Geokaun Mountain And Fogher Cliffs: My Favourite Place In Ireland

Hands-down my favourite place to visit in Ireland is Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs in Kerry.

Located on the mighty Valentia Island (connected to the mainland by bridge from Portmagee), I’ve visited Geokaun 8+ times now and every visit is like that first one all over again.

With panoramic views from its summit that take in everywhere from the Skellig Islands to the Dingle Peninsula, there’s a lot to like about this remote corner of Kerry, as you’ll discover below.

Some quick need-to-knows about Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs

Although a visit to Geokaun Mountain is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

You’ll find Geokaun Mountain a short drive from Portmagee on the mainland and Knight’s Town on the island itself. Valentia is a key attraction on the Skellig Ring.

2. The summit is on private land

Like the nearby Kerry Cliffs, to get to the summit of Geokaun you need to pass through private land. The family that own it have created a path to the top. The entrance is located here on Google Maps.

3. Admission (see note about winter!)

I visited Geokaun Mountain last summer and winter. In the summer, there was a little ticket booth with staff in attendance where you could pay with card or cash. When I visited in winter, there was a carpark-like-machine on the left of the entrance that only accepted coins. Prices for 2024 are:

• €6 per car/family
• €4 for motorbikes
• €3 for pedestrians/cyclists
• €2 per bus passenger

4. Open all year round

You can drive up to Geokaun Mountain between 08:00 and 20:00 365 days of the year. If you can, try and time your visit around sunrise or sunset for a view that’ll knock you sideways.

5. There’s a steep climb to the top

After you pay, you have two options – drive the whole way to the top or walk. Having done the drive many times, a warning – it’s very… very steep. If you drive, take it extremely slow. If you walk, fair play to ya!

6. Handy for those with limited mobility

One of the beauties of Geokaun Mountain is its accessibility. You can, quite literally, drive right up to the viewpoint. This makes it one of the more attractive places to visit in Kerry for those with/travelling with someone that has limited mobility.

Things to do at Geokaun Mountain on Valentia Island

There’s plenty to see and do up around the Geokaun Mountain, from the different viewpoints and the information boards to the Fogher Cliffs and more.

Keep in mind that there are many sheer drops in the area, so use care, especially on days when visibility is reduced.

1. Soak up the views from the viewpoint

Make a beeline for the summit of Geokaun Mountain – it’s well signposted (make sure to take notice of the speed warnings!).

You can drive right up to the main viewing area and when the weather is clear there are views of the Skellig Islands, the Dingle Peninsula, the Blasket Islands and Carrauntoohil.

It gets fierce windy up here, even at the height of summer, so make sure to bring something warm to wear.

2. See the Fogher Cliffs

It’s on the northern side of Geokaun Mountain that you’ll find the impressive Fogher Cliffs. They stand at an impressive 600 feet (180-metres).

Now, a note – if you want to see the cliffs, you’ll need to head to one of the lower viewpoints. You’ll find it here on maps.

There’s a pathway from the parking area right the way out to the viewpoint.

3. Do the Geokaun loop walk

There’s a 1.5km long looped walk around Geokaun Mountain for those that fancy a ramble. It’ll take you 30 – 40 minutes depending on pace.

This is a very straightforward trail that starts from the second car park, here on maps, and that takes in the Fogher Cliffs and the various views.

Things to do after visiting Geokaun Mountain

One of the beauties of Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit on Valentia Island.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Geokaun Mountain (plus places to eat!).

1. Valentia Lighthouse (13-minute drive)

You’ll get a good view of Valentia Lighthouse for Geokaun. If you’d like to explore it further, you can take a tour and discover its story from 1866 to present day.

2. Bray Head Walk (12-minute drive)

The Bray Head Walk is a fine way to spend an hour to two when the weather’s good. The start point is a handy spin away and the trail, while steep, isn’t too challenging.

3. Kerry Cliffs (17-minute drive)

One of the most impressive stretches of coastline in the county can be found at the Kerry Cliffs. You pay in and it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the viewing areas.

FAQs about Fogher Cliffs and Geokaun

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is it free in?’ to ‘What is there to see?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.