Cliff diving into the Atlantic: Discovering Ireland's ultimate coasteering destinations

Would you leap into the cold, often wild waters of the North Atlantic from a towering 30-foot cliff in Ireland?

It turns out, not only are adventurers doing it, but tourists are increasingly paying for the experience. I recently joined in, and after diving into the unpredictable depths, it became the highlight of my week-long trip to the legendary island – along with a deep appreciation for the raw power of the ocean.

Known as 'coasteering' and first pioneered in nearby Wales, this daring water sport blends rough sea swimming, cave exploration, cliff climbing, and high dives into the exposed waters below. Navigating the risks of rocks, hypothermia, and drowning is all part of the thrill.

All in all, it’s a thrilling way to witness Ireland’s renowned cliffs and coastlines from a fresh perspective, while also developing a newfound respect for the harsh, untamed surroundings.

From the southern tip in County Cork to the cliff-lined shores of Kerry, Clare, and Galway, all the way up to the iconic Giant’s Causeway in County Donegal and Northern Ireland, nearly two dozen adventure companies offer coasteering tours across much of the island.

Based on rave reviews and my own firsthand adventure, here are some of the top spots to take the plunge off Europe’s western edge.

County Antrim

Just a few miles east of Northern Ireland’s stunning Benone Strand, part of one of the island’s longest beaches, you’ll discover perfect conditions for coasteering with Causeway Coasteering in Portrush or Coasteering NI in Ballintoy.

The world-renowned Giant’s Causeway is the primary attraction for most travelers heading this far north, but there’s much more to explore along the entire Causeway Coastal Route.

Fans of “Game of Thrones” will recognize Ballintoy Harbour as the filming location for the Iron Islands, and if you’re coasteering on the island’s northern shores, you’ll need nerves of steel to handle the adrenaline rush.

County Donegal

Across the border in the Republic of Ireland, if you’re seeking the island’s most remote and pristine landscapes, look no further than County Donegal.

Tucked away in one of Europe’s most pristine and rugged coastal regions, Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre leads adventurers to some of the most breathtaking jumps amidst the spectacular sea stacks of Ireland and Britain. Located in the quaint village of Clonmany, the outfitter offers coasteering tours throughout the year, with optimal conditions typically found in spring.

County Sligo

Known mainly for its massive surf, Mullaghmore in County Sligo offers a thrilling and diverse coasteering experience. As per North West Coasteering, 'there are so many routes here, you could visit every week for a year and still discover a new tour each time.'

For the ultimate adrenaline rush from cliff dives, head to Mullaghmore itself. If you’re after a more relaxed experience focused on exploring sea caves, nearby Bundoran offers tours with a gentler pace.

County Galway

Located on the northwest edge of County Galway, Connemara is a prime destination for coasteering in Ireland.

While jumping off the treacherous Cliffs of Moher just to the south isn’t an option (nor advisable), Real Adventures, Delphi Resort, and Clare Island Adventures all offer top-rated trips along the rugged and sometimes narrow coastline of Connemara.

Afterward, take time to admire the enchanting beauty of nearby Connemara National Park.

Tip: To get a clearer sense of what you’ll be jumping into, it’s best to consult with a guide before making your reservation.

County Kerry

If you’re planning to visit the highly popular and scenic County Kerry – home to Dingle, the Gap of Dunloe, and Killarney National Park – coasteering is a must-do addition to your itinerary.

When touring with Wild Water Adventures out of Tralee, you’ll experience exhilarating coasteering adventures, guided by one of the friendliest and most experienced experts along the coast. John Edwards, like all great coasteering guides, never pressured our group, but was always supportive, understanding, and reassuring.

No matter the route you take, adventure tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way is flourishing, offering an authentic alternative to the traditional tour-bus approach to exploring Ireland’s legendary coastline.

Who would have imagined that something as simple as coasteering could turn out to be the most surprising, intimidating, and exhilarating way to dive into adventure?