The Wild Atlantic Way
Journey along the world's longest coastal driving route: The Wild Atlantic Way.
Prepare to be swept away by the raw beauty and enchanting allure of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This epic 2600-kilometre route along the island’s rugged western coastline offers an unforgettable journey through some of its most breathtaking landscapes.
The route stretches from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal in the north to the colourful seaside town of Kinsale in County Cork in the south. It’s known for its stunning coastal views, charming towns and villages, historical sites and opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, golfing, surfing and wild swimming.
Together with Ireland.com, we’ve crafted this guide to the Wild Atlantic Way, from unique stays to the natural landmarks you should include on your itinerary.
The Wild Atlantic Way is best enjoyed on the road. You can hire a car or a camper if you’re going truly wild. Check out family-owned Cookies Campers or Just Go Motorhomes for something larger. There are tours you can book with Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours, Wild Willow Tours or Railtours Ireland. If you’re opting for public transport, all major towns and cities are linked by Ireland’s rail network, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), and bus routes operated by local providers and Bus Éireann.
2024 marks the ten-year anniversary of the launch of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is divided into 14 stages and passes through three provinces and nine counties. All up, it would take you 32 hours to drive end to end, but most people spend between three and five days exploring the route. Along the way, you’ll visit breathtaking natural sites, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and the Burren.
Ask any Irish person where you must visit while on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the answer will be Connemara National Park. From Diamond Hill to Killary Harbour, Sky Road and Kylemore Abbey, there’s so much to explore in this national park. It’s also home to the largest remaining Irish-speaking region (Gaeltacht), so you may pick up a few words (or ‘cúpla focal’) while chatting with the locals. Many locations within Connemara have made it into our top picks below.
Galway city, the European Capital of Culture 2020, is worth a stopover. It’s home to great food and events — notably the Galway International Arts Festival. For a perfect day, listen to the buskers as you walk down Shop Street, grab a coffee at Coffeewerk + Press, a croissant at Magpie Bakery, or a fish and chips from McDonagh’s to enjoy while watching the swans at The Claddagh before a walk along the prom in Salthill. Finish your day with a pint and a trad sesh at Tigh Neachtain.
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Adventures by Land and Sea
Get the adrenaline pumping with these wild escapades from the south to the north coast of Ireland.
1. Mullaghmore Head Surfing
2. Self-Bike Tour Around Inishmore
3. Sea Kayaking in Clew Bay
4. Glenevin Waterfall
5. Cycle the Great Western Greenway
Restaurants
There's more to Irish cuisine than moreish stews. Fresh seafood abounds along the Wild Atlantic Way.
1. Moran's Oyster Cottage
2. Aniar
3. The Rusty Mackerel
4. Linnane's Lobster Bar
5. Bastion
Coastal Towns
There are hundreds of small towns and villages you can stop in along the coastal route. Here are our top picks.
1. Dingle
2. Westport
3. Kinsale
4. Spiddal (An Spidéal)
5. Sligo
Local Gems
You'll find more locals at these spots than tourists. Come and see what the buzz is about.
1. JJ Bowles
2. Pot Duggans
3. Misunderstood Heron
4. POTA
5. Linnalla Irish Ice Cream
Wild Beauties
From wind-battered islands to towering cliffs, there are many staggering natural landmarks to uncover.
1. Slieve League (Sliabh Liag)
2. Dún Briste Sea Stack
3. Delphi Valley
4. The Burren
5. Skellig Michael
Unique Stays
Forget boring old hotels and B&Bs, stay somewhere as iconic as the Wild Atlantic Way itself.
1. Clare Island Lighthouse
2. Inis Meáin Island Stays
3. Ballynahinch Castle
4. Lough Mardal Lodge
5. Wild Atlantic Bus
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Further Afield
Take a break from the road and stop in at these charming towns and regions off the route.
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Redcastle, Donegal
Technically, at the end of the Wild Atlantic Way, this small town is on the edge of Lough Foyle, off the Inishowen Peninsula. This quaint town is the perfect resting point before continuing on your Irish journey. Why not at its luxe Redcastle Oceanfront Golf & Spa Hotel? Best of everything Ireland has to offer: great views, seafront access, proximity to delicious foods and unbelievable historical monuments like Grianán of Aileach. Read more. -
Athenry
This medieval town in County Galway is renowned for its well-preserved historic architecture, including a castle, Dominican Priory and town walls dating back to the 13th century. It's also this writer's hometown and the setting for a famous song: ‘The Fields of Athenry’. Read more. -
Limerick City
Situated at the mouth of Ireland's longest river, the Shannon, Limerick is one of Ireland's oldest cities, dating back to the Viking era. Today, it boasts a thriving cultural scene, making it well worth a visit — the best time is for the Samhain Festival (aka Hallowe’en). Read more. -
Killarney National Park
Wild swimming in the Killarney Lakes, hiking up Ireland’s highest mountain range (McGillycuddy's Reeks), horse and cart tours, lavish historical houses and heritage tours await at this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Read more. -
Ennis
A charming town in County Clare with plenty of cultural events happening, including the annual Ennis Trad Festival, which attracts musicians from all over the county and the world. It's making its 30th anniversary in 2024. Read more.
Bookable Experiences
Ready to start planning? We've found these experiences you can book right now along the Wild Atlantic Way.
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Lough Corrib Cruise
Enjoy a pint of Guinness while your captain shares stories of the Connemara National Park and the prestigious Ashford Castle hotel and estate. In summer, the cruise takes you to Inchagoill Island, where two ancient churches and the earliest examples of Ogham await. Book now. -
Fanad Lighthouse
Head out to the precipice of the Wild Atlantic Way at this working lighthouse at the mouth of Lough Swiully. Take a guided tour of the heritage building or stay a night in one of the restored lighthouse keeper's cottages. Book now. -
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Immerse yourself in the past, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, at this incredibly preserved and authentic castle and folk park in Clare. Dress in medieval attire and attend a banquet or peruse the apothecary on Village Street. Book now. -
Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve
Look to the stars in Ireland's first International Dark Sky Reserve, located on the Iveragh Peninsula, right by the Atlantic Ocean. The reserve is free to access, but you can book a tour with the experts and learn how to ‘star hop’ and identify constellations. Book now. -
Seaweed Foraging
Throughout Ireland's history, the sea has provided sustenance. Some of the knowledge has been lost, but you can take a step back in time (and enjoy some nibbles on the way) on a seaweed discovery and tasting walk with Atlantic Irish Seaweed in Derrynane Harbour. Book now.
Plan Your Journey up the Wild Atlantic Way
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No matter how you like to travel or what you love to travel for, you’ll find your perfect somewhere in Ireland. Fill your heart with Ireland, and find out more on Ireland.com.
Images: Donegal Coast (Tourism Ireland), Doolin (Kev L Smith, Doolin Tourism), trad session at Matt Molloy’s Westport (Fáilte Ireland), The Long Walk, The Claddagh (Tourism Ireland), Blackrock Diving Tower (Chaosheng Zhang, Tourism Ireland)