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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Five of the Best
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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.
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Restaurants
There's more to Irish cuisine than moreish stews. Fresh seafood abounds along the Wild Atlantic Way.
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Coastal Towns
There are hundreds of small towns and villages you can stop in along the coastal route. Here are our top picks.
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Local Gems
You'll find more locals at these spots than tourists. Come and see what the buzz is about.
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Wild Beauties
From wind-battered islands to towering cliffs, there are many staggering natural landmarks to uncover.
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Unique Stays
Forget boring old hotels and B&Bs, stay somewhere as iconic as the Wild Atlantic Way itself.
Five of the Best
Find your perfect somewhere in Ireland.
Plan Your Journey up the Wild Atlantic Way
Track down the must-visit spots.
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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)