket at a ticket box between the car park and the cliffs. The price of 5 euros per person is very reasonable. You receive a laminated ticket, a cute little souvenir to take with you. The two fantastic viewing points, which look out onto Skellig Michael and Puffin Island, are worth the entry fee. 

Walk about 400 metres straight up to the cliffs from the ticket Kiosk. The incline is steep but easily manageable along the gravel pathway. The site has been designed to guarantee your safety: guardrails and embankments. You can take a leisure stroll without worrying about your children! You can meet our lovely animals here and take photos with alpacas, donkeys and horses. Don’t miss the explanatory panels, which tell you more about the cliffs and the birds that nest there. Many species of seabirds make their home in the rocky cavities: shearwaters, puffins, gulls, etc. 

There is a campsite and a cute little cafe built in an old train carriage. An on-site fast-food restaurant will care for you and offer fresh food and drinks daily. If it is windy and you don’t want to sit out on the benches, a double-decker bus has been converted into a little seating area. On cold and rainy days, a spot in the old bus converted to a sitting place can be secured for you. As with all attractions in Ireland, you must be prepared for all weather! We recommend wearing a windproof jacket and a hat because the wind is always wild.

Viewing points
The Kerry Cliffs are a crownless place to visit. There are fewer tourists than you expect. You will never meet more than a handful during peak and off-peak seasons. The walk from the car park to both viewing platforms is just over 2 km. On average, visitors spend an hour there enjoying the amazing scenery. Many visitors spend a few hours relaxing or watching for birds and even come back the next day during their vacation. They leave the place and return to Portmagee, promising to come back again! Some guests have visited the place six or seven times now, and the Kerry Cliffs in Portmagee never fail to impress.

The viewing platform to the right looks out over the Iveragh Peninsula. The Iveragh Peninsula is the largest in southwest Ireland and is dominated by the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, which runs through its spine. The viewpoint also offers views of Valentia Island, with the Blasket Islands further off in the distance. The walk to the next viewpoint is much steeper. If needed, use the handrails as you make your way uphill.

The southern platform looks out towards the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great spot, with spectacular views on a sunny day. The colour of the rock at the Kerry Cliffs is unique, changing with the light and the seasons. The cliffs were composed in a desert environment 400 million years ago. The cliffs boast spectacular views of the famous Puffin Island and the amazing Skellig Rocks, one of only three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ireland.

As with many scenic attractions in Ireland, a lot depends on the weather. The views on a clear day offer a whole different experience. But even with the mist and fog, the cliffs still dramatically loom out. We recommend a visit in the late afternoon and, if possible, in fine weather. Such splendid scenery will be impossible to forget. Remember to bundle up warmly and bring a windbreaker: it is blowing hard up there!

A stop at the Kerry Cliffs in Portmagee is something you’ll recall long after you leave. Kerry Cliff is another must-visit place in Ireland – and a must-visit in County Kerry!