Overview
Perched 305 metres (1,000 ft) above the churning Atlantic, the Kerry Cliffs dominate the south Kerry coastline just outside the fishing village of Portmagee. Situated along the Skellig Ring, this site offers the closest mainland vantage point to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Skellig Michael, Little Skellig, and Puffin Island. On a clear day, the panoramic views stretch for approximately 30 miles across the surrounding coast and open ocean.
Unlike some of Ireland’s more commercialised coastal attractions, the Kerry Cliffs remain a privately managed site that balances raw natural beauty with practical visitor facilities. The area caters to photographers, birdwatchers, and families alike, featuring well-maintained viewing platforms, on-site camping, and a small herd of resident animals.
Geology & History
The dramatic rock formations at the Kerry Cliffs tell a story spanning 400 million years. During the Devonian period, this region lay beneath a tropical desert environment, where successive layers of sand and silt accumulated to form what is now known as Old Red Sandstone. Over millennia, wave action and coastal erosion have sculpted the cliffs, exposing distinct sedimentary bands and creating natural sea caves and wave-cut platforms near the waterline.
The cliffs derive their characteristic colouring from iron oxide present in the sandstone. This mineral content gives the rock a subtle red and purple hue that shifts with the changing light, particularly vivid during the soft golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The geological composition here differs notably from the Carboniferous limestone found at other major Irish cliff sites, offering a unique cross-section of Ireland’s ancient past.
What to See & Do
Main Viewing Platform
The primary viewing area is reached via a wide, gravel pathway from the car park. Positioned on the left side of the site, this platform provides the most direct and unobstructed view of the Skellig Islands. The platform features protective barriers and seating areas, allowing visitors to safely take in the expansive coastal panorama.
Northern Trail
For those willing to walk further, a secondary trail leads to a northern viewpoint. This spot offers a different perspective, focusing on the raw power of the Atlantic as it meets the cliff base. The area is particularly dramatic at high tide, when incoming waves crash against the rock face and send plumes of spray into the air.
On-Site Amenities
The site is equipped to handle visitors for short stops or extended stays:
- Café & Fast Food: A glass-fronted café and fast-food kiosk serve coffee, tea, sandwiches, and light meals. On colder or rainier days, visitors can take shelter in a converted bus that serves as an indoor seating area.
- Camping: Designated overnight pitches are available for tents, campervans, and cars. Facilities include water points for campervans and toilets that remain open around the clock.
- Resident Animals: A small group of alpacas, donkeys, and horses roam the grounds. These animals are a popular attraction for families and provide a gentle contrast to the rugged cliff environment.
- Beehive Huts: Three replica beehive huts, constructed using traditional dry-stone methods, stand near the main path. These structures echo the monastic cells found on nearby islands and offer a glimpse into early Irish craftsmanship.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Kerry Cliffs sit within a rich marine ecosystem, making them a prime location for wildlife observation. The area is frequented by birdwatchers throughout the seasons and sits within the boundaries of the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve.
- Seabirds: The cliffs and surrounding waters host thriving colonies of puffins, gannets, fulmars, storm petrels, and Manx shearwaters. Early spring is the peak season for puffin activity.
- Marine Life: Dolphins are frequently spotted from the northern viewpoint, particularly when the water is calm. On occasion, whales breach in the deeper channels further out to sea.
- Land Animals: In addition to the resident alpacas and donkeys, the surrounding bogland and grassy slopes support various small mammals and insects that thrive in the coastal climate.
Photography Tips
The Kerry Cliffs offer diverse photographic opportunities, from sweeping landscape shots to detailed wildlife photography.
- Best Lighting: The two hours before sunset typically provide the most favourable conditions. The low angle of the sun illuminates the Skellig Islands and enhances the red tones in the sandstone. Early winter mornings also offer soft, diffused light that minimises harsh shadows.
- Lens Recommendations: A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the full expanse of the cliff panorama and the scale of the coastline. A telephoto lens is recommended for isolating seabirds or capturing details of the Skellig Islands in the distance.
- Drone Usage: Drones are permitted at the site, but operators must seek prior permission from the site manager. Pilots should be cautious of strong Atlantic gusts and maintain a safe distance from nesting birds and other visitors.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun 09:30-18:30 (last entry 18:00). Hours are weather-dependent and may be reduced during winter months. Check the official website before travelling. |
| Admission fee | €5 per adult. Tickets are purchased at a staffed booth in the car park; card payments are accepted. |
| Parking | A large on-site car park accommodates cars, campervans, and buses. Designated spaces are available for overnight camping guests. |
| Getting there | From Killarney: Take the N72 to Killorglin, then the R563 to Cahersiveen, and finally the R565 to Portmagee (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). From Cahersiveen: Follow the R565 directly (approx. 20 minutes). Look for brown tourist signs reading “Kerry Cliffs Viewing Point” just beyond Portmagee village. |
| Accessibility | The path from the car park to the main platform is wide and gravel-surfaced, suitable for strollers and most mobility levels. The final ascent to the highest viewpoint is steep; wheelchair users can access the platform but may require assistance for the incline. |
| Facilities | Toilets (open 24 hours), café, fast-food kiosk, picnic tables, water points for campers, and animal-interaction areas. |
Visitor Tips
- Allow a minimum of one hour for a visit, though photographers and birdwatchers often spend two to three hours exploring the different viewpoints.
- Arrive before 10:00 am or after 16:00 pm during the June–August peak season to avoid the highest visitor numbers and secure the best parking spots.
- Bring binoculars to properly observe the seabird colonies and distant marine life.
- The walk from the car park to the viewpoints covers roughly 1.5 kilometres round-trip and takes about 30–45 minutes at a relaxed pace.
- Weather on the south Kerry coast can change rapidly. Layered clothing and waterproof outerwear are recommended year-round.
Nearby Attractions & Activities
The Kerry Cliffs serve as an excellent base for exploring the wider Iveragh Peninsula and the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Portmagee Village: A short drive away, this colourful harbour town offers fresh seafood at local pubs and traditional music sessions.
- Valentia Island: Accessible via a short ferry or road crossing, the island hosts the Skellig Experience Centre, which details the monastic history of the nearby rocks, and the Tetrapod Trackway, featuring 385-million-year-old fossilised footprints.
- Coomanaspig Pass: Located just minutes from the cliffs, this high mountain pass offers sweeping views of the Iveragh Peninsula and is a popular stop for panoramic photography.
- Kerry Head: The rugged headland nearby contains the ruins of two ancient stone forts that once provided coastal defence, set against windblown bogland.
- Ballinskelligs: A scenic village further along the Skellig Ring, known for its sandy beach, medieval abbey ruins, and castle grounds.
- Cahergall & Leacanabuaile Ringforts: Well-preserved 9th-century stone forts located near Cahersiveen, offering insight into early Irish settlement and agricultural life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Kerry Cliffs worth visiting? Yes. The combination of dramatic geology, unrivalled views of the Skellig Islands, and relatively low visitor numbers makes them a standout coastal attraction in County Kerry. The €5 admission fee provides good value given the on-site facilities and camping options.
How long should I spend at the cliffs? Most visitors allocate 1 to 2 hours to walk the paths, view the Skelligs, and enjoy a coffee at the café. If you are camping on-site, you can return multiple times to experience different lighting conditions and tide levels.
When is the best time to visit? Early morning (before 10:00) and late afternoon (after 16:00) provide optimal lighting for photography and fewer crowds. May through September generally offers the most stable weather, though the cliffs remain open year-round subject to safety conditions.
Can I see Skellig Michael from the cliffs? Yes. On clear days, Skellig Michael, Little Skellig, and Puffin Island are clearly visible from the main viewing platform. Fog or low cloud cover can occasionally obscure the islands, so checking the forecast is advisable.
Is there wheelchair access? The primary viewing platform is accessible via a maintained gravel path. However, the final approach to the highest point is quite steep. Wheelchair users can reach the area but will likely need a companion to assist with the incline.
Can I camp overnight? The site offers designated camping pitches for tents, campervans, and cars. Overnight guests have access to water points and 24-hour toilet facilities, making it a convenient base for exploring the Skellig Ring without needing to book external accommodation.