# Best Coastal Walks on the Wild Atlantic Way

> Best Coastal Walks on the Wild Atlantic Way: outdoor idea in Wild Atlantic Way. Clifftops, sea caves and ancient forts above the Atlantic. Our favourite coastal walks, from Donegal to Kerry.

- Page: https://ireland360.ie/things-to-do/best-coastal-walks-wild-atlantic-way
- Section: [Things to Do](https://ireland360.ie/things-to-do)
- Last updated: 2026-10-21

## Key facts

- **Category:** Outdoor
- **Destination:** Wild Atlantic Way

## Details

The Wild Atlantic Way runs 2,500 km from Donegal to Cork. The best way to see it is on foot. These walks range from an easy hour to a full day.

### Donegal and Sligo

The **Sliabh Liag** cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The Pilgrim’s Path is a serious hike, while the viewing point is an easy stroll. In Sligo, the climb up **Knocknarea** to Queen Medb’s cairn takes about an hour and gives views over the whole bay.

### Galway and Clare

On Inis Mór, the walk up to **Dún Aonghasa**, a prehistoric fort on the edge of a 100-metre cliff, is unforgettable. In Clare, the Cliffs of Moher coastal path runs from Doolin to Hag’s Head. Near Kilkee, the **Pollock Holes** appear at low tide, so check the tide times first.

### Kerry and Dingle

The **Slea Head** loop passes beehive huts, **Gallarus Oratory** and views of the Blaskets. Near Cahersiveen, the **Cahergall** stone fort is free to explore.

### Closer to Dublin

The Howth Cliff Path and the Bray to Greystones walk, past the tiny **Raheen-a-Cluig** church, are easy half days from the city.

Safety: paths can be exposed and the weather changes fast. Wear proper footwear, keep well back from cliff edges, and consider a guided walk.

## Recommended tours and attractions

- [From Galway: Full-Day Cliffs of Moher & Burren Guided Tour](https://ireland360.ie/tours/from-galway-full-day-cliffs-of-moher-burren-guided-tour) (Co. Galway)
- [From Dublin: Half-Day Guided Coastal Tour to Howth Village](https://ireland360.ie/tours/from-dublin-half-day-guided-coastal-tour-to-howth-village) (Co. Dublin)
- [Sliabh Liag Cliffs Tour](https://ireland360.ie/tours/sliabh-liag-cliffs-tour-2) (Co. Donegal)
- [Early Access Cliffs of Moher & Wild Atlantic Way Irish Experience Tour](https://ireland360.ie/tours/early-access-cliffs-of-moher-wild-atlantic-way-irish-experience-tour) (Co. Dublin)
- [Benbulben Hike](https://ireland360.ie/tours/benbulben-hike) (Wild Atlantic Way)
- [Slea Head Coastal Walk & Blasket Islands Tour](https://ireland360.ie/tours/slea-head-coastal-walk-blasket-tour) (Co. Kerry)

## Recommended places to stay

- [Doolin View B&B](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/doolin-view-b-and-b) (Doolin, Co. Clare)
- [Castlewood House](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/castlewood-house-dingle) (Dingle, Co. Kerry)
- [Ardmore House](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/ardmore-house-clifden) (Clifden, Co. Galway)

## Hidden gems nearby

- [Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort and Visitor Centre](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/d-n-aonghasa-ancient-stone-fort-and-visitor-centre) (Co. Galway)
- [Pollock Holes Sea Cave](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/pollock-holes-sea-cave) (Co. Clare)
- [Rínn an Chaisleáin](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/r-nn-an-chaisle-in) (Co. Kerry)
- [Knocknarea – Queen Medb’s Tomb](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/knocknarea-queen-medb-s-tomb) (Co. Sligo)
- [Cahergall Stone Fort](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/cahergall-stone-fort) (Co. Kerry)
- [Doe Castle](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/doe-castle) (Co. Donegal)
- [Gallarus Oratory](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/gallarus-oratory) (Co. Kerry)
- [Raheen-a-Cluig Church](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/raheen-a-cluig-church) (Co. Wicklow)

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Source: Ireland360 (https://ireland360.ie), an independent all-Ireland travel guide. Please cite https://ireland360.ie/things-to-do/best-coastal-walks-wild-atlantic-way when using this information. Some booking links are affiliate links that support Ireland360 at no extra cost to the traveller.