How to Visit Kerry Cliffs
Read our travel guide on Kerry Cliffs in Ireland. Includes tips on planning your trip, what to expect, how to get there, when to go, and where to stay.
Kerry Cliffs are one of the highlights of every trip to Skellig Ring, coincidentally a top extension of the famous Ring of Kerry.
With 300-meter cliffs, the majestic Atlantic Ocean, the views of Skellig Michael, abundant birdlife, and easy access, Kerry Cliffs was one of our favorite places in County Kerry.
Wild Atlantic Way is packed with amazing cliffs, but choosing what places to incorporate into your Ireland road trip itinerary is never easy.
Hopefully, our Kerry Cliffs guide will answer some of your most burning questions and, eventually, help you to plan your trip to go as smoothly as possible.
So here's everything you need to know about Kerry Cliffs before you go.
How to Visit Kerry Cliffs
Touring the iconic Ring of Kerry is a fantastic experience, but it takes some time to reach some of its furthest areas when starting in Killarney.
For some travelers, it will be just a matter of a few hours, while some will need a few days just to get there.
We were somewhere in between, and we can only say that Iveragh Peninsula really rewards those who have more time.
It really shows how diverse this area is.
You can drive through a Gap of Dunloe, walk around the lakes in Killarney National Park, visit Ross Castle and Torc Waterfall in the morning, and stand on the edge of the massive cliffs by the end of the day.
The journey will take you from the mountains to the sea in the span of only a few hours, and we can't imagine a better place to finish your day than Kerry Cliffs.
By the way, if you still have some time, don't skip the nearby Valentia Island.
This tranquil island is home to Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, another stunning area worth visiting. But back to the cliffs.
Honestly, it doesn't matter when you arrive at the cliffs, as they are striking any time of the day.
Entrance
The entrance to the cliffs, which are on private property, was clearly marked, and parking had ample space.
Next to the parking was a small wooden booth where we paid a small admission.
The trail is for the first 400 meters before you reach the cliffs quite unexciting, as it's basically a wide gravel road between the flat farmland and viewpoints.
On the other hand, a big upside is that it makes the cliffs accessible even for families with strollers and wheelchair users.
Beehive Huts
By the way, there are also three replicas of Beehive Huts just before you reach the cliffs.
These traditional dwellings dating back to 2000 BC, have a characteristic shape and were made of dry stone.
From 500 to 1000 CE, they were used by the local monks who lived in this area long ago for habitation.
This is a quick stop along the way.
The huts are especially worth exploring if you don't have time to visit Skellig Michael, as they represent a sample of the structures you can see on this island.
Alternatively, you can also explore the rectangular huts at Gallarus Oratory on Dingle Peninsula.
Kerry Cliffs
The entire walk from the parking area to both viewpoints and back is about two kilometers long.
As we have already mentioned, the path is wide, well-maintained, and clearly marked.
Despite this walk being relatively longer than some other stops along the way, it's accessible for all ages and abilities due to the nature of the trail.
While the Kerry Cliffs might not be as famous as Slieve League or as extensive as the Cliffs of Moher, they are still absolutely stunning.
It's no wonder why.
Rising almost 300 meters above the restless waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Kerry Cliffs will leave you in awe.
Viewpoints
Once we reached a T junction and the first viewpoint, we were rewarded with fantastic views right from the start.
With the typical metal construction that marks these spots, this is one of many Wild Atlantic Way discovery points in County Kerry.
Then we turned right and walked toward the next viewpoint.
There were barely any people around, the views were beyond spectacular, and even the sun finally broke through a persistent cloud layer.
From here, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the third lookout.
The last viewpoint has even a basic viewing platform and arguably offers even more amazing views.
While it might sound like a cliche, the experience of standing on the edge of Europe is quite overwhelming.
Skellig Michael
By the way, this is one of the best places to see Skellig Michael and Little Skellig from the mainland, at least on a clear day.
The tours that run only during the summer season are often booked out several months in advance (and even canceled at the last minute due to poor weather), so it's not easy to get there.
One of the reasons is that this UNESCO site was featured in the Star Wars trilogy and became extremely popular.
Besides that, the scenery is dramatic, and the bigger island is home to an ancient Gaelic monastery and many species of birds, such as puffins, razorbills, and gannets.
Birdwatching
But if you're lucky enough or have binoculars, you might even be able to spot puffins from the cliff area, as they have colonies on the nearby Puffin Island.
We were lucky enough to see many puffins a few years back in Iceland, but unfortunately, we didn't spot any of them here.
Once you soak up the views and the atmosphere, you can also read some displays to learn more about the local history and birds.
How Much Time Do I Need
Depending on your pace, you will need about an hour for Kerry Cliffs.
About 30-45 minutes might be enough if you're pressed for time, but you need to walk around this area relatively quickly.
Those who have more time and want to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kerry Cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean at their own pace will probably need more than an hour for this site.
Honestly, we could watch the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing into the cliffs, smell the fresh ocean air, and listen to soaring birds for hours.
Opening Hours
Kerry Cliffs are usually open from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer and 10 AM to 4:30 PM in winter.
The opening time may change, and a daily opening hours also depend on current weather conditions.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Kerry Cliffs is €5 per person.
While the cliffs are not free, we believe the experience is still worth the money, even for those who travel around Ireland on a budget.
How to Get There
Kerry Cliffs are located on the Skellig Ring in the western part of County Kerry and are relatively well accessible from the Ring of Kerry.
Therefore, there are several ways to get to Kerry Cliffs.
Car
While this is a popular tourist area, public transport is for locals, and you're better off with your own vehicle.
Therefore, the best way to get to Kerry Cliffs is by car.
Unlike many routes on nearby peninsulas, the main roads mostly have two lanes, so driving here is not as stressful as on Sheep's Head Peninsula or Mizen Head.
Only a relatively short stretch of road near the cliffs is a typical rural single-lane road that requires careful driving.
Here you will find more tips for driving in Ireland, and also make sure to read our guide on renting a car in Ireland.
Directions
Kerry Cliffs are situated on the western edge of County Kerry.
Portmagee is less than three kilometers north of Kerry Cliffs, so the journey between these two points takes only a few minutes.
You can get from Waterville to Kerry Cliffs in about 30 minutes.
Cahersiveen is about a 20-minute drive from here.
Killarney is about 80 kilometers east of Kerry Cliffs, but it usually takes several hours to get there as most visitors take many stops along the way.
Cork is 170 kilometers east of here. Similarly, Limerick lies about 170 kilometers northeast of Kerry Cliffs.
The 370-kilometer route from Dublin via M7 is the fastest but least scenic.
Parking
There is a large parking just off the Skellig Ring, and finding an empty spot is not an issue here, even in the main season.
Bike
As Skellig Ring is not as busy as the Ring of Kerry, exploring this area on a bike may be an interesting idea for active travelers.
Obviously, you will need to bring your own bike (or rent one), so this option is not for everyone.
Tours
As Kerry Cliffs are one of the top attractions within the proximity of Ring of Kerry, some tour operators include them in their itineraries.
Here you can reserve a Ring of Kerry Tour, including these cliffs.
When to Go
Kerry Cliffs are usually open all year round but might be closed at certain times.
The best time to visit Kerry Cliffs is either in spring, summer, or autumn.
Keep in mind that there will be even fewer people outside the peak season, making the experience even better.
We visited Kerry Cliffs in May, and it was a very peaceful experience as there were no summer crowds.
Here you will find more tips on when to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
Although Kerry Cliffs are a relatively short walk from the parking area, you should never underestimate the local weather.
Coastal regions are known for changeable weather, and even though this might seem like a short trip, it's better to be prepared.
It really gets windy there, and it's essential to have windproof gear with you, even on a sunny day.
On a clear day, make sure to bring a windbreaker to prevent your body from losing its heat quickly.
Alternatively, bring a windproof rain jacket that also works in case the weather doesn't cooperate on the day of your visit.
If extensive hiking is not your thing and you don't have any outdoor gear, at least make sure to have a rain poncho in your daypack.
The trails are in good condition, and regular trail runners should be enough for this area.
Here you will find more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
Where to Stay
This area has plenty of accommodations, especially classic bed and breakfasts and family-owned guesthouses, but you will also find some hotels here.
Don't forget that Skellig Ring is close to the Ring of Kerry, and hotels fill up quickly in the peak season.
The general rule of thumb is to book early to secure the best deals and top locations.
We can't fail to mention that there is also a Caravan and Camping Park at Kerry Cliffs for those who want to stay closer to nature.
Here we've hand-selected some of the top hotels in the Skellig Ring area.
Waterville | Butler Arms Hotel - Situated only 25 kilometers east of Kerry Cliffs, Waterville has a perfect location for exploring Skellig Ring. Butler Arms Hotel has spacious rooms with stunning ocean views, friendly staff, a seafood restaurant, and free parking.
Portmagee | The Moorings Hotel - Portmagee is only three kilometers north of Kerry Cliffs and is also known as a departure point to Skellig Michael. Situated in the heart of Portmagee, the Moorings Hotel offers great value for your money, a seafood restaurant, and a lovely harbor location close to everything.
Portmagee - Atlantic Sunset - If you prefer smaller accommodations, Atlantic Sunset may be a perfect choice for you. This charming bed and breakfast is less than two kilometers from the cliffs and features modern guest rooms, free parking, and an enchanting surrounding area.
Staying Safe
Generally, Kerry Cliffs are safe to visit, at least if you follow the basic rules and recommendations.
Firstly, the parking area seemed secure, but you should still never leave your valuables in your car. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Secondly, while Kerry Cliffs are breathtaking, the coastal area environments such as these cliffs are unpredictable, potentially dangerous, and require more attention from your side.
The general rule of thumb is to stay on the designated trail. This approach is extremely easy at Kerry Cliffs, as the trails are clearly marked and well-maintained.
The cliff's edges are fenced off to increase your safety, and we found navigating around the area very easy.
And the signage installed at the site that shows absolutely no entry beyond this point is self-explanatory.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Are Kerry Cliffs Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, Kerry Cliffs are definitely worth visiting, as it's one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
The cliffs are well accessible, not as heavily visited as the Cliffs of Moher, and the views are absolutely stunning.
Even though there is a small admission, the cliffs are worth seeing.
If you're deciding whether this detour from the Ring of Kerry is worth your time, we can only say that this was one of the highlights of our Ireland road trip.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
