The 3 Best Alternatives to the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are some of the most well known sea cliffs in Ireland with over a million visitors each year. If you’re looking for a less crowded and more rugged experience, add these alternatives to the Cliffs of Moher to your Ireland itinerary.
We visited Ireland this summer and unfortunately did not make it to the Cliffs of Moher. Based on some of the reviews we read about the cost per person and the crowded experience, we chose to leave the cliffs off of our itinerary. Whether you decide to visit the Cliffs of Moher or not, we recommend also visiting these three amazing sights. Keep in mind that while visiting the Cliffs of Moher might be costly, your ticket includes several amenities not offered at these other sea cliffs.
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3 Alternatives to the Cliffs of Moher
Slieve League Cliffs
Located in County Donegal, Slieve League Cliffs are some of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe and almost three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher. And the best part-if you visit outside of peak season, you might have the cliffs all to yourself.
When planning your visit, you have a few different options. You can park for free at the Visitor Center and go on a 4 km walk to the viewing area, or you can purchase bus tickets for € 6 and ride up to the cliffs as you learn more about Slieve League from your driver guide. Alternatively, you can park further up at the Ranger Station and walk 2 km to the cliffs. Parking here is € 5 for two hours. During off-peak season, you can pay for parking at the Ranger Station and drive all the way up to the viewing area (which is what we did in June).
While seeing the cliffs from the viewing area is impressive, don’t miss some of the beautiful hikes here.
The Loop Walk
The Pilgrim’s Path
The Cliff Path Walk
Kerry Cliffs
Located in County Kerry, the Kerry Cliffs should not be skipped. At 1,000 feet tall, these expansive cliffs offer views of the Atlantic Ocean below along with views of Puffin Island and Skellig Rocks in the distance. Due to the variety of sea birds, the Kerry Cliffs are a popular spot for bird watchers. Be sure to take in the views from both the North and South Platforms, or walk the 2.1 km Kerry Cliffs Loop.
While you do have to pay an entrance fee of € 5 per person, parking is free.
The Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most stunning parts of Ireland. As soon as we reached Slea Head Drive, we decided this was our favorite part of our Ireland trip. You’re going to want to spend a bit of time exploring this scenic area.
To see the main sights along the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll want to drive the Slea Head Loop, a 24 mile route starting and ending in Dingle. While it is a short loop, we would recommend giving yourself a full day to see everything.
Driving along Slea Head Drive, you will see stunning cliffs, sea views, and much more.
Dunquin Pier
Dunquin Pier is located on the west coast of Ireland and offers visitors panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding cliffs. On a clear day, you can see the Blasket Islands in the distance. This pier serves as a connection from the mainland to the Blasket Islands. If you’re up for a day trip, Blasket Island Ferries departs from Dunquin Pier.
Make a stop at the nearby Blasket Center to learn more about the history of the Blasket Islands and Irish culture. This museum also has a viewing platform that provides visitors with views similar to those from Dunquin Pier.
Coumeenoole Beach
Just 5 minutes from Dunquin Pier is Coumeenoole Beach. In our opinion, this is one of the prettiest beaches we have ever visited. The lush green cliffs surrounding the beach are stunning. While you won’t want to swim here due to the strong currents, you can head down to the beach and enjoy a walk along the shore.
Parking is limited here, so plan your visit for early in the morning or later in the day.
Be sure to add these alternatives to the Cliffs of Moher to your itinerary to enjoy more of Ireland’s rugged beauty.
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