Kerry Cliffs are among the most dramatic sea cliffs in Ireland, on the Iveragh Peninsula near Portmagee, at the far end of the Ring of Kerry. They rise to roughly three hundred metres above the Atlantic, with a series of viewing platforms along the top where you can look straight down the face to the waves breaking at the base. On a clear day the view stretches out to Skellig Michael and Little Skellig, the jagged rocks that rise out of the ocean to the south west, and the cliffs themselves are a nesting site for seabirds. They are far quieter than the Cliffs of Moher, and many visitors who have seen both say they prefer the sense of space and wildness here. The site is on private land, with a small car park and a short walk to the viewpoints, and the experience is uncomplicated: you walk to the edge, look, take photographs and stand in the wind. The tour linked here takes in the cliffs as part of a day from Killarney that follows the Skellig Ring and part of the Ring of Kerry.
The cliffs are best understood as the high point of a longer journey. From Killarney the drive to Portmagee takes the best part of two hours, through Killorglin and Cahersiveen, with the Atlantic appearing on your right for much of the way, and the Skellig Ring, a smaller loop through Ballinskelligs, Portmagee and the villages beyond, is one of the most scenic roads in Kerry.
A guided tour takes the stress out of the narrow roads, and the driver can fit in stops at beaches, viewpoints and a village for lunch. Expect a long day, since the full circuit with the cliffs is likely to take eight or nine hours.
At the cliffs themselves, the walk from the car park is short, but it is exposed. The paths are well maintained, but the cliff edge is real, and there are drops with only a low wall or fence in places, so keep children close and never go beyond the barriers. The wind can be fierce even on a sunny day, and the weather changes quickly, so bring a windproof jacket and warm layers.
Entry to the cliffs is paid at the site and the price is set by the owners, so check what is included in your tour or what you need to pay on arrival. Sunset, if you are on a private or late tour, is magnificent, but most group tours visit in the middle of the day.
What else to know
The cliffs are a good wildlife stop, with fulmars, gannets and sometimes puffins in season, and clear days offer remarkable views of the Skelligs and the Dingle Peninsula to the north. On misty days the view can disappear entirely, so it is worth choosing a day with a decent forecast if you can.
Combined with a visit to Portmagee, a village of brightly painted houses and boat trips, and to Valentia Island across the bridge, the cliffs make a satisfying full day on the western edge of Europe. For those who cannot visit Skellig Michael, they are the best alternative for a close, awe-inspiring view of the Atlantic coast.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip from Killarney by coach or minibus along the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring, with time at the clifftop viewing platforms.
Best time
A clear, dry day, because mist hides the view, with the best light in late afternoon.
How long
About eight to nine hours door to door, with an hour or less at the cliffs themselves.
Tips
Bring a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes, keep children close to the edge barriers and check what the cliff entry charge covers.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want dramatic Atlantic scenery without the crowds of the Cliffs of Moher.
- Families
- Suitable for older children who can stay on the paths, but long days in a vehicle are tiring for the very young.
- Couples
- A wild, windswept viewpoint and a memorable day on the road.
- Pair with
- Portmagee, Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How high are the Kerry Cliffs?+
They rise to around three hundred metres above the Atlantic, with viewing platforms along the top where you can look down the cliff face.
Are they better than the Cliffs of Moher?+
They are different. Kerry Cliffs are quieter and wilder, with views to the Skellig islands, while the Cliffs of Moher are bigger and busier. Many visitors enjoy both.
How far are they from Killarney?+
Roughly a two hour drive each way via Killorglin, Cahersiveen and Portmagee, so a day tour or a long self-drive day is needed.
Is there an entry charge?+
The cliffs are on private land, and the owners charge a small entry fee on site. Check whether your tour includes it.
Is it safe for children?+
Yes with care. The paths are maintained, but the cliff edge is exposed and the wind can be strong, so keep children close and behind the barriers.
