Kerry Cliffs

Kerry Cliffs (Aillte Chiarraí), Skellig Ring, Foilnageragh, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

The Kerry Cliffs offer a breath of fresh air and stand out as one of the best things to do with kids in Portmagee. Positioned more than 1,000 feet above the wild Atlantic Ocean, this spectacular coastal viewing point activity category gives families a safe, natural space to experience Ireland’s rugged environment. Children can run along the expansive headlands and marvel at ancient rock formations while parents take in panoramic views that stretch out for up to 30 miles.

Prices start from approximately £4.20 per person (converted from €5.00 entry), making it an affordable outdoor excursion for groups of all sizes. The admission fee includes complimentary car parking and access to clean, modern toilet facilities directly on site. This low-cost structure ensures families can spend hours exploring the headlands, viewing local wildlife, or resting along the paths without racking up a massive bill.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids along the Skellig Ring, this natural wonder is an exceptional choice. The location provides an educational day out where kids can encounter real farm animals, trace ancient desert geography, and view famous historical islands across the water. It seamlessly balances outdoor sensory play with safe, accessible walking trails that are easy for young explorers to manage.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

  • Sensory Play and Sights: Feel the immense force of the Atlantic breeze and breathe in the cleanest coastal air from the summit platforms.
  • Interactive Exhibits by Nature: Watch thousands of nesting seabirds swooping through the sea spray below the towering rock edges.
  • Educational Day Out: Learn about dramatic 400-million-year-old desert environments that formed the unique dark stone layers.

What makes Kerry Cliffs unique?

  • The Closest Skellig Viewpoint: This site stands as the absolute nearest land-based viewing platform to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Skellig Rocks.
  • Puffin Island Overlook: Families get a clear view across the waves to Puffin Island, a renowned sanctuary for native marine bird colonies.
  • Thousand-Foot Drops: The sheer rock faces plunge over 1,000 feet straight down into the roaring Atlantic surf below.
  • A Converted Double-Decker Bus: On rainy or cold afternoons, families can retreat inside a quirky, renovated vintage bus transformed into indoor seating.
  • The Historic Skellig Ring Route: It sits directly on the scenic Skellig Ring trail, offering a quieter, more raw alternative to busier commercial loops.

Inside the Landscape: What to See

  • The Main Summit Platform: A securely fenced viewing deck where kids can safely peer over the dramatic 1,000-foot precipice.
  • The Alpaca and Donkey Enclosure: A small, friendly farm animal area right next to the walking path where children can meet and take photos with alpacas.
  • The Skellig Rocks Horizon: The iconic sharp silhouettes of Great Skellig rising steeply from the ocean miles out to sea.
  • Reconstructed Beehive Cells: Small stone masonry models mimicking the ancient monastic shelters found out on the isolated islands.
  • The Dark Coursed Masonry Layers: Clearly visible ancient geological strata that showcase millions of years of natural environmental history.

Facilities

  • Buggy Parking: There are no designated buggy parks, but the wide walking paths can accommodate rugged all-terrain strollers.
  • Toilets: Clean, modern public toilets are available near the main reception and are open day and night for visitors and campers.
  • Food Options: An on-site fast food and coffee kiosk serves hot drinks, daily fresh food, cakes, and snacks to hungry families.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • The site feels highly secure and well-maintained, providing safely railed viewing points that take away the anxiety of exploring high edges with kids.
  • Meeting the resident alpacas and donkeys along the access path is a massive hit that keeps younger children engaged during the short walk.
  • The free on-site parking and accessible entrance fees provide exceptional value compared to more commercialised coastal landmarks.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • The pathways feature a steady upward slope towards the top, which can tire out little legs or prove slightly difficult with standard small-wheeled prams.
  • If heavy sea fog rolls in across the Atlantic, the famous long-distance views of the Skellig Rocks can be entirely obscured.

Pro-Tips

  • Hold On to Your Hats: The wind can pick up suddenly on the high platforms, so secure any loose caps, scarves, or light items before walking up.
  • Bring Binoculars: Packing a pair of binoculars allows the kids to easily spot puffins, seals, and the distant island structures across the water.
  • Wear Layered Clothing: Even on a bright summer day, the Atlantic breeze can feel chilly, making an extra windproof jacket essential.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Standard General Admission: €5.00 per person (approx. £4.20) for adults and children.

Pricing URL: https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/the-kerry-cliffs-portmagee/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Monday to Sunday: Open daily from morning until dusk (campers enjoy extended 24-hour viewing access).
  • Best Time to Visit: Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon tour traffic, or catch the sunset over the Atlantic horizon.

Address: Kerry Cliffs (Aillte Chiarraí), Skellig Ring, Foilnageragh, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland

Post Code: V23 NV24

Council: Kerry County Council

County: County Kerry

  • By Bus: Take a local regional bus route to the nearby village of Portmagee and arrange a short local taxi or 1.5-mile walk to the site.
  • By Train: There are no direct rail links to the rugged western edge of the peninsula; the closest connections require regional bus transfers.
  • By Car: Located just off the Skellig Ring road outside Portmagee. Drive along the main coastal highway and follow the prominent brown tourist signs to the cliff park entrance.
  • Car Parking Options: There is a large, free, dedicated on-site car park with ample space for family cars, motorhomes, and coaches.

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