Explore 9 counties along this unforgettable coastal touring route to enjoy breathtaking scenery and exceptional experiences.
Mesmerising landscape, sea-salted shorelines and 2,500km of unforgettable experiences ahead of you.
Take on the Wild Atlantic Way in all its wonder.
Alive with literature, music, stories, and surf, its landscape, flora, fauna, and sheer size have inspired everyone from WB Yeats to John Lennon.
Here’s a list of 10 places you can’t afford to miss on the route:
1. DONEGAL HEADLANDS
This remote and rocky region in the far north is a world of possibilities. Witness the Northern Lights dancing in clear winter skies, explore the windswept cliffs, and see the millions of seabirds gathering in great estuaries.
2. SLIEVE LEAGUE COAST
The Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, towering spectacularly over the Atlantic. Take to the ocean and kayak alongside these cliffs. Explore Silver Strand, a hidden beach only accessible by sea or steps, or watch local craftspeople weave classic Donegal tweed.
3. YEATS COUNTRY
The ocean swell beckons surfers here from all over the world, while its historic passage tombs and villages revive the spirits. No wonder Irish poet WB Yeats fell in love with its beauty.
4. ERRIS PENINSULA
If you venture to Erris Peninsula, you’ll be struck by the expanse of open land, with contrasts of light and dark. The white sand and clear waters of the Inishkea Islands are a beachcomber’s dream. Collect seashells on Blacksod Bay, and visit Ireland’s largest colony of Atlantic grey seals.
5. CLEW BAY
Clew Bay has an island for every day of the year, so storytellers say. Explore the island of Dorinish, once owned by The Beatles’ John Lennon, who came to “get away from it all.” The Bay’s beach combines Blue Flag shores with submerged drumlins formed an ice age ago.
6. CONNEMARA
The Atlantic surf has shaped everything from Connemara’s landscape to the spirit of Galway city. Visit Killary Harbour (‘An Caoláire Rua’ in Irish), Ireland’s only fjord, or take a boat to the traditional Aran Islands to explore traditional Irish music and language.
7. THE BURREN
The Burren means ‘the great rock’ and this moonscape of karst limestone is a World Heritage Site. Between the cracked limestone that stretches over 250km, you’ll find megalithic tombs older than Egypt’s pyramids as well as abundant flora and fauna.
8. DINGLE PENINSULA
Dingle Town is a hub of literary and creative culture in Kerry, where pubs, live music and festivals abound. Wander among long-deserted cottages on Na Blascaodaí (the Blasket Islands), take in dramatic views from Ceann Sléibhe (Slea Head), and sample the area’s renowned seafood.
9. RING OF KERRY
From exquisite national parks to Stone Age ring forts, Kerry’s boundless energy and breathtaking landscapes linger in the memory. Explore UNESCO pilgrimage site Sceilg Mhicíl (Skellig Michael), which writer George Bernard Shaw described as “part of our dream world.”
10. WEST CORK
In West Cork, the timeless air of the Beara Peninsula allows nature to set the pace. The Atlantic Ocean here meets the Gulf Stream, and the microclimate allows for lush vegetation. Sail around any of the 100 islands, visit castle ruins or take in one of West Cork’s stunning sunsets.
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IRELAND - MALTA - TRAVEL 