If there’s one thing we love in Ireland, it’s a good cliff walk and Ballybunion cliff walk delivers in spades. You can’t beat the mix of salty sea air, the thunder of crashing waves and the wide open views over the Atlantic.
Though short in distance, Ballybunion cliff walk has a lot to offer. With breathtaking views, rich history, folklore and rugged coastal beauty, it’s one of the most popular things to do in the seaside town of Ballybunion.
So, if you find yourself exploring north Kerry or planning a trip along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, add a stop in beautiful ‘Ballyb by the sea’ and check it out for yourself.
How long is the Ballybunion Cliff Walk?
In total, the Ballybunion Cliff Walk is only 1.6 kilometres, making it an easy walk. And it’s actually even shorter at present, as part of the walk has been closed off due to erosion. The walk only takes about 30 minutes to complete but along the way there are many points of interest. So you can expect to take a little longer if you’re stopping for photos or to admire the views.
Where to Start
The walk begins above Ladies Beach, directly across the road from the Cliffhouse Hotel. You’ll see some steps leading down to the beach road and on the opposite side, more steps leading to the start of the walk.
The gravel path is pretty flat the entire way around. There is fencing along much of the cliff path but a few parts were access to the cliffs is possible and caution is needed. The cliffs themselves are composed of a mixture of shale, sandstone and limestone dating back as far as 320 million years ago.
Highlights along Ballybunion Cliff Walk
Ladies Beach
The start of the cliff walk overlooks stunning Ladies Beach, which is one of the two main beaches in Ballybunion, the other being the Men’s Beach on the far side of the Castle Green. Beyond that is the Long Strand, another beautiful beach which stretches for a couple of of kilometres to the Cashen River. It is great for walking at low tide but swimmers are best sticking to the two main beaches where lifeguards are on patrol, as there can be dangerous rips and currents.
There are a couple of benches along this section, which are right at the cliff top and pretty close to the edge. So you do need to be very cautious if you’re doing the walk with younger kids.
Atlantic Views and More
Further along the walk there are excellent views of the Shannon Estuary and loop head peninsula to the north. To the South you can make out Kerry Head and the Dingle mountains in the background. In between are wide open view of the Atlantic Ocean and not much else until you reach America!
The Druid’s Lair
Scoilt na nDraoithe (The Druid’s Lair) is a deep and narrow creek in the cliffs. It is believed that sacrificial worship to the Celtic gods was practised here, with bodies thrown over the cliffs into the crashing waves below.
If you prefer a less grisly tale, this feature is also referred to by some as Scoilt na Driada, meaning the Starlings Nest. This is perhaps a better fit today, given it is a popular nesting spot for cliff birds such as starlings, rock doves and choughs.
Nine Daughter’s Hole
The Nine Daughter’s hole is another natural geological feature found along the walk. It is a blowhole, formed when the sea cave below gradually extended upward and broke through the surface. On wild days, be prepared to get a burst of spray as you walk past!
Legend has it that a local Chieftain named O’Connor threw his nine daughter’s into the hole after discovering their plans to escape with their Viking lovers. The Vikings didn’t escape unscathed either. After first being beheaded, they were also thrown into the hole. Thankfully, things are a lot more peaceful these days!
Virgin Rock
The Virgin Rock is an iconic and well photographed local landmark in Ballybunion. It’s a perfect example of a natural sea arch. Old photographs from the Ballybunion cliff walk show that there once a second arch located nearby. Unfortunately that’s now long gone.
I’m not sure of the origin of the name but it’s maybe no coincidence that the rock is located just off Nun’s Beach.
View of the Virgin Rock from Ballybunion Cliff Walk
Nun’s Beach
Nun’s Beach, or Nun’s Strand, is a gorgeous sheltered beach which gets its name from the former convent which overlooks it. Access to the beach was always difficult making it a nice private bay for the nuns to swim in. Unless reaching it by boat, the only way to down was via the steep cliffs paths and using a secured rope to get navigate the rocks and get onto the beach.
Unfortunately, access to the beach is in the section of the walk that has now been closed off. So for now, we’ll just have to make do with enjoying the views from above. Hopefully this part of the walk will be opened up again though I haven’t heard any updates on that front.
Wildlife on the Walk
Dolphin Watching
Keep your eyes on the water for dolphins during your walk. There’s a large pod that is frequently spotted along the Shannon Estuary, one of the most important sites in Europe for bottlenose dolphins. They are sometimes spotted in Ballybunion and are the only known resident group in Ireland. They and are most likely to be spotted on calm days if you’re lucky enough to get one.
I think I’m possibly cursed, as I have done this walk so many times throughout my life and I don’t recall ever seeing dolphins. I’ve also done one of the trips in the estuary and didn’t get lucky that time either. So long story short, as long as I’m not in the area, you might have a chance of seeing dolphins!
Bird Watching
You’ll find an abundance of birdlife along the cliff walk, where they nest and feed. Watch for them swooping and diving. Birds commonly seen on the trail include gull, fulmars, cormorants, ravens and choughs. Starlings also roost here and if are visiting late in the year, you may be treated to the spectacular sight of a murmuration before they go to bed for the evening.
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