Kilkee Cliffs

The Kilkee Cliffs sit on the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare, a short distance west of the seaside town of Kilkee along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Rising above the Atlantic, this stretch of coastline is best known for the Kilkee Cliff Walk, a scenic route that follows the cliff edge and opens up wide views over the ocean and Kilkee Bay.

The walk begins at the Diamond Rocks Cafe at Kilkee’s West End, where there is free car parking. The main route runs for around 5km, with a longer looped option of roughly 8km for those wanting to explore further. The path is largely level and suits walkers of most abilities, though the exposed cliff edges and Atlantic winds call for sensible footwear and care in poor weather. Along the way you pass the shimmering Diamond Rocks, Intrinsic Bay and Foonagh Bay, and can look out towards Bishop’s Island, a sea stack separated from the mainland by centuries of coastal erosion.

The cliffs are also a good spot for watching seabirds and coastal wildlife, with gulls, fulmars, choughs and birds of prey among the species seen along the shore. Quieter than some of Clare’s better-known coastal sites, the area rewards those who take their time to walk the path and enjoy the views.