Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
4.7
About
Lovely walk suitable for all ages. (Children must be accompanied and not suitable for buggies)
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4.7
552 reviews
Excellent
396
Very good
141
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Andre H
Cape Town, South Africa547 contributions
Apr 2022
We ended our day in Ballycotton after touring aound Cork City for the day
The Cliff walk start was not easy to find but fortunately its a small town so we found some parking close to the trail & started our walk.
Its pretty flat all the way with a few narrow entrances to pass through along the way & a few warning signs not to go to close to the edge . Some cliffs are very high & some great views of coves along the way.
From what we gathered it was about 5km , we walked for about an hour & had not reached the end but it was getting late so we headed back.
There were a number of walkers , including a few young kids on their own. The trail is also known for various bird species.
The views along the way are wonderful & also a great place for a sunset . It was a great way to end a long day in the City . Ballycotton is roughly 40km from Cork City , 6km from Castlemartyr
The Cliff walk start was not easy to find but fortunately its a small town so we found some parking close to the trail & started our walk.
Its pretty flat all the way with a few narrow entrances to pass through along the way & a few warning signs not to go to close to the edge . Some cliffs are very high & some great views of coves along the way.
From what we gathered it was about 5km , we walked for about an hour & had not reached the end but it was getting late so we headed back.
There were a number of walkers , including a few young kids on their own. The trail is also known for various bird species.
The views along the way are wonderful & also a great place for a sunset . It was a great way to end a long day in the City . Ballycotton is roughly 40km from Cork City , 6km from Castlemartyr
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madison P
Montreal, Canada15 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We walked the 15 minutes from the blackbird pub and it was well worth the walk. The views were stunning. The area was clean, and people were friendly, and we took turns moving out of their way so people could pass. Make sure you hold young children’s hands and walk with them in front of you.
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DvrDawg
Cork, Ireland214 contributions
Jan 2020
This was a great hike. The scenery is awesome. The hike is not too strenuous but does have a few inclines that are a little steep. The real challenge is the mud. Of course, it is Ireland. So, there is a good bit of mud. It can be a tad slippery-so, be careful. You'll want some decent hiking boots to navigate the mud and you need to have soles that have good traction. I saw several people in sneakers that turned back due to the mud and not having the right shoes.
The round trip between Ballycotton and Ballyandreen takes about 2.5 hours. A good afternoon hike.
There is good parking in Ballycotton. If the first lot is full, there is a small lot a little further. There is a small lot in Ballyandreen as well.
Also - thanks to the hiker that found my glasses and left them at the trail head - I greatly appreciate it!!
The round trip between Ballycotton and Ballyandreen takes about 2.5 hours. A good afternoon hike.
There is good parking in Ballycotton. If the first lot is full, there is a small lot a little further. There is a small lot in Ballyandreen as well.
Also - thanks to the hiker that found my glasses and left them at the trail head - I greatly appreciate it!!
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMN
39 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Did the full walk in just under two hours at a very relaxed pace. By and large a flat walk - a few minor inclines but nothing major and they never last long. Had been warned that it can get muddy but was dry the whole way, thankfully. Path is quite narrow though so would recommend for buggies/bikes/ large groups. Would also recommend going early enough if possible as it can get quite busy which can really slow you down as path is effectively only one way.
Written 6 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MariaR
1 contribution
Sept 2020
The cliff walk is currently closed.
Cork County Council closed it because it is not possible to maintain social distancing. Didn't see any signs in the village telling people that the walk is closed, so you only find out when you go to the start of the walk.
Cork County Council closed it because it is not possible to maintain social distancing. Didn't see any signs in the village telling people that the walk is closed, so you only find out when you go to the start of the walk.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claire kenny
Ireland, IN4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Ballycotton has a fantastic coastal cliff walk where breathtaking views can be appreciated. The cliff walk is well signposted and good parking at start of walk. I highly recommend to stop in Ballycotton after for amazing seafood and glass/ pint gGuinnesss good combination!!! Stephen Pearce pottery in Shanagarry also definitely with a stop.
Written 11 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland11,521 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
This is an amazing walk, truly stunning. I haven't enjoyed a walk as much in a very long time.
As some other contributors have nentioned,it is a bit muddy and slippery in places so good boots or trainers at the very least would be needed.
It's not overly arduous despite being rough underfoot at times. You are hugging the coastline after all so no real climbs or drops, just undulations.
Spectacular views of the cliffs and beaches below and of Ballycotton lighthouse back the other side of the town.
Free car park at the trailhead, I walked to the end of the cliffwalk and doubled back but there are loops you ca do to nsje your way back by road if you like.
There's a few benches along the way to sit and take in the scenery. Very exposed if you have bad weather, which thankfully I didn't!
Anyway, what an amazing couple of hours!
As some other contributors have nentioned,it is a bit muddy and slippery in places so good boots or trainers at the very least would be needed.
It's not overly arduous despite being rough underfoot at times. You are hugging the coastline after all so no real climbs or drops, just undulations.
Spectacular views of the cliffs and beaches below and of Ballycotton lighthouse back the other side of the town.
Free car park at the trailhead, I walked to the end of the cliffwalk and doubled back but there are loops you ca do to nsje your way back by road if you like.
There's a few benches along the way to sit and take in the scenery. Very exposed if you have bad weather, which thankfully I didn't!
Anyway, what an amazing couple of hours!
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulaGalvin
Kildare, Ireland1,115 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
There are three different walks here which vary in time taken to complete and distance. We did the shortest one; 5.5 kms which took about an hour and a half and it was stunning. Views are amazing..we were lucky as it was a lovely sunny day and we got to see the famous ghost ship which has quite a history, travelling from Haiti and then drifting to the coast of Africa, the Azores and then to Ballycotton.
Rock formations are fabulous here and apparently whales can sometimes be seen ( not by us, sadly)
Rock formations are fabulous here and apparently whales can sometimes be seen ( not by us, sadly)
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
longblackbeard
Ireland27 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A lovely walk with beautiful views. Definitely a great way to clear the head. Well worth a visit.
Do not do this walk without hiking boots as it is super mucky. At least during times when there has been a blast of rain. Probably no hassel during the summer months but Jan / Feb are definitely worth the boots.
After our walk we decided to have lunch nearby and went to the Schooner Bar. Highly recommend it. Very friendly staff and excellent food at a fair price. You will not leave hungry.
A great day alround.
Do not do this walk without hiking boots as it is super mucky. At least during times when there has been a blast of rain. Probably no hassel during the summer months but Jan / Feb are definitely worth the boots.
After our walk we decided to have lunch nearby and went to the Schooner Bar. Highly recommend it. Very friendly staff and excellent food at a fair price. You will not leave hungry.
A great day alround.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim Mc G
Dublin, Ireland510 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
I was up in Cork for a weekend with family and we were looking for some walks to do. This walk is great. It’s very popular with tourists. It has lovely scenery of the sea, islands and the farms. It’s an easy walk to do but it’s long. I wouldn’t recommend bringing a picnic.
Written 27 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curious to know how much time does this walk take? Planning a visit this area and trying to plan some things to do in the Cork area. Thanks!
Written 22 December 2019
The ballytrasna loop takes around 1.5 hrs ( 5.5 km)
The Ballyandreen loop takes around 2.5 to 3 hrs ( 10.5km)
Depends on the abilities of walkers ( kids)
Can be slippery and mucky after rain
Enjoy our beautiful ballycotton x
Written 3 January 2020
Hey guys where does the Cliff Walk start? I’m getting the bus from Cork to Ballycotton then after that I dont really know where to go to get to the start of the journey. And how long walk is till the top of the Cliff??
Thanks
Written 6 August 2019
Walk to the end of the town (which isn't far) and the road forks. Take the right hand turn up the hill and keep walking and you'll come to the start of the walk. It's hard to go wrong.
I wouldn't say there's a top of the cliff but there's a natural viewing point around 30/40 mins walk from the start.
Written 7 August 2019
Can i do the walking tour with a baby in a buggy? maybe with large wheels?
Written 17 July 2018
Besser im Tragetuch. Der Weg ist sehr schmal.
Written 19 July 2018
How much time should you allot to visit here?
Written 4 July 2018
Is this place suitable for a picnic, or is it too windy?
Written 20 April 2018
We did. Found a little cave at one of the little beaches as well as great boulders serving as wind blocks at one of the headlands. Beautiful place
Written 20 April 2018
Is it tarmacked and is there any steps just wondering how wheelchair accessible is it?
Written 26 January 2018
Unfortunately Ballycotton cliff-walk does not allow for wheelchair access. There is a beautiful beach nearby called Garryvoe which has a large wide footpath and slipway access to the beach. Also Youghal promenade is suitable for wheelchairs. Hope this helps!
Written 23 March 2018
I will be in Cork on December 12. Would you recommend the cliff walk at this time? Or will it be too cold and dangerous?
Written 25 November 2016

A Tripadvisor member
If the weather is dry the walk will be very enjoyable. It can be a little cold of course, but nothing suitable clothing and footwear won't deal with. The path is tight in places and uneven ( hence the footwear recommendation). We have walked in a summer gale and it was fine - we avoided going too close to edges but that is just common sense - but clearly you need to make a judgement call in the day depending on prevailing conditions. A return walk by countryside lanes ( road traffic ) is possible if a return walk is judged too much.
Written 28 November 2016
SaidYes0911
Vancouver, Canada
Can anyone tell me the name of the point that extends the furthest out on the cliff walk near the Ballyandreen beach? It's a bit of a hill with a rocky top.
Written 19 September 2016
Hello,
I am verry interrested to do this walk but I am not sure to find the departure.
Is that possible to go there frm the city by walk ? Do you have any indication where it start ?
Thanks in advance
Lucie
Written 30 June 2016
The Cliff Walk is from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen beach along a cliff track where you are flanked by meadows on one side and the ocean on the other. It starts at the end of Ballycotton village (at the y in the road take the right up the hill, the left takes you to the pier). The walk extends over 5 miles on a foot worn track along the cliff face with stunning views and passes Ballytrasna beach. There are many stiles to cross on the route (so not suitable for bikes or buggies).
Written 5 July 2016
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