The route
The Doneraile path runs from the village out along the red sandstone cliffs toward Portally, with the sea on one side the whole way. Across the water sits the Hook Peninsula and its 800-year-old lighthouse — the view that makes the walk. Out and back is about 45 minutes at an easy pace; carry on toward Portally Cove and you can make a longer loop of it.
What you're walking over
Kittiwakes nest on the cliffs directly below the path — Dunmore East hosts one of Ireland's best-known urban seabird colonies, and in the nesting season the noise rises straight up the rock face. The headland at Shanoon, known for centuries as Black Nobb, held an Iron Age promontory fort — the Dún Mór, "the great fort", that gave the village its name well over a thousand years ago. The old pilot station stands on the point today, and sea caves run through the cliff beneath it.
Before you go
- Footwear — it is a coastal cliff path: fine in trainers on a dry day, but proper shoes beat sandals.
- Weather — the path is exposed; on a windy day give the edge a wide margin.
- Kids — grand for children who can walk it, but keep them close to hand near the edge.
The village routine
Walk-then-lunch is a Dunmore East institution: do the path before midday, then come back to the harbour for chowder and a pint on the waterfront — see where to eat. If it's a swimming day, Lady's Cove is on your way back.
Cliff walk questions
How long is the Doneraile cliff walk?
About 45 minutes out and back at an easy pace. Keep going toward Portally Cove and you can stretch it well past an hour.
Is the Doneraile walk difficult?
No — it is an easy coastal path at a gentle pace, though the ground is uneven in places and the cliff edge is real. Wear proper footwear and keep children close to hand.
When is the best time to see the kittiwakes?
The colony is busiest through the nesting season in spring and early summer, when the cliffs below the path are loud with them. You will usually see seabirds along the walk at any time of year.