Croaghaun Sea Cliffs, Achill Island, Co Mayo, Ireland – Wild Atlantic Way

The most unique and most rewarding aspect to these cliffs is that the only way to see them is by hiking the mountain or by boat. Maybe this is why they are relatively unknown compared to others that you can see by car and also why many claim in error that the stunning Sliabh League cliffs in Donegal at 601 metres (1,972 ft) are the highest cliffs in Ireland and also Europe. At 688m, the Croaghaun cliffs are actually nearly three times the height of the world famous Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare (214m or 702ft) and nearly 100m taller than the famous Slieve League cliffs in Donegal. Photo credit: the wonderful Great Western Greenway Cyclign and Walking Trail, Co Mayo www.greenway.ie The Corrie lake on Croaghaun Mtn.

To get to the cliffs take the scenic drive or cycle to the Keem Bay car park at the foot of Croaghaun. Fortunately for some and unfortunately for others it is on foot from here to the summit but its well worth it.

Depending on how you define sea cliffs, here are a few spectacular Irish sea cliffs I know of to whet the appetite. These are in order of height and not their popularity or how well known they are. Most are along Irelands Wild Atlantic Way western coastline.

1. Croaghaun sea cliffs, Achill Island, Co Mayo are 688m or 2,257 ft - highest in Ireland
2. Sliabh League cliffs in Donegal are 601m or 1,972ft (or 595m from other sources)
3. Cnoc na mBristí Cliffs west of Brandon Head, Co Kerry are 460m or 1,509ft
4. Sás Creek cliffs east of Brandon Head, Co Kerry are 390m or 1,280ft
5. Benmore and Achill Head cliffs, Co Mayo are 332m or 1,089ft
6. Slievetooey cliffs west of Glenties, Donegal are 310m or 1,017ft
7. Kerry Cliffs and Coomanaspic Cliffs, Portmagee, Co Kerry are up to 290m or 951ft
8. Benwee Head cliffs in Co Mayo are 255m
9. Bray Head cliffs, Valentia Island, Co Kerry are 241m or 792ft
10. Fogher Cliffs on Geokaun Mountain in Valentia Island, Co Kerry are 230m or 755ft
11. Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare 214m or 702 feet - vertical drop
12. Inishowen Head to Malin Head cliffs, Co Donegal are up to 210m or 689ft
13. 3 Sisters & Sybil Head cliffs, Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry are up to 206m or 676ft
14. Bray to Greystone cliff  Co Wicklow, upper walk are up to 200m or 656ft
15. Horn Head cliffs, Co Donegal over 180m or 600ft
16. Foilanima cliffs, Dursey Island, West Cork are up to 160m or 524ft
17. Bolus Head (50m) to Ducalla Head cliffs, south Kerry are up to 150m or 492 ft
18. Mizen Head Cliffs in West Cork are 120m or 394ft
19. Causeway Coast Cliff Walk, Co Antrim up to 120m or 395ft
20. Beenteenane cliffs, Toe Head, West Cork are up to 105m or 345ft
21. Ceide Fields Cliffs on co Mayo are 100m or 328ft
22. Three Castle Head, Mizen Head, West Cork are up to 100m or 328ft
23. Dún Aonghasa cliff on Inis Mor, Aran Islands are 87m or 285ft - vertical drop
24. Reanies Bay Cliffs, Barrys Head, Kinsale Co Cork are up to 80m or 262ft
25. Coolim Cliffs, Seven Heads, Courtmacsherry, Co Cork are 80m or 262ft
26. Goats Head cliffs, Glandore, West Cork are up to 80m or 262ft
27. Kilkee to Loop Head cliffs in Co Clare up to 79m or 257ft - vertical drop
28. Old Head of Kinsale cliffs, Co Cork are up 78m or 256ft
29. Mine Head cliffs near Dungarvan Co Waterford are 74m or 244ft
30. Ardmore Head cliffs, Co Waterford are 55m or 180ft
31. Bolus Head, Waterville, South Kerry is 50m or 164ft - vertical drop
32. Howth Cliffs, Dublin are 48m or 157ft
33. Many others...................