A short, easy loop along the cliff tops above Ballybunion's beaches, taking in a blowhole, a sea arch and wide Atlantic views out towards Loop Head.
An easy, waymarked loop on a mostly flat gravel path with gentle slopes, waymarked with a white arrow on a green background. Sport Ireland rates it 1 km / 30 minutes, while the full circuit back through the north of the village runs nearer 3 km; coastal erosion has closed part of the path, so follow local signage.
Afterwards head into Ballybunion for a coffee and homemade pastry at The Coast Cafe, or a pint and local seafood with a view of Ballybunion Castle at McMunns Bar. Namir's Restaurant & Wine Bar and Strollers Bistro are further options.
The path passes a blowhole formed where a sea cave broke through the cliff top, and a deep narrow creek known as Scoilt na nDraoithe, or the Druid's Lair. Legend says a chieftain called O'Connor threw his nine daughters, and nine Viking leaders, into the hole below.
A short way along is the Virgin Rock, an iconic natural sea arch and one of Ballybunion's most photographed landmarks, sitting just off Nun's Beach. Old photographs show a second arch nearby that has since collapsed.
Keep your eyes on the water for bottlenose dolphins, which are occasionally seen off Ballybunion, and for seals. The cliffs are busy with fulmars, cormorants, ravens and choughs, and starlings roost here in murmurations late in the year.
The walk begins above Ladies' Beach and looks north to the secluded cove of Nun's Beach, named for the nuns who once swam there. Nun's Beach is now cordoned off and access is in the closed section, so admire it from the cliff top.
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