A short, big-view clamber over Clogherhead's rocky headland — the only high headland on Ireland's east coast between the Mourne Mountains and Howth — with a Blue Flag beach and a beachfront coffee stop at the bottom.
From the harbour car park walk uphill and look for the gap in the wall — that is the start. The trail itself is undefined, so follow the mossy grass up towards the lookout point; it is an easy five-minute climb and the full out-and-back takes around 30 minutes.
The headland is the only high, rocky outcrop between the Mourne Mountains and Howth, so both directions of coastline open up at once, with Lambay Island away to the south. It is listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for its rare coastal heathland vegetation.
Carry on past the lookout and drop down to the village's Blue Flag 'Little Strand', almost a mile of gently sloping sand that is a popular swim spot. Roughly 2km depending on your route, with several informal paths over the headland between the village and Port Oriel.
The longer version follows the same trail but returns from the beach along the roads to the car park, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. Those roads are narrow, busy and have blind spots, so take real care — and expect thick mud on the trail after rain.
The Beach Hut, a beachfront cafe, does coffees to go, generously filled toasties and brownies. At Port Oriel harbour just below the car park there is a fish and chip shop open Friday to Sunday afternoons, and shops and restaurants within walking distance.
The working fishing village and its harbour, Port Oriel, sit at the foot of the walk. The headland is a Special Area of Conservation, so watch for grey seals and black guillemots around the rocks.
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