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Sculpted By The Sea
ACTIVITIES
Go underground at Aillwee
Enjoy a live trad session
Get paddling in Tralee
HIGHLIGHTS
Flaggy Shore
Burren Perfumery
Carrigafoyle Castle
LOCATION
The Burren
Cliffs of Moher
Tralee
Sculpted By The Sea
Stretching from south Galway through Clare and into the unspoilt north of Kerry, the Cliff Coast is one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most astounding gems, with hustle, bustle, culture and beauty in spades.
Overview
Melt into the Wild Atlantic Way of life here, where clifftop walks offer breathtaking views of Ice Age landscapes, pretty seaside villages thrum with soul-stirring traditional music, and secluded beaches entice with renewal and respite. This itinerary is set against a stunning backdrop, with lush scenery waiting around every bend. Find yourself atop the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher, wander through the unique terrain of the Burren and visit the serene spots that inspired one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers.
DAY 1 (4 Stops)
BALLYBUNION – BROMORE – TRALEE
Enjoy your last day on the Wild Atlantic Way by getting up close and personal with its inhabitants as you make your way from popular Ballybunion to the cultural hub of Tralee. You’ll see first-hand how man as well as nature has carved out the ideal existence in this beautiful and diverse region. From the remains of once-inhabited castles and forts to cliffsides teeming with flora and fauna to lively villages where the past merges with the present in an explosion of culture.
Stop #1
BALLYBUNION
Buzzing Ballybunion is something of a national treasure, with a striking 16th-century castle the jewel in the crown of a promontory fort that boasts fantastic views of the town’s main beach, cliffs and the wild, hypnotic Atlantic. Fancy an in-depth tour from an All-Ireland Piping Champion? Musician Danny Houlihan will help you unearth the stories and background of Ballybunion on a guided walk or cycle – an experience for the books, to say the least! Mingle with locals and visiting families alike on the area’s sandy beaches, or opt for a refreshing watersports experience for an exhilarating jump-start to your day.
Stop #2
BROMORE CLIFFS
Go for a short drive to the spectacular Bromore Cliffs (7 mins), where you’ll find 180 feet of ancient nature in a safe, well-fenced area suitable for visitors of all ages. The crevices and narrow ledges here are home to a wild array of wildlife and vegetation, with falcons, ravens, guillemots, cormorants and rock doves among the flying population, while a whole host of insects, butterflies and wild honey bees buzz among the shrubs and flowers. At the base of the cliffs you may well spot Atlantic grey seals, bottlenose dolphins and the occasional sea otter.
Stop #3
FENIT
Journey on through the Wild Atlantic Way discovery points of Ballyheigue and Banna Beach, as well as Ardfert, en route to the sheltered harbour of Fenit (1 hour), nestled in the heart of Tralee Bay and lined with excellent scenery. How best to take it all in? Climb aboard a jet-propelled kayak and enjoy a both relaxing yet invigorating paddle with Wild Atlantic Sea Tours. You’ll take in Fenit Lighthouse, Great Samphire Island and Barrow, where the beach scenes from the Oscar-winning film Ryan’s Daughter were shot.
Stop #4
TRALEE
Finally, head east to the Kerry capital of Tralee (17 mins), perched on the southwest coast between the Slieve Mish and Stacks Mountains. A quaint slice of old Ireland and an ever-evolving cultural hub, Tralee is world-renowned for the Rose of Traleefestival, which each year sees the streets come alive with music, theatre and street performance. Hop into a pedal boat or canoe to explore the man-made lake, stroll the pretty walks and cycleways, or head for the Kerry County Museum & Medieval Experience, a critically-acclaimed attraction charting the history and archaeology of the area across 7,000 years.
DAY 2 (5 Stops)
NEW QUAY – THE BURREN – DOOLIN
There’s a lot to see and do on the first day of your Cliff Coast tour so be sure to make time to take it all in as you go. You’ll start in pretty New Quay, where a walk on the famous Flaggy Shore will invigorate the senses, before heading to the heart of the Burren at Ballyvaughan for an unforgettable trip beneath the surface of this incredible landscape.
Stop #1
NEW QUAY
Ease into your tour the sweetest way possible with a visit to popular Cáfe Linnalla in New Quay. A former dairy farm dating back to the 1800s, today it serves up fresh artisan ice cream made with locally-sourced cream, nuts and fruits. Set against the stunning backdrop of the mighty Burren, which you’ll explore a little later, it’ll make for a memorable start to your journey. Before leaving New Quay, be sure to take a stroll along the pretty heritage trail at the Flaggy Shore, a spot that’s gone down in lore thanks to the work and inspiration of the late Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet, Séamus Heaney.
Stop #2
BALLYVAUGHAN
From New Quay, a short, pleasant drive will bring you to the fishing village of Ballyvaughan (15 mins), thought of by many as the capital of the Burren. Here, make time to discover the fun and informative Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey Centre. Expert guides will lead you through a dramatic natural underworld of winding passages, bridged chasms and strange rock formations, complete with a thunderous waterfall. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, will be delighted to learn that the foot of the cave is home to the largest display of falcons, harris hawks, owls, American kestrels and white-tailed sea eagles in all of Ireland.
Stop #3
BURREN PERFUMERY
With Ballyvaughan in the rear-view mirror, your next destination is the incredible 1,500-hectare karst terrain of the Burren National Park – a sensation in every sense of the word. While you’re here, stop into the Burren Perfumery, an intimate, family-run business and a real hidden gem on the Wild Atlantic Way. Creating gorgeous perfumes and cosmetics inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Perfumery is no mere quick-stop shop; drop into the charming rose-covered Tea Rooms (stocked with freshly-baked treats) and the open-all-year-round Herb Garden brimming with native species.
Stop #4
KILFENORA
From this aromatic haven, head to the Burren Centre (20 mins) in the historic village of Kilfenora for a walking tour of this enchanting landscape with author and award-winning guide, Tony Kirby. An encyclopedia of all things Burren, Tony is almost as interesting as the journey itself! He’ll lead you through what is undoubtedly Ireland’s most extraordinary terrain, made up of 360km2 of limestone and peppered with interesting flora and fauna as well as ancient karst geology that will take your breath away.
Stop #5
DOOLIN
To Doolin next (17 mins), a village full of charm and charisma that’s best known as the traditional music capital of Ireland. A session at Doolin Music House is a must, as Christy Barry and his partner Sheila welcome you into a lively atmosphere that’s second-to-none; Christy is an informed trad musician who’ll happily explain the nuances of this lively genre, while accomplished artist Sheila’s work is displayed around the house. Stop in for music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7pm – 8.30pm or get in touch to request a special session. Enjoy a tasty dinner locally before turning in for the night.
DAY 3 (4 Stops)
DOOLIN – CLIFFS OF MOHER – BALLYBUNION
Make sure your camera is charged and ready for Day Two of your Cliff Coast tour, because you’re going to be taking in some of the most magnificent sights this region of the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer. Experience the mighty Cliffs of Moher, explore castles and coastlines, cruise the beautiful River Shannon and dive into a range of exhilarating water-based activities – all while immersing yourself in the sounds, smells, tastes and tales of the area as you cross from Clare into Kerry.
Stop #1
CLIFFS OF MOHER
There’s no better way to start Day Two of your adventure than with a visit to the famous Cliffs of Moher (12 mins). Carved out by the wind and rain over millions of years, these mammoth cliffs stand more than 200 metres over the ocean and stretch as many as eight kilometres wide. A hugely popular tourist spot, the cliffs are home to the 19th-century gothic style O’Brien’s Tower and provide a superb vantage point for nearby beauty spots like An Branán Mór sea stack, the Aran Islands, and, under the right conditions, the mythical wave-turned-surf destination known as Aileen’s.
Stop #2
LAHINCH
Your next stop is the surfer’s paradise of Lahinch (14 mins), where if it isn’t waves you’re after, a guided foraging walk along the seashore with a picnic comes highly recommended; join the folks at Wild Kitchen for this unique experience. You’ll source your own tasty meal while learning about their unconventional yet compelling food experience. History buffs can explore Lahinch’s ancient castle ruins and 15th-century church, while culture lovers can delve into its many art galleries, fine eateries and snug pubs. Golfers, meanwhile, can tee off at one of two world-class 18-hole links courses.
Stop #3
TARBERT
Depart Lahinch for Killimer village, located on the northern bank of the winding River Shannon – Ireland’s longest. Keep to the coast road to enjoy gorgeous scenery as you pass through Spanish Point in Kilkee (home to an attractive golden beach), before swapping road for water on the car ferry to Tarbert. The trip is a short one at just 20 minutes, affording you time to kick back and enjoy the matchless scenery of the Shannon Estuary as you motor gently toward the ‘kingdom’ of Kerry.
Stop #4
BALLYBUNION
Once in Tarbert, head for Ballylongford to visit the five-storey Carrigafoyle Castle, a splendid depiction of 15th-century construction and architecture. Gazing over the broad estuary of the Shannon, you’ll spot Carrig Island and Scattery Island; during the summer months you can take a guided tour of this scenic area to learn all about its history, wildlife and folklore. Finish off Day Two in Ballybunion (26 mins), a pretty seaside resort full of great places to eat, drink, relax and enjoy sweet dreams.
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