Donegal has two top-five entrants in best coastal walks to explore in 2024

Silver Strand and the Slieve League cliffs have made the top five of the ‘Top 12 coastal walks in Ireland to explore in 2024’ - coming in second and fifth places respectively. 

With the help of Betway, the top 12 coastal walks to discover in Ireland have been revealed, with Sheep’s Head Bay - located in Cork - scoring as the top destination.

The popularity of each beach location was measured by a unique index score - based on the number of hashtags and views each coastal gem has racked up on Instagram, as well as Trip Advisor rankings - with the lower the overall index score the higher the ranking.

But of course, Silver Strand - the hidden gem of the Donegal Coastline - followed behind in second place, with it being a must-see destination for anyone in the area. Its breathtaking, yet secluded beaches boast some of the most unique natural beauty in Ireland, and you can’t go wrong with a leisurely walk along its pristine golden sands.

If you like the sound of Sheep’s Head Bay, extending your hike along the Wild Atlantic Way West may be the route to go down, as the stunning coastal route placed third, alongside Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher is home to one of Ireland’s most spectacular views, as it’s known as a natural masterpiece.

Also in third place was the Howth Cliff Walk - located in Dublin - an incredibly scenic cliff top loop trail that looks over the west coast of Ireland. It is a perfect escape when you’re in need of your dose of nature.

A walk around the grounds of Malahide Castle, also in Dublin, proved to be popular, with spectacular views of the coast - beating another Donegal gem. Following behind were the highest accessible sea cliffs of Europe, the Slieve League Cliffs - which are three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher - and where you are guaranteed to feel as though you’re on the edge of the world.

Index score created using data from Google, Instagram and Tripadvisor
> Tripadvisor data taken from attractions rated 5*
> Index score ranked 1-50 (with 1 being the highest)
> Data collected on 08/02/24