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The ultimate road trip along Ireland's west coast: a three day itinerary

Thanks to the Wild Atlantic Way, more travellers than ever are discovering the jewels of the west coast of Ireland by car. Take a long weekend to tour this spectacular coastline, stopping at everything from geological marvels to decadent spas and experience the very best of Irish heritage and hospitality.

DAY 1 – CORK TO KERRY

Start your tour of Ireland by flying into Cork and making the short 25-minute drive to the town of Kinsale , the very beginning (or end) of the Wild Atlantic Way. Ireland's first long-distance driving route is renowned for its rugged coastal beauty, and you could spend weeks exploring each craggy inlet and winding country lane. This small town, which Condé Nast Traveller previously named one of Ireland's most beautiful , is overflowing with character. With houses painted in bright sherbets, ultramarine and chalky pink, it's reminiscent of the colourful Venetian island of Burano.

Spend a day wandering through the pretty boutiques and watching yachts from the harbour, or embrace one of Ireland's oldest traditions – the ancient art of distilling. Visit the Kinsale Mead Co for a modern take on the honey-based drink, or drive around 40 minutes outside the town to the Clonakilty Distillery . Founded in 2016 by the Scully family, who have farmed the land for nine generations, the distillery immerses travellers in Cork's illustrious whiskey heritage through tours and tastings of their award-winning collection. It's not just whiskey, either: they also produce vodka, gin and sloe gin with local hedgerow fruit. Pick up a bottle of your favourite and return to Kinsale for supper – the town has been hailed as one of the best dining spots in the whole of Ireland.

Unsurprisingly, given its coastal location, Kinsale is renowned for its seafood. Head to Fishy Fishy for an extensive menu of fresh oysters, local lobster and the creamiest fish pie you'll ever taste, or reserve a table at Bastion to experience Michelin-worthy dishes. The restaurant earned its first star in 2020 and has been delighting diners ever since with a tasting menu that shines a spotlight on Ireland's incredible seasonal produce.

After you've paid your compliments to the chef, it's time to head to your lodgings for the night. An hour and 45 minutes through the charming Irish countryside will bring you to Kenmare on the Kerry coastline, where you have the choice of two indulgent places to stay. On one side of the bay, you'll find Sheen Falls Lodge , a grand five-star escape set in 300 acres of jaw-dropping scenery. Opt for one of their decadent suites, or cosy up in a traditional thatched cottage on the grounds. On the opposite side of the water is the spectacular Park Hotel Kenmare , which dates back to 1897. It’s an idyllic spot for sipping Champagne in front of a roaring log fire or to gaze at the water as the sun sets out to sea.

DAY 2 - KERRY TO LIMERICK

No matter which Kenmare hotel you've chosen, you're sure to wake up bright and well-rested for your second day of exploring the west coast. Ireland is rightly celebrated for its stunning scenery, and just an hour’s drive will transport you to a world of dramatic peaks, lakes and dense woods of oak and yew. Killarney National Park is home to McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, and a chain of three lakes. Spend the morning hiking or walking, keeping an eye out for native red deer as you go, or take to the lakes for a kayaking adventure.

In the afternoon, soak up the park's heritage at Muckross House . The 19th-century mansion is surrounded by manicured grounds and inspirational gardens; visitors can enjoy freshly made soups, scones and sandwiches in the Garden Restaurant conservatory.

Half an hour further north is a different kind of retreat. Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa , on the edge of the national park with impressive views over Lough Leane, is one of Ireland's premier spa resorts and the perfect place to unwind. The spa draws inspiration from the Irish landscape in both its slate interiors and its treatments, which use exclusive VOYA Organics products, made of seaweed harvested from Ireland’s pristine ocean waters. From facials to massages to intense relaxation sessions in the thermal suites, you'll leave rejuvenated and ready to continue your journey to your final destination of the day.

Adare Manor in Limerick is astonishing – its splendid architecture and grounds coupled with sublime hospitality have led to this glamorous locale being named best resort in the world in Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2022. Suites are elegance personified, activities such as falconry, archery and horse riding can be enjoyed, and in Michelin-starred restaurant The Oak Room, Ireland's bounty of seasonal food is celebrated amid glowing candlelight. .

DAY 3 - LIMERICK TO GALWAY

On your final day exploring the west coast of Ireland, you'll be immersed in incredible scenery from Limerick to Galway, travelling through Clare and along the coastline.

The Burren is one of the world's most striking geological sights; a rugged landscape of buckling limestone that’s almost lunar-like in its harshness. Driving through the rocky terrain is awe-inspiring. Despite its remoteness, there's still plenty going on here – you'll even find the Wild Honey Inn, a pub with rooms and a Michelin star, in the centre of the national park.

Afterwards, head west towards the coast and another one of Ireland's most famed sites. Together with the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher have been recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, with their steep drop and breathtaking walks drawing almost a million visitors each year. The landscape is scattered with sea caves and sea stacks rising from the waves, and it's a prime spot for bird watching – keep an eye out for razorbills and even Atlantic puffins on the more secluded areas of the cliffs. Those with particularly keen eyesight might catch glimpses of dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks.

Travelling up towards Galway, you can make a mini detour to take in the neolithic burial ground of Poulnabrone Dolmen, the 330-million-year-old warrens of Aillwee Cave, or the ruins of 16th-century tower house Dunguaire Castle .

In Galway, more high-end dining awaits. Visit Aniar , where dishes draw heavily from the west coast and surrounding areas of Galway. Here, dishes such as kelp and sea radishes, lamb and artichoke and beef with arrowgrass have earned it a Michelin star. Or try bohemian Kai , an eclectic spot with a focus on sustainability – produce is local and organic, menus are short and seasonal, and its dedication to zero waste and recycling mean that it's been honoured with a Bib Gourmand as well as a Michelin Green Star.

Finish your journey with a final hour-long drive to Ashford Castle . On the very northernmost tip of Lough Carrib, a stay in this remarkable 800-year-old building will make any traveller feel like royalty. With sumptuous suites and dreamy estate gardens to explore, it's the perfect place to end your tour of the west coast.

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Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip: Our Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary on Ireland's West Coast

Expect imposing landscapes, breathtaking views and plenty of Irish charm on this incredibly scenic road trip from Muff to Kinsale on the Wild Atlantic Way. At 7 days long, this ultimate road trip takes in the entire west coast of Ireland, from the northernmost point to the most southerly point of the country.

This 7-day road trip along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is 1, 790 km long and has a drive time of 32 hours and 20 minutes. On this drive, you will visit Dunfanaghy, Enniscrone, Galway, Limerick, Dingle, Kenmare and Kinsale and admire coastal sights.

Your 7-day road trip on Wild Atlantic Way: the best day-by-day itinerary

What is the best 7-day road trip on the wild atlantic way.

Quaint villages, friendly welcomes, Irish music and plenty of fun await you on this road trip. If you like the outdoors, you will be bombarded by opportunities for walking, hiking, swimming, water sports, land sports and horse riding along the way.

For a more sedate experience, there will be plenty of views to admire and beaches to stroll along. This will be an unforgettable trip, jam-packed from start to finish.

If you want to stretch this out, you could easily spend a couple of extra days in Connemara, Achill Island or the Dingle Peninsula.

The average daily drive is 4 hours 30 minutes, and the longest drive will be the one from Enniscrone to Galway on day 3 at 5 hours and 50 minutes. If this road trip sounds like a bit of you, keep reading to find our ultimate 7-day itinerary including daily distances, places to stay and things to do along the way.

Day 1: Driving from Muff to Dunfanaghy

The first day's drive covers nearly 240 km and has a drive time of 4 hours 30 minutes, not accounting for any stops en route. This is a spectacular way to start this epic road trip of a lifetime, and an excellent introduction to the Irish coastline.

Road trip route from Muff to Dunfanaghy

Your unforgettable coastal road trip starts in Muff, Co. Donegal and heads along the north coast of Ireland. It's a bit of a curvy drive as you follow the coast to Malin Head, through the Fanad Peninsula and on to Dunfanaghy.

Along the way, you'll pass through the capital of Co. Donegal, Letterkenny, which is a good spot to pick up some supplies or grab a bit of lunch. As you drive along the coast, you'll pass by many beaches and viewpoints, which make great rest stops along the way.

Things to explore on the way to Dunfanaghy

Visit Malin Head, the northernmost tip of mainland Ireland, which also served as the backdrop to the Star Wars movies and the perfect place to visit for any sci-fi fan!

As well as stunning views and dramatic landscapes, there are two hiking trails here. Named Hells Hole and Devils Bridge, these trails promise breathtaking views and will bring you up close and personal with the Irish natural landscape.

Once named the second most beautiful beach in the world, Ballymastocker Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the Irish shoreline. You will get to admire long stretches of silky sand and a gorgeous dip in crystal-clear waters if you are visiting during the warmer months.

This beach is a hotspot for surfers, but if you aren't feeling quite adventurous, the white sandy beach, blue ocean, panoramic views and the surrounding rugged landscape make this a must-see on your road trip alone. Consider packing lunch to enjoy as you soak in the views and atmosphere here.

Where to stay in Dunfanaghy: make the most of the coast

Dunfanaghy is known for its charm as a typical Irish village. Overlooked by the Derryveagh Mountains and surrounded by beaches and shorelines, this village offers an activity to meet all tastes.

Visitors can play golf, go hiking, ride horses, enjoy water sports or take a stroll along one of the many surrounding beaches. If you fancy a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, the village has a number of Blue Flag beaches which are ideal for a swim.

Offering views of the sea, hills and countryside at every turn, the Shandon Hotel and Spa makes the most of its surroundings . An on-site restaurant and bar with open fires and live music ensure that you will experience excellent food and the fun of an Irish pub during your stay.

The hotel also has an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and luxury thermal spa, which are great for relaxing after a day's travel and activity. With a great location and free on-site parking, this is a great choice for a road trip.

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Day 2: Driving from Dunfanaghy to Enniscrone

3 hours and 50 minutes and 240 km make up the drive on day 2, which is a bit shorter than the first day. This route starts to take you south and out of Co. Donegal, into Co. Sligo. You'll also be passing from the Ulster province to the province of Connacht.

Road trip route from Dunfanaghy to Enniscrone

While this drive takes more of an inland route, the views and drive are still as captivating as the coastline. You'll stay on the coast until you get to Glengesh Viewing Point, which is a beautiful drive.

You'll continue inland until you approach Mullaghmore Head. From here, you follow the coast into Sligo Town and on to Enniscrone.

Things to explore on the way to Enniscrone

Prepare for some hairpin bends and narrow Irish roads as you take a short detour up to the Glengesh Viewing Point. The view from the top will be worth the extra kilometres though! The beautiful, peaceful Irish countryside is simply stunning here.

A very popular holiday destination for Irish and tourists alike, Mullaghmore is one of the best-known places in the west of Ireland. Derived from the Irish word that means "the great summit" this picturesque village is dotted with great eateries, luxurious lodging and amazing recreational activity opportunities such as surfing.

If you fancy getting off the mainland and exploring some of Ireland's islands, you can take a ferry from the pier in Mullaghmore to Inishmurray Island. Keep an eye out for Classiebawn Castle and Benbulben Mountain as you drive along.

Where to stay in Enniscrone: soak up the Seaweed

A popular seaside resort, Enniscrone offers a beautiful beach and a spectacular place to watch the sunset.

Why not visit the Kilcullen Seaweed Baths? Open since 1912, this family-run business offers traditional seaweed baths. Known for their high iodine content and therapeutic properties, seaweed baths are becoming increasingly popular for their restorative and rejuvenating properties.

After spending some time pampering yourself in the baths, you will be spoilt for choice of great accommodation options in Enniscrone. The modern Diamond Coast Hotel is a natural choice that overlooks 5 km of sandy beaches and an 18-hole golf course.

Newly built, this lovely hotel offers comfortable rooms finished to a high standard. If you'd like to enjoy water sports, the luxurious hotel is a short walk from the golden beaches. However, if you are not a fan of open waters, you will find a fantastic outdoor pool at your disposal during your stay.

An on-site restaurant and bar offer good food and a nice spot for an enjoyable evening. Location-wise, swimming, surfing hiking and walking are all on your doorstep here.

Day 3: Driving from Enniscrone to Galway

Day 3 will be your longest drive on this road trip. It is likely to be your longest day also as there are some incredible sights that you won't want to miss. Your drive time will be 5 hours and 50 minutes, covering 340 km, but it is likely that you will spend much longer out and about.

Road trip route from Enniscrone to Galway

Leaving Co. Sligo, you'll head through Co. Mayo and onto Co. Galway. Stick by the coast when leaving Enniscrone, heading west, then south to Achill Island. From here, head back to the mainland and drive to Westport, the capital of Mayo.

The next part of your drive takes you through Connemara National Park and on to Galway. Oh, and keep an eye out for sheep wandering around! They are known to stop traffic as they crowd the roads in Connemara.

Things to explore on the way to Galway

Achill Island is a favourite among Irish holidaymakers and tourists alike. It's easy to see why with its many beaches, Irish pubs and lovely landscape.

You can spend anything from a couple of hours to a couple of days exploring the Island and everything it has to offer. Keem beach is worth a visit if you can squeeze it into your day.

Arguably, one of the most incredible places on the Island of Ireland, Connemara is a must-see. Famous for the pony of the same name, Connemara is packed full of rugged stone landscapes, small villages and winding roads.

It is an Irish-speaking area, so you'll hear a lot of the locals speaking Irish here. Don't worry if you are not familiar with the language, they speak English too. If you are looking for a hike, consider stretching your legs on Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park.

Where to stay in Galway: a great Irish night out

Galway will be one of the biggest and most popular cities on this road trip. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of a small city with its abundance of cafes. restaurants and shops.

Galway is also known for its great nightlife, so you'll be sure to have an evening filled with fun, good food and friendly locals if you plant to head out and venture.

Just 200 metres from Eyres Square, The Galmont Hotel and Spa offers an excellent location to explore Galway city. An award-winning restaurant located on the premises, with spa and leisure facilities at hand, this hotel makes an excellent all-rounder.

With a second on-site restaurant and bar, you have freedom of choice as well as all the amenities you will need to enjoy your stay here. Onsite parking ensures your vehicle will be safe for the night.

Large, comfortable and modern rooms are tastefully decorated to create a luxurious feel and cosy atmosphere to relax in after a long day of driving or a night on the town!

Day 4: Driving from Galway to Limerick

A little shorter your drive on the previous day, day 4 should take you just under 5 hours to complete. Just 270 km separate the cities of Galway and Limerick. If you're looking to shorten this route, you can opt to not make the stop in Kilbaha and drive directly to Limerick instead.

Road trip route from Galway to Limerick

Leave Galway and travel around the bay, entering Co. Clare and the province of Munster. Your first waypoint will be The Cliffs of Moher, probably one of the most well-known attractions on the island.

Shortly after you'll pass Lahinch beach as you follow the coastline south to Kilbaha. Stay by the coast as you pass by Ennis and arrive in Limerick City.

Things to explore on the way to Limerick

A road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is not complete without a stopover at the famous Cliffs of Moher. An awesome and imposing landscape awaits with incredible cliffs, crashing sea waves and breathtaking views. Make sure you have your camera ready!

There are a number of walking trails and hikes around the area if you wish to stretch your legs.

Close to the Cliffs of Moher is Lahinch Beach, loved by avid surfers worldwide. A great spot for a refreshing dip, some water sports or a stroll along the beach, Lahinch makes for a nice stop along the way.

Make sure to visit the Bridges of Ross on your way to Kilbaha, a quaint fishing village positioned on the western end of the Loop Head Peninsula. Here, you will not want to miss a visit to the Loop Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse closes for the winter season, so check ahead of time whether you can visit.

Where to stay in Limerick: A lively city stopover

Another bustling spot along your route, Limerick city, is a great spot for an overnight stay. King John's Castle is not far outside the city centre and is a great example of a restored medieval castle.

Similarly to Galway, Limerick's abundance of restaurants and pubs gives you many options for a great night out. If you have extra time on your hands, we recommend sparing an extra night or two staying here.

Located in the heart of Limerick city, the George Limerick Hotel offers luxury interiors with modern and comfortable rooms. The hotel's fabulous restaurant and bar have something for every meal, with local produce sourced from artisan suppliers.

This cosmopolitan-style boutique hotel is within walking distance of the main attractions in Limerick city and offers private parking to all guests so that you can leave your car behind and easily explore the city on foot.

Day 5: Driving from Limerick to Dingle

At just 3 hours and 40 minutes, the drive from Limerick to Dingle is pretty short in comparison to the others. The 210 km takes in Tralee, Brandon Point and part of the Ring of Kerry.

Road trip route from Limerick to Dingle

From Limerick, you'll follow a more inland route as you head towards Dingle. Your first suggested stopover is Brandon Point and Brandon Mountain. Both offer fabulous views of the bay and the surrounding area.

If you don't feel like a mid-drive hike, you can always return tomorrow as it's very close to Dingle. From here, you'll drive around the mountain, through Dingle and on to Dunquin. You'll do a loop of the peninsula before returning to Dingle for the night.

Things to explore on the way to Dingle

Birdwatchers and hikers, Brandon Point is the perfect place for you to visit. Bradon Point is located at the foot of Mount Brandon, and is an excellent hiking spot. Enjoy the panoramic views before you ascend the mountain, and then enjoy even more beautiful views from the top.

Slea Head Drive is another winding drive along narrow single-lane roads that we absolutely recommend doing. You will be left in awe by its stunning scenery. Coumeenoole Beach is also located on this stretch and is good for a swim or a stroll.

If you're looking for a more strenuous walk, head up to Dunmore Head. This is another shooting location for Star Wars, which will be a treat to visit for any fans of the movie franchise.

From nearby Dunquin, you can sail across to the Blasket Islands, and get off the mainland for a while. As you drive along, keep an eye out for the beehive huts where prehistoric settlers once lived.

Where to stay in Dingle: a colourful port town

Dingle is a fishing port, with Mount Brandon overlooking it from the north. A major hub in the Dingle Peninsula, the town is the only way to get from east to west around the mountain.

Its colourful buildings, excellent food and charming hustle and bustle make Dingle a great option for an overnight stay. There are also plenty of things to do here, such as hopping on one of the sea safari tours to enjoy the rugged scenery of the area from a different perspective.

You can also visit the ancient ruins of the Gallarus Oratory to learn more about the fascinating history of Dingle which goes back hundreds of years. If history is not your thing, head to Dingle Oceanworld to learn about fascinating marine life instead.

If you're looking for a quaint Irish guest house with an Irish welcome in Dingle, stay at The Waterfront . With modern and well-equipped rooms, parking and an excellent location, this guest house offers a great place to stay.

An excellent breakfast is offered each morning and a sea view room can be requested when booking. Make sure to visit Kerry County Museum, which is a short drive from the guesthouse, before setting off on the next leg of your trip.

Day 6: Driving from Dingle to Kenmare

The sixth day will mean that you will drive from the Dingle to the beautiful Kenmare. This will not be a long drive and should take you just under 4 hours to drive the 210 km to Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

Road trip route from Dingle to Kenmare

The coastal views on this drive will make up for the lack of them on Day 5. You'll continue around the Ring of Kerry, driving out to Valentia Island, on to Caherdaniel and then into Kenmare. Killarney national park is just a short hop from Kenmare if you fancy a walk or a cycle.

Things to explore on the way to Kenmare

As well as being an all-year-round surfing destination, the super long Inch Beach is great for a walk to blow away the cobwebs on your way to Kenmare. Bring a picnic and a flask for a beachside lunch or snack.

Located on Valentia Island, Knightstown is one of the few planned towns in Ireland and is built in a grid shape. This quaint town is a good starting spot to explore Valentia Island, or a good end point for something to eat after a day of exploring.

You can also visit Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs, the Valentia Island tetrapod footprints and St. Brendan's Well during your visit here.

Continuing on, make sure to make a stop and take in the majestic views of Kerry Cliffs en route. If you are a history buff, the Ballinskelligs Castle and Abbey are great places to explore.

Where to stay in Kenmare: experience truly luxurious Irish hospitality

Located on Kenmare Bay, Kenmare is another traditional Irish county town, which is the Wild Atlantic Way is so famous for, with winding streets lined with colourful buildings. Boasting charming shops, restaurants, arts and culture, Kenmare offers something for every palette.

Have you ever wanted to ride a horse but not sure where to start? Kenmare has multiple stables and equestrian centres offering a number of different rides and treks.

The Park Hotel Kenmare is one of the most famous hotels in all of Ireland - and with good reason. This 5-star luxury property will give you the celebrity-style treatment with its exquisite rooms and top-notch customer service.

If you want to spend your time relaxing at the hotel, you might be delighted to hear that this fantastic property houses its own 12-seat cinema, not something you come across in most hotels!

If you are an adventurer, the hotel offers deep sea diving tours, but also a 30 feet outdoor pool for those who would like a more tranquil dip. No matter what activity you choose, you will want to head to the full-service spa on-site afterwards to treat yourself after an exhilarating day.

You won't have to venture far for an upscale meal as the restaurant features a fantastic restaurant with a changing menu dependant on seasons that feature the freshest of the local products.

If you are looking to treat yourself to a special occasion lodging option on your road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way, Park Hotel Kenmare is it; it may cost more than its competitors but this once-in-a-lifetime experience will be worth it.

Day 7: Driving from Kenmare to Kinsale

The last day of this amazing road trip packs a punch like the previous days and brings with it a 280 km drive over 5 hours and 40 minutes. This drive includes a stop at Ireland's most south-westerly point and crosses into Co. Cork, Ireland's biggest county.

Road trip route from Kenmare to Kinsale

The route from Kenmare will stay inland until you reach Glengarriff, where it meets the coast again. Follow the coast around the tips of the country and you will come to Mizen Head. Head east from here, winding your way along the coast until you get to Kinsale.

Things to explore on the way to Kinsale

Mizen Head is Ireland's most southwestern point, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding cliffs, landscape and crashing waves make this a place that is hard to forget.

For those looking for an adrenaline rush, go to visit Mizen Head Lighthouse, which is located across the land and is accessible via a 52-metre-long bridge.

Famous for its Clonakilty Black Pudding, this little town will be one of the stars of this road trip. Voted Best Town in Europe in 2017, the locals here have a reputation for being extremely friendly and welcoming.

The Friday farmers market is full of local produce including cheese, vegetables, coffee, baked goods and fish, so make sure to stock up if you are planning a home-cooked meal or a picnic when you arrive in Kinsale.

Where do stay once you reach Kinsale: End your trip in style

Kinsale is the official start or end point of the Wild Atlantic Way. Its town centre is full of brightly coloured buildings, great shopping and delicious places to eat. With year-round events, a harbour, water sports and many walking tours, there is something for everyone here.

There is no better way to end a road trip than in a spa hotel! Kinsale Hotel and Spa is located outside of the main town centre and has everything you need onsite.

Set in 90 acres of woodland, the location of this hotel is tranquil and picturesque. The onsite spa offers a range of treatments, while the onsite restaurant and bar serve international cuisine. The rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable, ensuring you have a great night's sleep after your week of exploring.

Things to see on a 7-day road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way

One thing is for sure, you will not be short of things to see and do on this road trip. As well as the items listed below, the Irish coastline is littered with viewing points, castle ruins and little villages which you can stop at along the way.

• Tory Island, Co. Donegal - The inhabitants on this remote island take immense pride in the preservation of their cultural heritage through music, song and dance. A must-see!
• Slieve League Cliffs, Co. Donegal - Experience Ireland's highest sea cliffs in Donegal. There is also a cafe, gift shop and guided tours on offer.
• Benbulben, Co. Sligo - This tabletop mountain is a great one to either climb or admire from the 5km walking track around the base.
• Clew Bay, Co. Mayo - It is said that Clew Bay has an island for every day of the year and is also said to be Ireland's best example of sunken drumlins.
• Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo - Ireland's Holy Mountain, Crough Patrick is a cone shaped peak made famous as the place where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days. Today, it remains an important site of pilgrimage for many.
• The Burren, Co. Clare - The Burren is a sight like no other in Ireland. A moon like formation of limestone, filled with crevices, caves, fossils and native flowers, it is not to be missed!
• Treaty City Brewery, Co. Limerick - Visit this working microbrewery to taste some artisan beers and learn how they are made.
• Connor Pass, Co. Kerry - A beautiful, scenic drive in Kerry, Connor Pass is the highest mountain road in Ireland.
• Dingle Cookery School, Co. Kerry - Head to this award-winning culinary school to learn how to cook fish, bake bread or take a traditional Irish cookery class.
• The Skellig Islands, Co. Kerry - Visit a UNESCO world heritage site, 27,000 pairs of gannets and a set from Star Wars by taking a boat out to the Skellig Islands.
• The Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork - With 100 islands to sail around, sunsets to watch and castles to explore, the Beara Peninsula has it all.
• Atlantic Sea Kayaking, Reem Pier Co. Cork - For an unforgettable kayaking experience, choose one of the night kayak tours to see the Atlantic after dark.

Best time to go on a 7-day road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way

Ireland has a pretty steady year-round climate, and rarely sees extremes of weather. That being said, the west coast tends to experience more wind, rain and storms than the other parts of the country.

Spring or Autumn are the best times to do this road trip as the weather will be fine and there will be fewer tourists around. Ireland in the sunshine and heat is a spectacular place to be, but it usually brings with it crowds of Irish and tourists alike.

Traveling in winter

Winter on the west coast of Ireland is likely to be rainy, windy and changeable. In recent years, winter storms with strong gales and local flooding are becoming a more regular occurrence.

Average daily temperatures are between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius with a rare chance of snow. Prices will be cheaper at this time of year, and there will be fewer people around. However, some places and attractions may be closed, so be sure to check beforehand.

Traveling in summer

Average temperatures on the west coast are between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, however in recent years, temperatures of 20 - 30 degrees Celsius are becoming more common.

Summer is a good time for a road trip as you have a higher chance of getting good weather. There will always be a chance of rain though!

The downside of traveling at this time of year is that it will be busy with Irish and international holidaymakers and accommodation prices will be a lot more expensive.

Traveling in spring or autumn

Spring or autumn are two of the best times to visit Ireland and the west coast. The weather tends to be a bit milder with average temperatures of 10 - 11 degrees Celsius across both seasons.

There are usually fewer people around and accommodation prices tend to be more reasonable.

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Related posts

- Ireland Highlights Wild Atlantic Way Special -

Wild Atlantic Way Route

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way on the outer edge of Europe stretches along the west coast of Ireland. It begins on the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal and goes through the counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry, finishing in Kinsale, County Cork. The route which is over 1600 miles (2600 km) long is divided into 14 stages for easier orientation:

The complete Wild Atlantic Way route in 14 stages

14 stages of the Wild Atlantic Way

Inishowen Peninsula

Muff to Letterkenny Distance: 197 km

Letterkenny to Bunbeg Distance: 163 km

Slieve League Coast

Bunbeg to Donegal Town Distance: 170 km

Donegal Bay and Sligo

Donegal Town to Ballina Distance: 192 km

Ballina to Belmullet Distance: 213 km

Achill Island and Clew Bay

Belmullet to Westport Distance: 238 km

Killary Harbour

Westport to Clifden Distance: 165 km

Clifden to Galway Distance: 176 km

The Burren and West Clare

Galway to Kilkee Distance: 164 km

The Shannon Estuary

Kilkee to Tralee Distance: 216 km

Dingle Peninsula

Tralee to Castlemaine Distance: 150 km

Ring of Kerry

Castlemaine to Kenmare Distance: 175 km

Beara and Sheep’s Head

Kenmare to Durrus Distance: 210 km

Durrus to Kinsale Distance: 207 km

Wild Atlantic Way Map

Muff to Kinsale Distance: 2,600 km

Latest posts

Browse the latest articles from our Wild Atlantic Way travel blog:

Discovery Points of the Wild Atlantic Way

Along the Wild Atlantic Way there are numerous Discovery Points, which are pointed out by signs with the WAW logo.

Stages of the Wild Atlantic Way

Discover the 14 stages of the Wild Atlantic Way. You can take the whole trip in one journey or explore the stages one by one.

Navigating on the Wild Atlantic Way

You don’t necessarily need a map to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, since there are more than enough road signs to help you to keep on track.

The Extended Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

When it comes to road trips the Wild Atlantic Way has to be among the best in the world. However, it can be so much better when removing the limitations of borders and restrictions of inland attractions. As technically the Wild Atlantic Way only include destinations on the west coast of Ireland. But many must-see attractions of Ireland are also found nearby along the way, and while the west coast of Ireland is ridiculously scenic at times, a road trip of neverending seascapes will become a tad monotonous for many.

Northern Ireland isn’t actually on the Atlantic Ocean (it’s connected by the Irish sea. But a road trip in Ireland, despite being a different country with competing tourist boards, the exclusion of Northern Ireland just feels wrong when it comes to road trips in Ireland. I have therefore put together my own itinerary for the Extended Wild Atlantic Way, which brings together some of the better coastal and inland sights of both the usual Wild Atlantic Way map as well as the connecting coasts of Northern Ireland along the way.

Where to Start?

Ironically, I feel that the best starting point for Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is in Belfast, Northern Ireland or at least it is likely the most convenient for those flying in from abroad ( directions here ). Where there are large airports (e.g. Belfast City Airport ), with cheap and easy car hire, and the start of the northernmost point in Donegal (Malin Head) is just 2 hours away. Not to forget the Causeway Coast and attractions along the way. Dublin Airport , on the other hand, is on the east side of Ireland, and it’s more than two hours to reach the nearest point of the Wild Atlantic Way. Where it’s smack in the middle of the route. So it’s just impractical. Alternatively, more domestic airports, include Donegal Airport and the City of Derry Airport both in the northwest, then Shannon Airport and Cork Airport in the southwest .

Before Setting Out on the Wild Atlantic Way

While we actually completed the Wild Atlantic Way through three different stages, here I am sharing the best route for everyone, from top to bottom. Each time we would have started out from Bangor, Northern Ireland, which is where we are often based, and again it’s not so far from Belfast. We would then take on short overnight stays and weekends covering individual sections of the Extended Wild Atlantic Way.

• Car Rental from Belfast : Most times we would use our own car here, although we have rented out of Belfast before at the City Airport (Belfast Rental Comparison here). From here it is roughly 1-hour to the Causeway Coast, and then 1-hour again to reach the borders of Donegal and Ireland where the official Wild Atlantic Way route begins. If you’re looking for flexibility and space, consider opting for 7 seater car hire in Belfast to accommodate your travel needs comfortably
• The Way Marked Route : The Wild Atlantic Way route is otherwise just very simple to follow, with incredibly well-signposted routes either North or South along the coastline. Just look for the blue wave signs as shown below.
• Inland Excursions : Using GPS/satnav we would then add in the occasional inland excursions to must-see attractions along the route, and then it is easy to reroute back to the coasts again.
• Free Cancellation Hotels : Before starting the Wild Atlantic Way we would always have hotels booked the entire, using free cancellations through Booking.com , so we can change and reroute if plans change along the way.
• Alternative Accommodation : If you want to plan your own trip, think ahead and book your accommodation early. Use cozycozy to find accommodation at the right price and location

Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary (North to South)

First I will share our most recent Wild Atlantic Way itinerary from North to South when we covered all the most Instagrammable spots on the Wild Atlantic Way. This was all put together in our rather comprehensive 20-minute YouTube below and I have listed each county and the best tourist attractions in the video and also beneath. We also travelled during the Covid Pandemic (September 2020) meaning all attractions are outdoors and easy to explore while social distancing. As so, we do not feature many restaurants to be safe or museums which were closed.

Best of the Causeway Coast (Northern Ireland) : Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Murlough Bay, Portstewart Strand, Mussenden Temple, Derry/Londonderry.

Best of County Donegal: Grianan of Aileach, Malin Head (Ireland’s Most Northernly Point), Fort Dunree, Fanad Head Lighthouse, Murder Hole Beach, Bad Eddie, Sheskinmore Nature Reserve, Assaranca Waterfall, Silver Strand, Slieve League, Killybegs Seafood Shack, Donegal Town (Franciscan Abbey and Castle), Fairy Bridges (Bundoran). Benbulben (County Sligo)

Best of County Mayo: Downpatrick Head, Rosserk Abbey, Achill Island: Granuaile’s Tower, Sheep!, Keel Beach, Keem Bay, Croagh Patrick, Doolough Valley.

Best of County Galway: Connemara, Aasleagh Falls, Kylemore Abbey, Menlo Castle, Dunguaire Castle.

Best of County Clare: Corcomroe Abbey, The Burren National Park, Father Ted’s House, Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch Beach, Bridges of Ross, Loophead Lighthouse.

Best of County Kerry: Ring of Kerry, Carrigafoyle Castle, Nun’s Beach, Rossbeigh Strand, Valentia Island Lighthouse, Skelligs Island Lighthouse, Com An Chiste (Coomakista), Derrynane Bay, Barfinnihy Lake, Ladie’s Viewpoint, Killarney National Park, Killarney town, Ross Castle. Mizen Head, the Most Southernly Point of West Ireland (County Cork)

The Causeway Coast (NI)

Starting from Belfast our initial route takes us through Ballymoney and the dark hedges, a sinister tunnel of intertwined beech trees made famous from the Game of Thrones series (Bregagh Rd, Ballymoney BT53 8TP). In fact many of the landscapes along the Causeway Coastline have featured on the Game of Thrones incl. Ballintoy Harbour, Murlough Bay, Cushendun Caves. But I won’t go into them all as there are a lot of close-knit attractions along this coastline and I’d definitely spend at least one night here, if not two ( Causeway Coast hotels here ). Some of the must-see attractions along this coastline would be the famous basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway, views over the ruins of Dunluce Castle, and, for the more adventurous, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which links 30 metres high above surf and rocks to the tiny island of Carrickarede. I do know this region well having studied at University nearby (UU) and lived in Portstewart, and a couple personal highlights include the Old Bushmills Whiskey distillery (for obvious reasons) and a trip out to Rathlin Island . I plan to add more specifics at some point, but I have covered some of the areas in our Top 10 Northern Ireland Attractions .

Co. Donegal

Leaving the Causeway Coast we skip past Londonderry (sorry Londonderry) and cross the borders to County Donegal and the official start of the Wild Atlantic Way. If using GPS satnav try the easy-to-remember town of Muff which is found a short distance from crossing the border. We are now in the Inishowen peninsula which is the largest peninsula in all of Ireland as we continue along the Wild Atlantic Way travelling up towards Malin Head and the most northerly point of the island of Ireland. To be honest, this is not the most exciting attraction along the way, but it is geographically interesting, where it is also possible to see the Northern Lights from this point. From here on it is all south as we follow on the opposite coastline stopping at a stretching sand beach called Five Finger’s Strand. There’s really some beautiful sands along this side of Donegal and a night on the west coast works well ( list of hotels here ) before continuing on to Slieve League. Slieve League would be the main attraction on Donegal’s Atlantic coast with sea cliffs so big I had to photograph in a panoramic setting. Otherwise there are other inland excursions possible, Glenveagh National Park is well worth considering, but we decide to follow on the coast and Wild Atlantic Way.

Sligo and Benbulben

We leave County Donegal via Bundoran’s Tullan Strand, another of Donegal’s scenic beaches, as we continue towards County Sligo. Along the way we skip through County Leitrim (sorry Leitrim) and begin travelling inland towards Benbulben, which is a large rock formation found in County Sligo. Benbulben is part of the Dartry Mountain range here, in an area also known sometimes as “Yeats Country” after W. B. Yeats, an Irish poet and foremost figure of 20th-century literature (I had to Google this). But you’ll find many references to Yeats throughout the journey, so now you know why. Anyway, from here we turn back to the coastline which can be seen on the horizon from Belbulben, as Sligo slopes down towards the Atlantic Sea. We set our GPS to Rosses Point which is one of the popular beach resort areas of the region and is in fact familiar to me from past family holidays. I was very young at the time and I can only remember a day running through endless sand dunes, and returning to the car to finding my Easter Eggs had melted inside. Sligo is a popular beach resort area and is great for short breaks and escapes. But today the weather is miserable, so we continue on to follow the Wild Atlantic Way. ( Sligo hotels here for those planning to stay ).

Mayo and Achill Island

From Sligo, we continue on into Mayo, which is a huge county, but we don’t really see much inland as we follow the coast and the Wild Atlantic Way. In fact, we are now on a mission to find some sheep which is an obsession with Fanfan. This brings us to Achill Island which is the largest of all islands off the coast of Ireland and is connected by road. These areas are now feeling more remote and rugged than before where Achill stretches out with seemingly endless peat bogs which apparently consist of 87% of the island.

Along the coast, it is rugged and mountainous and Croaghaun makes a good example as the highest sea cliffs, not only in Ireland, but in Great Britain as well (third highest in Europe). It is a fair hike to reach them however, so we don’t, but we do follow the winding cliffside roads to the starting point at Keem Bay which is one of Achill Island’s Blue Flag Beaches.

It’s a beautiful bay area here surrounded by dramatic mountains and cliff faces. Anyway, we are here for sheep, and we do find lots. On Achill Island, many of the sheep are wild and left to run around as they please. At parts, we would stop the car to look at them only to find ourselves surrounded as they chase towards us expecting food I am guessing (although they’re not big into chips). We again stayed the night in this area ( Achill Island Hote l) before forwarding towards the borders of County Galway.

Connemara (Co. Galway)

Crossing over to County Galway we start at Leenane (Leenaun) a beautiful valley village found between mountains and the shore of Killary Harbour fjord, a famous inlet which forms a natural border between Galway and Mayo. We are now in Connemara which, to simplify it, is the name for the region west of Galway City (there is probably more to it). Having overindulged on coastal views over the past days we decide to travel inland for a bit, as we travel towards Connemara National Park, and Kylemore Abbey which was founded by Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I. Kylemore Abbey, along with its surrounding Victorian walled gardens, would be the highlight of this area although the landscapes across Connemara are hard to beat. I do prefer the inland routes of Connemara with empty and vast landscapes of hills, lakes and peat bogs. The area is also famous for Connemara Single Malt Whiskey which compliments the area well with its ridiculously peated flavour and, unlike Scottish whiskys of Islay , it has no smoky tones. It tastes a bit like licking the hearth. Anyway, after some inland exploration we join again with the Wild Atlantic Way as we follow the coastline route towards the city of Galway ( here for Connemara Hotels ).

The City of Galway

Instead of Connemara, we decide to stay in Galway City which is an easy winner for the must-see city break along the way. It’s also roughly half-way through the Wild Atlantic Way route, so it does make sense to take a break to enjoy some city experience, culture and shenanigans. In size, Galway City is still a smallish harbour city, found where the River Corrib meets with the Atlantic coast. It is also found just next to our coming destination as it sits on the border of County Clare. Anyway, it’s a great place for jars of Guinness, double Jimmy’s (Jameson’s Whisky) and craic (the Irish equivalent of banter). Galway City has a reputation for being a student city and almost always has a lively night scene. At the same time it still has traditional Irish charm with cobblestoned streets, boutique shops and winding alleys. It is also a huge tourist destination making it an ideal place to find the more common cliches of Ireland such as traditional Irish music and dance. These aren’t so easy to find in sleepy rural and coastal towns. Anyway, I’d definitely give it a night or two before we’re onto the next leg of the Wild Atlantic Way ( list of Galway hotels here ).

The Burren (Co. Clare)

As we continue into County Clare, we cut off again from the Wild Atlantic Way, as we travel into the centre of the Burren. This area for me is fascinating with its karst landscape, vast cracked pavements of glacial-era limestone, cliffs and caves, fossils, rock formations and archaeological sites (Wikipedia). With few landmarks along the way we set our GPS sat nav to the Burren Perfumery, and it brings us through some of the most fascinating landscapes we’ve come across. This includes wild horses on mountains and hairy cows on the roads. We barely pass another vehicle in the hours of being there, yet we’re in one of the busiest tourist areas of Ireland. I don’t even think busses could fit on these windy roads. So this was quite possibly the highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way to date, even though we managed to miss the lesser-known attraction in the area with Father Ted’s house. It’s really just someone’s house these days but, due to popular demand with Father Ted fans, the family living there offer tea and homemade baking by appointment. They also ask, out of respect, for tourists not to turn up unexpectedly for photos, so we of course skip past (we couldn’t find it). On a return, this area would be a really nice area to stay in (The Burren Hotel here) but instead, we double back to meet again with the coastal route.

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are found on the coastline of the Burren and I do recommend following the route from Galway (and this is why we doubled back). As we travel to the cliffs we pass some of the most magnificent coastal scenes with crashing waves and cliffside roads. There really is a lot to see here and we unfortunately didn’t have much time. But the cliffs themselves ( Cliffs of Moher Guide here ) are unmatched as you can see from the photo below. At the same time the cliffs rank among the top-visited tourist sites in Ireland, with almost one million visitors a year. It is touristy in this area and they come in by the bus loads from both Dublin and Galway City (this is why we were so surprised at the peacefulness of the mountains of Burren). For fellow bird nerds the Cliffs of Moher are also home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins although I didn’t get a glimpse on my visit. It is also possible to see the Aran Islands from the cliff tops and they can be reached by boat from nearby Doolin (seasonal) which itself is renowned for traditional Irish music. This would be a good stop for the night ( Doolin hotels here ).

The Ring of Kerry

We then pass through Limerick, a county which hits the coastline, and makes a convenient starting point for the North West region via Shannon Airport. Otherwise it’s more of a quick pass through into County Kerry, where one of the highlights would be Dingle, although we rushed past on this itinerary. Instead we based ourselves in Killarney National Park ( Killarney Hotels here ), which also marks the start of the Ring of Kerry, where the roads also follow the Wild Atlantic Way along the coastal side. But I will forever recommend a stop at Killarney, and to explore the sights of the connecting National Park, and maybe climb to the Gap of Dunloe given time. Otherwise the Wild Atlantic Way route share similar to previous destinations, where some of the better views are found around, and after, Com an Chiste (Coomakista). With roads winding up and around some rather scenic coastal hills and mountains.

County Cork

The roads leaving the Ring of Kerry into Cork are again ridiculously scenic, as the coastline continues down towards Mizen Head, and the most southwestern point of Ireland. Which is more geographically interesting than anything, however, the views and scenery on the approach to the Mizen Head visitor centre are again worth it. And there’s always the option of crossing the bridge to the Signal Station (fee of  around 7.50 Euros ). But we were lazy and just put the drone up to get some nice views from above instead. For there, following east along the southern coastline for 20 minutes or so, finds Brow Head, and the Southernmost Point of Ireland. Although there’s not much going on here, until the next and last featured point of interest on the Wild Atlantic Way, with the lighthouse at the Old Head of Kinsale ( Cork hotels here ).

Returning through Waterford

This route is more like a run for the finish line (or the starting point when coming from Dublin). And while Waterford again is not included in the official Wild Atlantic Way itinerary (it’s not on the west coast of Ireland)  this in no way means the coastline lacks the same natural beauty . The county really just got a dud deal in being the cutoff, without  the same exposure as its neighbours, although this means it is quieter and less explored. It is however part of the Ancient East Road Trip that explores the ancient/historical sites of Ireland’s East Coast.

So for me Waterford is like the finish line of the Extended Wild Atlantic Way, and the Cliff House Hotel  in Ardmore is without a doubt the winning trophy at the end of it all. As these wild and rugged coastlines are much more enjoyable when watched over from luxury and comfort, where the Cliff House Hotel has easily the best sea views of any hotel in Ireland.   

Wild Atlantic Way Passport

The Wild Atlantic Way Passport is a new tourism initiative for the Wild Atlantic Way and the west coast of Ireland. The passport includes a Wild Atlantic Way map of the route from Donegal in the north, to Cork in the south, and offers a guide to the various attractions and destinations along the way. Tourists can collect stamps at different locations as they travel, and at the end of their journey can exchange the passport for a Wild Atlantic Way souvenir (or just keep it). You can get a Wild Atlantic Way Passport by visiting one of the participating tourist offices or visitor centres along the route.

How Much is the Wild Atlantic Way Passport

The passport usually costs 10 Euros although you can apparently pick up a free one in some tourist offices. Once you have completed your journey and collected stamps, You can return your passport to a participating tourist office or visitor centre and exchange it for a souvenir. You can also download and print the Wild Atlantic Way Passport for free ( download here ) and keep track of your journey by taking photographs of stamps or QR codes found at various locations.

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5 thoughts on “The Extended Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip”

Hi Allan & Fanfan, That was absolutely brilliant & so much info, just what I needed as a friend & I are planning on doing the wild Atlantic Way this Spring (hopefully). Can you tell me how long it took you. Ann

Thanks Ann 🙂 We have done it a couple of times now. The most recent/video coverage was fairly rushed tho when we covered the route in around 6 days.

It’s a real shame you let your prejudice against a beautiful historic walled city like Derry get in the way of an otherwise pretty informative blog.

What are you even talking about? We literally added Derry/Londonderry in the Best of the Causeway Coast / Northern Ireland. We recommended the City of Derry Airport as a great starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way. We included it in our video coverage with drone footage over the city and Peace Bridge etc. Just because I said “we skip past Londonderry (sorry Londonderry)” during our original route makes us prejudice? We literally left out destinations like Limerick completely and they’re slightly more significant than Derry/Londonderry when it comes to the Wild Atlantic Way. We even used Derry/Londonderry throughout to not offend (what you have just proven to be) the ridiculously sensitive Derry folk. If anything it’s the backward/jaded politics of the city that would have us stear clear. Otherwise I give zero hoots about you and your prejudices in Northern Ireland.

If you want to me give legitimate reasons to maybe avoid Derry/Londonderry (at least these are what worried us before our occasional visits). It’s things like joyriders, car bombs, riots, republicans murdering journalists, in your beautiful historic walled city. It’s pretty much the most dangerous destination on the entire west of Ireland.

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3 Day West Coast of Ireland Road Trip Itinerary To Follow!

Categories Europe , Ireland , Itinerary

Ireland is a small island and country but it’s full of natural beauty. You may think that taking a road trip in Ireland won’t take long but trust me, when you stop every 30 minutes to take in the scenery, combined with the narrow windy roads it takes some time to get around.

I visited Ireland over the August bank holiday for 3 days. Although there’s so much to see in Ireland I knew my first road trip in Ireland  had to include the popular City of Galway and the Cliffs of Moher- Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, so the decision to do a Solo West Coast of Ireland Road Trip was made!

3 Days was the perfect about of time to spend on the West Coast of Ireland and I saw the right amount each day, so here’s what I did on my West Coast of Ireland Road Trip and how I would recommend you plan your 3 day Ireland itinerary!

West Coast of Ireland Road Trip

• Related Posts:
• Helpful Tips To Prepare You For Your Ireland Road Trip!
• 10 Places You Must Visit on the West Coast of Ireland!
• 10 Incredible Places To Add To Your Wild Atlantic Way Route in Ireland!

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Flying to the West Coast of Ireland

I started my trip by flying into Shannon from London on Friday evening. I picked up my hire car and drove 5 minutes to my Airbnb near Shannon Airport .

Shannon has a limited amount of hotels and B&B’s so I would recommend booking one in advance and Airbnb will be best to get a local experience and a great introduction to Ireland!

Car Hire in Ireland

For this West Coast of Ireland itinerary, you need to hire a car! I hired a car in Ireland through Rental Cars who work with all the big car rental agencies in Ireland.

Search for car rental in Ireland here!

Day 1 – Limerick to Galway

The next morning my West Coast of Ireland road trip really began!

Shannon is very close to Limerick and as I have family who come from there and I visited when I wad very young I decided to make this my first stop. I parked up in the town centre in Arthur’s Quay Car Park , I took a walk along the river and headed towards Limerick Castle .

King John’s Castle was really interesting, not only did it offer a great view of the city but it was full of interactive rooms and lots of historic facts!

Next, I headed to the Milk Market which was super busy on a Saturday morning but really good to see. Limerick has had many markets within the city and this is one of them which dates back to the 1800s!

These days it’s full of fresh food and local products and it was great to see real day-to-day life in Limerick here.

I headed to the commercial high street as I had googled a place for brunch in Limerick called The Buttery , there was a bit of a queue but I know if you have to queue for brunch it must be good. It’s a really nice, modern cafe. I opted for the Full Irish Breakfast of course and wasn’t disappointed!

Related Post: How to Spend Half a Day in Limerick, Ireland! 

I was itching to get to the Coast and get on the famous Wild Atlantic Way – 2,500km of coastline running all the way up the West Coast of Ireland so it was about 12:30 when I left Limerick.

I knew the Cliffs of Moher would only be about 1hr 30minutes away if I drove inland, however, I had read online and even seen a sign in the airport saying not to get to the cliffs until at least 16:00 , this is because they get sooo busy and the mornings are when the coach day tours get there.

Having my own car for once meant complete freedom so I knew I wanted to get there as late as possible!

I decided to drive West to a beachside town called Kilkee as it seemed like a nice Southern Western point to start my trip North up the West Coast.

Kilkee was nothing incredible but again it was nice to see somewhere that wasn’t touristy, in fact it is mildly touristy but seemingly only by the Irish visiting for their beach day or beach holiday so that was fine by me and I would recommend visiting if you are doing your West Coast of Ireland road trip in the summer!

From Kilkee, I knew I wouldn’t reach the Cliffs of Moher for about 2 hours so I drove up the Wild Atlantic Way taking in the scenery which was just so Irish and just what I pictured the Irish Countryside to look like- lots of farms and farm animals, stone walls and cute houses.

Just before the Cliffs of Moher, I stopped at a town called Ennistimon . I found an Aldi car park which was free of charge to park so I would recommend using this and I had a little walk onto the high street which was full of lovely colourful buildings.

Doolin is nearby too which is the home of the brilliant series Father Ted so you can add this onto your West Coast of Ireland road trip itinerary too!

Cliffs of Moher

It was now about 17:00 so I was on track to get to the Cliffs of Moher for the perfect time.

Instead of trying to find a ‘quiet lesser-known spot’ along the coast like I had read suggested, I just decided to enter the main car park (which is signposted from miles and miles away), pay €6.00 for my car park and entry ticket and head to the cliffs via the tourist centre.

This is one of those situations where I feel like it’s just best to be a tourist and go with all the other tourists , especially on a busy Summer weekend rather than getting lost on the coast!

At 18:00 the Cliffs were busy but really not that busy so it was great, the sun wasn’t quite setting but it was going down (albeit behind the cloud) and as the cliffs are West facing it gave us a really good light. I had a walk up the left side which gives the iconic view you often see in photos.

There is a small stone wall that separates the path from the edge but it’s easy to hop over the wall which is what nearly everyone does so I was right on the edge, it was a bit scary but it enabled me to get some space from everyone else.

From the Cliffs of Moher, I drove to Galway , it was about a 2-hour drive so I didn’t arrive until fairly late but again, it was a lovely drive through the Irish Countryside and Galway City was pretty easy to navigate once I arrived.

I was slightly gutted as the Marco Polo guide recommended visiting The Burren which is close to the Cliffs of Moher however I ran out of time as it was getting dark and I wanted to get to Galway for a decent time.

I would recommend making time for The Burren on your West Coast of Ireland Road Trip as it’s a really interesting area of land that is almost waterless, all but deserted and largely made up of grey limestone however there are lots of flowers growing between the deep cracks of the Limestone. From the pictures I’ve seen it looks almost otherworldly!

I arrived in Galway at about 21:00 and checked into my hostel – Snoozles Hostel , it was a pretty decent hostel and in a quiet area of the city. It was close to a big car park too which was really handy.

I was in real need of some dinner so had a walk into the main area of the city which on a Saturday night was, of course, alive with people! What I loved was how many people were singing and performing in the street.. the Irish love their music and Galway really is a great Irish City !

There are many hostels, hotels and B&B’s in Galway and it’s a good City to spend one night in, especially if you want to check out the local Irish nightlife. Have a look at some accommodation options here for your stay.

For this West Coast of Ireland itinerary, you need to hire a car! I hired a car in Ireland through Rental Cars . They work with all the big car rental agencies in Ireland.

Day 2 – Galway to Westport

Before leaving Galway morning I wanted to have another walk and see the City in the daytime, I walked back through the main streets of the Latin Quarter I had seen the night before which were looking very empty and different now, I got a coffee and some breakfast and headed down to the water.

There are a few good  cafes in Galway so having breakfast here is a good idea before starting day 2 of your West Coast of Ireland road trip!

I love a city on the water and I pretty much fell for Galway, I can see why it’s such a popular Irish City and there are so many things to do in Galway if you have more time!

In hindsight I wish I would have fitted in a morning walking tour or a Galway hop on off bus tour as I bet this city has some serious stories to tell!

Connemara National Park

The drive from Galway to the Connemara National Park is incredible. The scenery was completely different to what I had seen on Day 1 as this time there were mountains and so many lakes! I pulled over even more on this day to take photos and take in the scenery!

On this note there are so many lay-bys on both sides of the road for drivers to pull into whenever you fancy it so it’s a great place to visit on your road trip Ireland 3 days.

The Connemara National Park is a really big area that you can drive through so even without visiting the Visitor Centre you can still be visiting the park, however, I wanted to do a little walk so after a couple of hours and a little stop in the cute town of Cliften as recommended in the guide I arrived at the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre .

There was lots of parking which was really handy as it was pretty busy. Luckily, after spending the morning in Galway and taking a leisurely drive here I  didn’t actually arrive until mid-afternoon, like with the cliffs the majority of coach tours had been and gone by this point so although it was busy car wise when I got there, it didn’t impact me negatively on my walk.

There are 3 recommended walking routes , I opted for the middle one called the Lower Diamond Hill which was a 3km low demand loop estimated to take an hour although it probably took me about 45 minutes. I headed out of the visitor centre, climbing up the hill in front. I kept turning back to see all of the mountains and lakes in the distance. There was heather all over the grassy areas and the Irish Countryside was looking fabulous! 

I really loved it and I recommend adding it to your West Coast of Ireland road trip itinerary!

There’s a cafe in the visitor centre so I got a sandwich before heading onto my next destination, a place I had been wanting to visit for years after seeing it so many times on Instagram – Kylemore Abbey! Which is only a 10-15 minute drive from the Connemara visitor centre.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a beautiful building. The iconic view of the Abbey is from across the lake which is the view you get as soon as you leave the car park and head towards the visitor centre. It costs €13.00 to enter which gives you access up close, inside and into the gardens however if you are on a tight budget or schedule then you can park for free and walk towards the edge of the lake for free too where you’ll get a pretty good view.

I decided to get a ticket and I’m glad I did as I went inside the Abbey, which is now a museum, and read all about the history. It was once a very fancy hotel and a boarding school , it has experienced a few fires but is now open to the public and aren’t I glad it is!

The gardens are a 1-mile walk from the Abbey however there is a complimentary shuttle bus that runs every 10-15 minutes. I wasn’t too bothered about going but as I had paid for a ticket I thought I should and I was really glad I did, the gardens are stunning and again hold so much history so visit here on your Ireland road trip 3 days

It was now fairly late in the day and my next stop was Westport where I was staying so I was back on the road heading further up the Wild Atlantic Way. I might go as far as saying that this section of my trip was the best as I spent a lot of the journey driving alongside Killary fjord , who knew Ireland had a fjord, but it does!

This is Ireland’s only fjord extending 10 miles in from the Atlantic. It’s safe to stay I stopped a fair few times to take in the views and every corner I turned created a completely different view! From Killary Harbour it is possible to take a boat trip so if I had known and had more time this would have been good to do!

I arrived in Westport in need of some dinner so I parked up and had a walk around, this is another very colourful town, Irish towns love their colourful buildings that’s for sure!

As it was a Sunday evening a lot of places were closed or were full of people. The music scene here is meant to be really good but as a solo traveller in Ireland just looking for a quiet and quick meal I opted for an Italian restaurant I stumbled upon. I didn’t get to see a lot of Westport but it looked like a nice town and I agree with the Marco Polo Guide when they recommend staying here overnight on your West Coast of Ireland road trip, especially if you want a Guinness and some good Irish music !

I had booked an Airbnb just a few miles from Westport in the Village of Carraholly with Maureen, I would recommend staying with her as I got the chance to see inside a typical Irish house and the Countryside around her is beautiful!

If you’d rather stay in a hotel in Westport or a traditional Irish B&B, Westport has a good amount of options on Booking.com .

Day 3 – Achill Island – Sligo – Donegal

Achill island.

Today was the day I really didn’t have any plans for my morning on my West Coast of Ireland road trip.

The Guide I was following recommended setting off bright and early from Westport and taking the hours drive out to Achill Island and describes Achill Island as ‘a big ragged outline attached to the mainland by a bridge road. This Irish speaking Island, superbly mountainous, is Ireland’s largest.’ After reading this I was sold so I headed that way, which is still a long the Wild Atlantic Way.

Although it was raining quite a bit and the cloud was very low it was still a gorgeous drive. Once again the scenery was completely different although there were indeed a lot of mountains present.  I headed over the bridge and onto the island heading towards the town of Keel as the beach I had seen on the map and decided I wanted to visit was next to Keel.

I quickly saw signs for the beach on Achill Island and pulled into the car park. The beach was relatively quiet and the rain that I had experienced on the drive here was just stopping however the cloud was still very low. I took a walk along the beach and the quietness and remoteness really stunned me and made me incredibly calm and appreciative of this trip and what I had seen so far.

Keel was another town that seems to be a holiday destination for locals, there were some rides set up and there was a caravan park but even on the last weekend of the summer it was very quiet, or maybe it was the weather?

I reluctantly got back into my car as my Solo West Coast of Ireland Road Trip was now over.

I had booked a flight from Dublin to London at 20:30 so I needed to drive 4 hours across the country to Dublin Airport. I booked the flights for this trip 5 months beforehand before even looking into what I would do in Ireland however if I had the chance to book that flight again I certainly would have flown out of Knock , Ireland’s West Coast airport so I had the afternoon on the West Coast without the 4 hours drive and I would recommend you do this too if possible.

If I had had the afternoon to spend on the West Coast I would have driven up to  Ballycroy National Park and the town of Bangor Erris  as they aren’t far from Achill Island and then if I had 4 days on the West Coast of Ireland I would have gone to the town of Sligo which is described in the guide as ‘a delightful town, full of history and well supplied with pubs and restaurants’ and either stayed here overnight or headed to the airport if I was flying from Knock!

And there you have it! My 3 Days Ireland Itinerary packed with the beauty of the West Coast!

As I said, I did my West Coast of Ireland road trip on the August Bank Holiday but considering it was one of the busiest weekends of the year it really didn’t feel that busy! I think this was largely due to the fact that I didn’t get to the Cliffs of Moher or the Connemara National Park until later on in the day so I missed the coaches and spent my mornings in the cities which is when the coaches would are driving around!

• More of my Ireland Posts:
• How to Spend Half a Day in Limerick, Ireland  
• 5 Pubs in Dublin to visit for a great Craic!  

This post is sponsored by Marco Polo however all opinions and thoughts are my own. 

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Tuesday 27th of February 2018

Hi ! I aboslutely loved this post, im going to Ireland in may and couldnt exactly figure out which places to visit on a roadtrip, and this really helped me. I took notes and probably will do something very similar. Thanks for sharing, this is exactly what i was looking for !!! Also, the driving didnt look crazy, regarding to traffic, was it? Im from South America, so im a little scared about driving on the other hand.

TheWanderingQuinn

That’s so good to hear! I really loved everywhere I went and was so happy with my route so I would recommend it! Noo it was really quiet! Even in August on a public holiday weekend. I drive on that side so I’m used to it but just drive slowly and you’ll be ok. And like I said just avoid the times when the coaches visit the main places and you won’t have to deal with them either! :)

Thursday 14th of September 2017

This sounds like such a lovely trip - you really managed to travel some ground and see lots of gorgeous landscapes. I bet you must get a bit tired with all the driving!

Hello! It was so good, I had a great time and saw so much! It wasn't too bad actually as I didn't cover that much ground or did that many miles. And it was so scenic that I enjoyed the driving! Thanks for reading Rachel :)

A Perfect 2-Week Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip Itinerary

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Planning a Wild Atlantic Way road trip itinerary is one of the true joys of mapping out a trip to the Emerald Isle. This sprawling coastal route on the west coast of Ireland is one of the world’s most scenic road trips. Ranging from the town of Kinsale in County Cork to Malin Head in County Donegal, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way encompasses some of the most iconic and striking sites to see in all of the country.

If you’re interested in driving the Wild Atlantic Way and don’t know where to start, then this article is meant to help you. When you look into it, there is so much to see and do on the Wild Atlantic Way that it can seem overwhelming to know where and when to start.

So whether you’re looking to drive a portion of this coastal route or are keen to tackle the whole thing, use this itinerary to help you map out your perfect trip to the west of Ireland.

Table of Contents

How Long Does the Wild Atlantic Way Take?

Before you can get into the nitty-gritty of planning your route, it’s essential to work out how long it takes to drive the Wild Atlantic Way.

It can be easy to think that Ireland is a small country and the driving route only takes up the west coast of the island, so one shouldn’t need a lot of time to do it justice.

This simply isn’t the case.

In reality, the Wild Atlantic Way route is 2,500 kilometres and most of it is on narrow country roads where you can’t drive too quickly.

There are viewpoints and stop-offs around every corner and there’s also the fact that you don’t simply want to speed between each of these stops, you want to spend time in lots of different places.

With all this in mind, plan to spend at least 2 weeks if you want to drive the entire Wild Atlantic Way.

While you could certainly spend more time driving along the route (and we honestly recommend it), 2 weeks is just about the minimum that will allow you to travel from Kinsale in West Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal (or vice versa) while not feeling too rushed.

If you only have time for one week on the route, then you’re going to need to make a decision on whether you want to concentrate on the northern end or the southern end. While you could drive the Wild Atlantic Way in 7 days, you are going to be rushed and you won’t have time to enjoy any of the incredible places.

For those who only have a week in which to plan your trip, opt to either follow the first 7 days of this itinerary or the last. If you concentrate on the route from Kinsale to Galway, note that this is going to be the busiest, especially in the warmer, high-season months.

Alternatively, the route from Connemara to County Donegal is going to be a lot less crowded and a bit more off the beaten path. Both are absolutely gorgeous and have lots to offer visitors.

Getting To & Around the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is located along the west coast of Ireland beginning (or ending, depending on the direction you choose to drive – more on that later) in the town of Kinsale in County Cork. If you’re travelling to Ireland specifically for a Wild Atlantic Way trip, however, you do have a few options.

The highest-traffic and most popular option will be to arrive by air into Dublin . While this itinerary doesn’t include any time in Dublin (it’s not on the driving route) it is only about a 3-hour drive from the Irish capital to the town of Kinsale.

If you’re driving the Wild Atlantic Way from north to south, it’s similarly about 3 hours to drive from Dublin to the town of Muff in County Donegal, the official starting (or ending) point of the driving route.

Once at your desired starting point, the best way to get around the Wild Atlantic Way is, understandably, by car. This is a driving route, after all! You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices across major companies for hire cars.

Note that the majority of the route is along smaller, country roads which can be quite narrow. There is nothing too daunting about driving these roads as local drivers tend to be quite respectful, but do remember to that passing can be tricky at times if there’s oncoming traffic.

Because this is a coastal route, it’s also worth keeping in mind the direction you’d like to drive the route. Ireland drives on the left side of the road so if you want the ease of pulling over at lookout points and the best coastal views over the Atlantic Ocean as the driver, then driving from south to north is going to be your best bet.

Once on the driving route, you will notice blue WAW (Wild Atlantic Way) signs way-marking the route, so it’s not hard to stray from it. In fact, the route is so well-signposted that you may not even need to rely on GPS!

Because of its scenic nature, there are also plenty of Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points – little pull-off areas marked with the WAW logo and perfect for photo stops! Putting the discovery points into your GPS is a great way not to miss some of the most beautiful places on the route as you explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

If you don’t want to drive in Ireland, then the other main option is to take a guided tour. There are several options available such as this guided tour that explores many of the main attractions in the southern part of the country.

2-Week Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary

This Wild Atlantic Way road trip goes from south to north, which I believe is the ideal direction in which to drive this coastal route. However, if it’s easier for you to from north to south, you can reverse the order of this route without inhibiting your trip or experiences.

Day 1 – Kinsale to Killarney

Colourful Kinsale located in County Cork is the official starting (or ending) point of the Wild Atlantic Way. Begin your day here, which is only about 30 minutes from Cork City . Take the morning to explore the cute little town and wander its charming streets before hitting the road to begin taking in the sites on this driving route.

Our final destination is Killarney, however, it’s worth noting that when driving the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s best not to take the most direct route. Instead, take your time to enjoy the smaller, coastal roads and make your way to some of the smaller towns and lookouts en route to Killarney.

Direct your GPS toward the town of Baltimore and take the time to explore a bit around here – this is also a great place to go whale watching if that’s something that interests you. Mosy along the coastal road to the town of Kenmare before reaching Killarney for the night.

Where to Stay in Killarney

Old Weir Lodge – Located in the centre of Killarney, this guesthouse makes for a great base for exploring the town and the area surrounding. They have an array of comfortable rooms on offer and there is also a breakfast available daily.

The Killarney Park – Luxury travellers will love this beautiful hotel in the centre of Killarney. They have a myriad of plush rooms on offer and plenty of wonderful amenities to ensure that you’re well taken care of after a long day of exploration.

The Black Sheep Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love that there is a backpacker’s hostel in the centre of Killarney. Offering dorms and privates, they have clean self-catering facilities along with good common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Killarney hotels!

Day 2 – Killarney

On day two, take the time to explore the town of Killarney and take in some of the natural beauty of Killarney National Park. Killarney makes for an excellent base in this area of Ireland as it’s central to several different highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Especially if you want to beat some of the crowds on tomorrow’s Ring of Kerry drive, it can be a good idea to spend this day enjoying the splendours of Killarney National Park. There are lots of things to do and see there, including visiting the Torc Waterfall, seeing Ross Castle and taking in the ruins of Muckross Abbey.

The town of Killarney itself is charming and worth wandering through and enjoying the atmosphere.

Day 3 – Ring of Kerry

On the third day of this Wild Atlantic Way, it’s time to take on one of Ireland’s most iconic scenic drives – the Ring of Kerry. Beginning and ending in the town of Killarney (how convenient that you’ve been based there for 2 nights already!), this route can get incredibly busy, especially in high season, so it’s worth getting as early a start as possible.

Because you’ve already knocked off some stops on the Ring of Kerry drive yesterday (in Killarney National Park), you can head straight to the Ladies View. Other incredible sites on the Derrynane Beach, the village of Sneem and the offshoot Skellig Ring – which you will definitely have time for since you’re getting an early start!

The Ring of Kerry drive will take up your whole day, so spend your evening unwinding in a pub in Killarney.

Day 4 – Slea Head Drive

Day four brings you to another scenic drive within this scenic driving route – this one is the Dingle Penisula Drive, more accurately called the Slea Head Drive . Located north of Killarney, this is a scenic circular driving route that encompasses the beautiful Dingle Peninsula.

This beautiful drive includes gorgeous, sandy beaches, charming little towns and fascinating historic sites. You will be astounded by the dramatic vistas and the narrow roads only add to the charm.

Like with the Ring of Kerry, this is a popular driving route so it’s good to get an early start in order to beat the crowds and large tour buses.

Day 5 – Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher

After enjoying some of the highlights of County Kerry, it’s time to make your way north through County Clare en route to Galway City. However, there are some iconic places to stop off at along the way. Again, it’s good to get an early start on this day!

The highlight of this day is the incredible Cliffs of Moher , some of the most iconic sea cliffs in Ireland (though not the highest, you can see those on Achill Island). The Cliffs of Moher are another incredibly popular site, however, the area is huge and if you’re up for a hike, it’s easy to avoid the crowds.

When visiting the Cliffs, make sure to also spend a bit of time in the lovely little town of Doolin and maybe even take a boat tour to see the Cliffs from below. As you wind your way north toward Galway City, enjoy the beautiful, bucolic nature of the Burren National Park, as well.

Where to Stay in Galway

The Stop B&B  – Located in Galways Claddagh neighbourhood a bit outside the city centre. this cosy bed and breakfast makes for a great stay in the city. They offer several great rooms along with a fantastic breakfast each morning.

Park House Hotel – This luxury hotel in Galway is perfect for more upmarket visitors to this Irish city. Located on Eyre Square, they offer an array of lovely rooms on offer and plenty of great amenities for guests to enjoy.

Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel – Those travelling on a budget or solo will love this hostel located near Eyre Square. Highly-rated, they have both dorms and private rooms along with breakfast available in the morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Galway hotels!

Day 6 – Galway City

The first five days of this Wild Atlantic Way itinerary have been dedicated to natural sites and small towns, however, day 6 is the only day of this 2-week route that allows you time in a larger city.

Galway City is one of the nicest cities to visit in all of Ireland and its compact nature means that you can easily explore all of the highlights within the confines of a day. To make the most of your time you can consider  booking a walking tour or  a guided food tour.

Wander around the Latin Quarter, listen to the street performers on Quay Street and walk under the Spanish Arch.

You can learn about the history of Galway in the Galway City Museum, if this is something that interests you, or you can absorb the culture by listening to some trad music in of the city’s many pubs.

Day 7 – Aran Islands

The seventh day of this Wild Atlantic Way road trip sees you leaving the Irish mainland entirely and heading out on a day trip to the inimitable Aran Islands.

Located off the coast of County Galway, this archipelago can make you feel as if you’re stepping back in time and it’s a really good experience to have when you’re travelling to the west of Ireland.

To reach the Aran Islands from Galway, your best bet is to take the ferry from the town of Rossaveel to Inishmore – the largest of the islands in the archipelago. Keep in mind that this is a passenger ferry and visitors aren’t allowed to bring cars to the islands.

You can get around on foot, bicycle or, for those who want an extra level of old-world charm, horse and buggy. Alternatively, there are plenty of guided tour options such as this full-day tour or  this guided tour .

Day 8 – Connemara

We’re onto week 2 of this Wild Atlantic Way itinerary and this means that we’re making our way further north to the gorgeous Connemara region in County Galway. There are lots of things to do in Connemara and it’s an absolutely gorgeous place to explore for a short time.

Begin your time here at Connemara National Park and enjoy one of the many hiking trails you can find here. Then, make your way to Kylemore Abbey and take in the sites here. Afterwards, you can explore the town of Clifden and then drive the Sky Road, a lovely scenic route.

Of course, don’t miss the tidal Omey Island and the gorgeous Dog’s Bay Beach. Wind up your day with a pint in Clifden or in the small fishing village of Roundstone.

Where to Stay in Connemara

Errisbeg B&B – This bed and breakfast located in the quiet village of Roundstone is the perfect place to explore Connemara. Offering a great breakfast in the morning, they also have several clean and comfortable rooms to choose from and friendly owners.

Sharamore House B&B – Located in Clifden, this bed and breakfast is another excellent option for those looking to stay in Connemara. They have a few rooms to choose from along with a hearty breakfast on offer each morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse more Connemara hotels!

Day 9 – Connemara to Achill Island

Day 9 of this itinerary is a bit of a driving day, however, there is a lot to see as we make our way to our final destination – Achill Island. First off, take the time to visit some places in the north of Connemara, such as the beautiful Killary Fjord and the charming village of Leenane.

Then, make your way to the lovely Aasleagh Falls before continuing on to some beautiful beaches to be found in County Mayo – including Silver Strand Beach and Carrowmore Beach. You can also opt to stop at Murrisk Abbey for some historic ruins.

Once you cross the bridge to Achill Island , you will likely have some time to see some sites on the island, as well. Or, you can simply post up on one of the island’s many pubs (or visit the Achill Island Distillery for some island-made whiskey!) and rest up for tomorrow.

Where to Stay on Achill Island

Teach Cruachan Bed and Breakfast – Situated in Keel village, this bed and breakfast makes for a great base when visiting Achill Island. Offering a range of great rooms, they have a wonderful breakfast available.

Ferndale Luxury Boutique Bed & Breakfast – Those after a bit more luxe stay on Achill will love this boutique bed and breakfast. Offering a range of beautiful rooms, they have a fantastic breakfast available each morning and plenty of other amenities, as well.

Cosy Keel Cottage – If you’re after a self-catering option on Achill Island, then this fully furnished cottage in a top location is the perfect option.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Achill Island hotels!

Day 10 – Achill Island

The tenth day of this route sees you enjoying all of the highlights of Achill Island. As Ireland’s largest island, Achill has a lot to offer visitors and it’s truly a joy to explore.

Those looking for a bit of a hike, spend your morning on the scenic Valley Loop Walk – an easy walking trail that winds along the coast from Golden Strand Beach. Also, make sure to take in the beautiful Dugort Beach nearby.

You also cannot miss the historic Slievemore Abandoned Village and, of course, head up to Keem Beach, one of the most stunning on the island and of the entirety of the Wild Atlantic Way. You can also hike to the Croaghaun Cliffs if you’re up for it – these are the highest sea cliffs in Ireland.

There are countless more things to do on Achill so you certainly won’t be bored on your day here.

Day 11 – County Sligo & Donegal

After enjoying Achill Island, it’s time to head north once more. This day sees you driving through County Sligo with an eventual stop in the southwest of County Donegal . Of course, there are plenty of great places to stop off at along the way!

Start at the beautiful Glencar Waterfall before making your way to the iconic Benbulben (one of Irleand’s most famous mountains). If you’re up for a bit of a walk, the Benbulben Forest Loop is short, easy and perfect for views of the mountain.

And for more incredible scenery, drive the Gleniff Horseshoe Route while en route to Donegal. Make a pit stop at Tullan Strand and the Fairy Bridges in Bundoran before ending your day in Donegal Town.

Where to Stay in Donegal

Ros Dún House – Situated just outside Donegal Town, this bed and breakfast is a great base when explore this area of Ireland. Offering a myriad of different rooms to choose from, they also have a great breakfast and on-site parking.

Bayview Country House B&B – Located in the quaint town of Ardara, this bed and breakfast is perfect for those looking for a quiet stay in County Donegal. Offering an array of comfortable and cosy rooms, there is also a great breakfast for guests in the morning.

Mill Park Hotel – This hotel is a great choice for those looking for a more traditional hotel stay while in County Donegal. Located in Donegal Town, they have several rooms along with a cafe/bar and an on-site swimming pool and fitness centre.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Donegal hotels!

Day 12 – Southwest County Donegal

This day is dedicated to taking in all of the splendours that this area of County Donegal has to offer – the most notable of which are the Slieve League Cliffs.

These sea cliffs are nearly three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher and also attract only a fraction of the crowds and are an absolutely unmissable stop.

On this day, also make sure to take in the beautiful Malin Beg Beach, learn about local history at the Glencolmcille Folk Village and head to the incredible Maghera Beach. The latter is also home to interesting sea caves that are only accessible at low tide – very much worth the stop.

Take the time to explore the lovely village of Ardara before driving the gorgeous Glengensh Drive – another scenic route with incredible views.

Day 13 – Glenveagh National Park & Fanad Peninsula

Our penultimate day on the Wild Atlantic Way sees you still exploring some splendours of County Donegal.

Begin your day at the lovely Glenveagh National Park where you can stroll along the tranquil Lough Veagh and visit the Glenveagh Castle. There are plenty of hiking routes here for those who want to get a bit more active.

Also, you can drive up to Horn Head for some incredible natural scenery and visit Doe Castle for a small, ruined castle that’s free to enter and wander around. Of course, you cannot miss the Fanad Head Lighthouse on the Fanad Peninsula, which is one of the most iconic places to visit and see in County Donegal.

There are plenty of other gorgeous beaches to visit on this day, as well, including the stunning Ballymastocker Beach – one of the most beautiful in the area.

Day 14 – Inishowen 100

The final day of this Wild Atlantic Way road trip includes another scenic loop and also the most northerly point of the island of Ireland.

The Inishowen 100 stands for the driving loop that encircles the Inishowen Peninsula at the very northeast of County Donegal. There is a lot to see on this drive but it’s also likely going to be the least busy of the scenic loops on this itinerary, which is excellent for taking in the wild scenery.

Take your time to visit Lisfannon Beach, Fort Dunree and drive the beautiful Gap of Mamore before heading to the gorgeous Glenevin Waterfall.

There are also more gorgeous beaches to take in on this drive, including Kinnagoe Bay and Five Finger Strand – the latter is also known for its striking sand dunes.

You can also visit the Inishowen Head Lighthouse and finish off your drive on the Wild Atlantic Way in the town of Muff, which is located right before you cross into Northern Ireland.

Have More Time?

If you have more time to devote to your West Coast Ireland road trip, you could either opt to spend more time in some of the stops along the way and dig deeper there or head into Northern Ireland after driving the Inishowen 100.

It’s easy to reach the city of Derry from County Donegal and you’re also only a stone’s throw away from the Giant’s Causeway and the highlights of the coast here. You could also opt to spend a few days in Belfast if you’re keen to explore more cities.

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips and planning an itinerary here is truly a joy. With beautiful scenery around every corner, a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is one that you won’t soon forget.

Are you driving the Wild Atlantic Way? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

10 Best Stops on the Ring of Kerry Drive

Dublin or Belfast: Which Irish City to Visit?

The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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The Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary and Travel Guide

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

The ultimate guide to planning an epic Ireland road trip itinerary!

We’ve been lucky enough to explore countless countries, and it’s fair to say that it takes a lot to impress us.

But when we visited the Emerald Isle and explored the country on a two-week Ireland road trip, it honestly took our breath away.

Ireland boasts a rugged coastline, rolling pastures, picturesque lakes, quaint villages and some of the friendliest people we’ve ever met.

It also has more pubs per capita than any country we’ve ever travelled to, and we knew that was going to help cement Ireland in our list of favourite countries ever.

When we found out we were heading to Ireland in October to speak at the TBEX Europe conference we decided to rent a campervan and do an epic road trip around the country.

Ireland had been at the top of Alesha’s list of must-visit destinations since she was a kid, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally explore the European nation.

Having travelled in a campervan around Canada, Australia and Chile we knew that it was definitely the best way to see a country, and with the stories we had heard from travellers about the landscapes in Ireland we were sold on the van life.

After some research we found out the best campervan company in Ireland is Bunk Campers , and we decided to get something a bit more luxurious for our journey.

All the campervans we had owned or rented over the years were just basic vans, with a small bed and tiny kitchens.

This time we rented a fully kitted out campervan, and it was nice to have luxuries like running water, hot showers, a toilet (only number ones!!!) , a heater (so good on those cold mornings) and a dining table to sit at.

Once we picked up our campervan in Dublin we had two weeks for road tripping Ireland the best we could.

Of course two weeks is nowhere near enough time to see everything on a road trip in Ireland, but we were lucky that we had about eight days beforehand as well to see more of Kerry County, Dublin and Ireland’s Ancient East.

What we did see though made us fall in love with Ireland even more, and we’re already making plans on returning in the near future for a longer trip.

Here’s our guide, including tips, highlights and our full Ireland road trip itinerary.

Table of Contents

The Ring of Kerry

Ireland’s ancient east, donegal’s wild atlantic way, loop head peninsula, the giant’s causeway, achill island, the ring of beara, day 1 – dublin to wexford (150km), day 2 – wexford to cork (190km), day 3 – cork to kenmare via the ring of beara (200km), day 4 – kenmare to killarney via the ring of kerry (140km), day 5 – killarney, day 6 – killarney to tralee via dingle (160km), day 7 – tralee to lahinch via loop head (160km), day 8 – lahinch to galway via doolin (100km), day 9 – galway to achill island via kylemore abbey (200km), day 10 – achill island to donegal via ballina (220km), day 11 – donegal to londonderry via slieve league and malin head (250km), day 12 – londonderry to belfast via the giant’s causeway (190km), day 13 – belfast, day 14 – belfast to howth (or dublin) via newgrange (180km), want to save this for later pin it, 8 highlights of our ireland road trip.

Our Ireland road trip was an incredible experience, and we really fell in love with the country after our 2 weeks driving around.

We even took a quick trip into Northern Ireland (which is actually a part of the United Kingdom) , and we’re glad we did, as it added some other great stops into our itinerary.

From the famous Giant’s Causeway to the Kerry Cliffs, exploring the history of Ireland’s Ancient East to walking through the Dark Hedges, these are the highlights of our Ireland Road Trip.

Want to know where to go on a road trip in Ireland? Read on…

Arguably the best driving loop in the entire country, the Ring of Kerry starts off near Killarney in the southwest of the country and takes in the beautiful coastal scenery of the Iveragh Peninsula.

If you leave from Killarney the Ring of Kerry is about 214km long, not including all the detours, but every single kilometre of that is an absolute joy.

Check out these epic day tours and activities you can do in Killarney !

Head in a clockwise direction from Killarney, straight to Kenmare and then onwards to Sneem. This is to avoid the tour buses, which are forced to drive in an anti-clockwise direction.

Every time you see a photo opportunity make sure you grab it! The landscape is out of this world, and ranges from sprawling farmland to lush forest, with jagged mountain peaks and a dramatic coastline topping it off.

The highlight is the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee, with towering rocks dropping spectacularly into the sea, and you can even see the famous Skellig Islands in the distance on a clear day.

If you have the time, and the weather is nice, make sure you take a trip to the Skelligs, home to puffins and landscapes that can be seen in the latest Star Wars movie.

The Ring of Kerry roads are extremely narrow, so make sure you drive with care.

While the rest of the country boasts a world class coastline and jaw-dropping landscapes, for those with a love of culture and history then Ireland’s Ancient East is a destination where one day can easily turn into seven.

You can begin your journey in this fascinating area with a night (or more) at Waterford, delving into the Viking history that has been around for over 1000 years. Don’t miss out on the King of the Vikings virtual reality exhibition!

Head to Wexford and take a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. This authentic, interactive exhibition of what it was like to travel in an immigrant ship (complete with the actual Dunbrody ship!) back in the 1700s is absolutely remarkable, and while we are usually dubious of recreations, this was world class!

Enniscorthy is a gorgeous heritage village that was also home to centuries of sometimes tragic history.

The castle is well worth visiting, but don’t miss out on the views from Vinegar Hill, which was actually the location of a fierce battle between British and Irish soldiers in 1798.

Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and if you’re looking for an iconic photo you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place than here.

By far the best attraction in Ireland’s Ancient East is the Irish National Heritage Park .

This sprawling venue has been built to showcase more than 9000 years of Irish history. Kids and adults alike will be completely entranced by walking around the traditional dwellings that have been recreated on the grounds.

Passionate actors share stories of what it was like to live in the times when humans first settled in the Emerald Isle, and the hardships endured over the years.

To complete the experience don’t miss out on a traditional Viking dinner in the restaurant. Expect ribs cooked underground on coals, hearty soups and fresh bread, all washed down with craft beer!

You’ll be required to dress up in old-fashion clothes as well, but don’t worry about the quality of food – it’s absolutely impeccable, and much healthier and tastier than would have been found back in the day.

The entire west coast of Ireland has become known as the Wild Atlantic Way , and the slick marketing campaign by the tourism board isn’t without just cause – It’s absolutely phenomenal, and should be the main objective of any Ireland road trip.

One of the more incredible, yet often skipped, areas of the country is Donegal County up in the far north of the Republic of Ireland.

The town of Donegal itself is enjoyable, with some great pubs, cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained, but it’s only when you hit the coast that you start to see the county’s true potential.

Slieve League is the main attraction, with its marvellous hiking trails that offer stellar views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs that almost rival the ones found in Kerry.

The drive out to Meencarrick is superb, and it is one of the nicest coastal routes in the country. Don’t miss driving out to the headland for some hiking next to the cliffs.

The entire length of ocean roads in Donegal is great, but make a special detour to Malin Head, the northernmost point in the Republic of Ireland (even further north than Northern Ireland).

It will be super windy, but the views are great and the bucolic roads to get there are alone worth the trip.

In the list of big attractions in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are right near the top. These soaring, vertical rock faces tumble into the sea, and stretch for kilometres like an impenetrable barrier against the Atlantic.

They are also supremely crowded with tourists.

Instead head a bit further south to the Loop Head Peninsula, where you can find similar landscapes and scenery with no entrance fee charged, and almost nobody else to get in the way.

You won’t find fences here either. If you want to walk right up to the edge of the cliffs, you can (just be careful).

If you have time, do both. But if you just want to choose one, skip the Cliffs of Moher and instead hit up Loop Head Peninsula.

Although the Giant’s Causeway is actually in Northern Ireland, it is still one of the best places on the Emerald Isle and should not be missed during your road trip itinerary.

Thousands of basalt, hexagonal columns rise out of the sea creating one of the most magnificent geological environments in the United Kingdom.

Legend has it that a giant built the Causeway as a path to connect Ireland with Scotland so he could take part in a fight, and if you use your imagination you can almost picture the columns forming a bridge between the two nations.

Walking around the Giant’s Causeway can easily take a few hours, with plenty of great photo opportunities and even some hiking trails around to occupy your time.

The audio tour that can be purchased from the wonderful visitors centre tells the legend, geology and history of the Giant’s Causeway, and is worth the price.

If you’re trying to keep your costs down though you can actually visit the Giant’s Causeway for free. Park in the closest town and hitch or take a bus to the site, then walk around the visitors centre.

When we were driving around Ireland we met one or two people that had mentioned a place called Achill Island, but it never came up as a ‘must do’ in our conversations.

Still, when we realised it would only be a short detour to check it out, we decided we had nothing to lose by making the visit.

It was one of the best decisions we made.

Achill Island is an absolute delight, and boasts ridiculously beautiful beaches, wonderful headlands, quaint fishing villages and fun adventure activities to enjoy.

After crossing over on the bridge we drove to the end of the road, and couldn’t believe the kind of views that surrounded us.

Sheep wandered on the steep farmland with an impossible ocean vista rolling out in every direction. Hills climbed all around us, offering great hiking for those feeling active.

We ended up watching sunset from a water reservoir that looked out over the whole town of Keel, and finding a place to camp next to an inland lake close by.

With more time you could rent some surfboards or kites and hit the ocean, or head up into the mountains for some trekking.

When we return to Ireland we’ll definitely be giving Achill Island a bigger portion of our schedule.

The Ring of Kerry is the go-to for road trips in Ireland, but the nearby Ring of Beara is just as beautiful, without the people.

Just like its neighbour, the Ring of Beara is a coastal loop that takes in the absolute best vistas of the Beara Peninsula.

You’ll find sheep grazing on pastures that butt up against the ocean. The roads twist and wind like a snake weaving through a field, and requires a lot of concentration to navigate.

Unfortunately the weather was quite bad on the day we did the Ring of Beara, but even then whenever we did get a glimpse of the landscape we were absolutely blown away.

Stonehenge might be the most famous Neolithic site in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but it definitely isn’t the oldest.

Only a few hours north of Dublin is the spectacular Newgrange archaeological site; a huge, circular stone structure that was built over 5200 years ago as a passage tomb and temple.

Approaching Newgrange is not what you would expect. It is surrounded by farmland, and you can see cows and sheep walking around just on the other side of the fence. But the site itself is wonderful.

The main tomb takes up over an acre of land, and stands 15m tall with an 85m diameter. It’s part of a larger complex as well, surrounded by other tombs named Knowth and Dowth.

One of the most remarkable things about Newgrange is that the entrance passage is aligned to let in a beam of light during sunrise during the winter solstice.

Guides can show you this phenomenon at any time of year though using flashlights.

You must head to the Visitors Centre to purchase your tickets first, which is actually a bit far away from the Newgrange site.

They offer free bus transport with your ticket from the Visitors Centre to Newgrange, but we recommend taking your own car to the site.

We didn’t know you could do this and spent almost 2 hours total waiting – not because of crowds, but because that was just the way the bus schedule worked. Save yourself the headache and drive your own car to the site.

Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

We ended up renting our campervan to try and find the best Ireland road trips for two weeks and managed to see a lot of the country.

However it did end up being a bit rushed, and you could easily extend this to a month if you wanted to do all the amazing side trips and hiking excursions around.

This is the exact itinerary that we followed, although where possible we’ve given alternatives that might be worth spending the night in.

Our trip was plagued with storms and a hurricane (yes, a hurricane), so we had to skip a few things.

We don’t mention many places to stay, because most of the time we slept in our campervan, and you can find your own spots along the way, or stay in any one of the dozens of epic B&Bs in the country .

We’ll definitely be adding to our list once we do our next Ireland road trip.

Once you’ve picked up your campervan in Dublin (and of course visited the Guinness Storehouse, which is a must see) head out of the city aiming for the town of Wexford in Ireland’s Ancient East.

The drive itself won’t be overly beautiful, but chances are you’ve picked up the rental in the afternoon and the goal is to just get out of the city.

In Wexford and the surrounding area there are plenty of things to do that could take up a few days of your itinerary. Some of the best things to do around Wexford are:

• Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in Wexford.
• Do the King of the Vikings Experience in Waterford.
• Go to Hook Lighthouse.
• Spend a few hours at Dunmore Adventure Centre , which has a tonne of activities to enjoy, like kayaking, sailing, climbing, windsurfing, and our absolute favourite, the Wibit Waterpark. Ever seen the show Wipeout? Well Dunmore East has one of these giant inflatable parks set up out in the harbour! One of the funnest things we have ever done.
• Hang out at Ireland’s National Heritage Park.
• Go cycling along the Waterford Greenway.
• Hang out in Enniscorthy and climb Vinegar Hill.

You can take your time driving to Cork and visit some of the great attractions in the area, or just enjoy the beautiful country scenery.

Get out and enjoy the beautiful coastal walks around Ardmore, and have lunch at the phenomenal Cliff House Hotel.

The roads are quite good and Cork itself is a fun city. Plenty of great pubs and restaurants to enjoy, and some great attractions nearby:

• Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Also don’t forget to spend some time walking around the stunning grounds.
• Eat at Cliff House Hotel…Trust us on this one.
• See the colourful houses in Cobh.

Leave early on this day because the plan is to tackle the beautiful Ring of Beara driving loop on the way to Killarney.

From Cork take the backroads to Ballylickey, then head onto the Beara Peninsula. You’ll be thankful you left early because this loop will take you all day with all the photo stops.

Once you finish the loop spend the night in Kenmare, which is a beautiful little village.

Some of the main attractions along the way are:

• Drive the spectacular Ring of Beara.
• Walking around Kenmare.

After a delicious breakfast in Kenmare head west onto the Ring of Kerry, and make sure those camera batteries are charged!

This loop is the most famous, and arguably the most beautiful, drive in all of Ireland, and if you get a sunny day it might end up being one of the best road trips of your life!

If you’re into hiking, or want to do some of the day excursions around the Ring of Kerry you might need to break up your trip into two or three days.

• Visit the Skelligs – Two rocky islands off the coast of Ireland home to an old monastery, puffins, and was used as a film scene in the latest Star Wars movie.
• Hike around the Kerry Cliffs.
• Hang out at Derrynane Beach.

Be careful of the roads along the Ring of Kerry – they are twisting, narrow and often busy with tour buses!

After a few days of driving you deserve a well-earned rest. Except you’re now in Killarney, and there are so many things to do in Killarney that you could easily fill a week with activities!

We spent 4 days in Killarney before we started our road trip, and loved it so much we came back! You’ll be spoilt for choice here, whether you’re into history, gardens, adventure activities or simply drinking beer.

• Rent a bicycle and explore Killarney National Park.
• Go on a river cruise .
• Visit Ross Castle and the Abbey.
• Check out Muckross House and the gardens.
• Get into nature at Torc Waterfall.
• Head out to the Gap of Dunloe and admire the world-class scenery.
• Drink delicious beer at Killarney Brewing Company.
• Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain.

If you want to splash out and enjoy a night outside of your campervan, then head to the best luxury hotel in Killarney, Muckross Park Hotel .

Once you’ve managed to pry yourself away from Killarney (it might take a while), you have another epic drive to check out on your Ireland road trip.

Drive out to Dingle, a wonderful town that would make a nice base for a day or two, and move out to the end of the Dingle Peninsula.

This captivating area is home to the Slea Head Drive, another magnificent loop that features rolling hills jutting up against steep ocean cliffs.

As you’re now on the Wild Atlantic Way you can expect to see more than your fair share of coastal scenes, but this one around Slea Head is pretty special.

It’s not just cool scenery – there’s also a bunch of history, with stone beehive huts peppered along the coast and the impeccable Gallarus Oratory adding to the awesomeness of Slea Head Loop.

Spend the night in Tralee after doing some of the best attractions around Dingle:

• Head out on the Slea Head Drive.
• Visit the Gallarus Oratory, and all the beehive huts along the way.
• Drink some Dingle Gin.
• Do a boat trip to see Fungie the Dolphin.

Today isn’t a long day driving, and you really have two options on how you want to head to Lahinch – you could take the ferry, creating an excellent short cut, or drive out to the city of Limerick.

We personally decided to skip Limerick, even though we had heard good things, as we much prefer to be in the countryside. Plus there’s a massive highlight to see along the way!

While it’s only a short drive today your timing will be dependent on the ferry schedule that gets you across the small harbour from Tarbert to Killimer. Make sure you get there early in case you have to wait.

Once you get on the other side drive out to Loop Head Peninsula, home to some of the most wonderful cliffs in the entire country, and they’re completely free!

If you have time, or really love cliffs, you could also do the Cliffs of Moher, although these are very touristy. Spend the night in Lahinch, a wonderful beach town with a colourful main street.

• Take the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer.
• Drive out to Loop Head Peninsula and see the cliffs.
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher.
• Rent a surfboard and hit the waves in Lahinch.

On this day we unfortunately had to wipe all the attractions from our schedule as a hurricane hit the country, and we ended up bunkering down in the small town of Ennis to wait out the storm.

However if we had our time again, we would drive from Lahinch to Doolin, which is meant to be an amazing little beach village that gets a lot of rave reviews from our friends.

Then keep following the coast, eventually finishing up in Galway.

This stretch also could be turned into a two-day journey, with all the things to do.

• Take a boat out to the Aran Islands, a World Heritage Site where the locals speak Irish as well as English and ancient, ruined churches are just waiting to be explored.
• Grab a pint in one of Doolin’s colourful pubs.
• Follow the sea and enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way views.
• Go out to Spanish Point.
• Party the night away in Galway.

If you’ve ended up partying a little too hard in Galway you might need to break this journey up into two days, as you’ll be leaving late. But if you’re feeling fresh get a move on early!

The first stop is going to be Kylemore Abbey, a sensational old castle with some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Ireland.

Keep following the road around and make a beeline for Achill Island, where if you’re not careful you may get stuck for a day or two.

• Wander around Kylemore Abbey and the gardens.
• Reach the end of the road on Achill Island and be blown away with the views.
• Take a swim at the beach in Keel.
• If you have more time enjoy all the hiking and surfing opportunities around Achill Island.

The beautiful drive takes in the countryside around Ballycroy, which is surprisingly delightful and has lots of great hiking opportunities.

The area around Ballina has some cool, old friaries, and once you get to Sligo you’ll find tonnes of outdoor adventures to enjoy.

If you have time before settling in Donegal do the drive out to Slieve League, otherwise you can do it in the morning.

Finishing up in Donegal hit up one of the excellent restaurants and down it all with a pint of Guinness.

• Go for a hike in the Ballycroy National Park.
• Visit the 600-year-old friaries near Ballina.
• Head up one of the mountains or lakes in Sligo.

It’s another long drive today, which could also be broken up if you had the time, because the Donegal area has a lot of epic scenery and activities to enjoy.

The first thing you should do is enjoy the coastal drive out towards Slieve League, taking the side roads that turn down into the tiny fishing villages along the way.

Slieve League is hugely impressive, and with more time you could do the hike to the cliffs, or if you’re trying to fit it all in a day you can simply drive to the top and check out the views.

Get back in the car and head straight up to Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland. Afterwards head back south towards Londonderry.

We personally headed to Quigley’s Point and stayed at the Foyleside Caravan Park as we needed power to charge our laptops, and we enjoyed the spot.

• Don’t miss out on Slieve League – epic cliffs and gorgeous ocean views.
• The road to Meencarrick has some beautiful, old village and surf beaches to check out.
• Fall in love with the scenery around Glenveagh National Park.
• Stand at the northernmost point of the Republic of Ireland in Malin Head.

You’ll be spending the next few days in Northern Ireland, which means you’ll get to visit one of the United Kingdom’s most popular tourist attractions, the Giant’s Causeway.

Stick as close to the coast as possible on the drive to the Giant’s Causeway, stopping along the way to take some pictures.

Spend a few hours wandering around the famous basalt hexagonal columns, then get back in the car and make the drive into the countryside.

Swing by The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney – an avenue of enormous, twisting beech trees that is one of the most photographed places in the whole country.

It was already a popular spot, but when the HBO series Game Of Thrones filmed a scene there it was propelled into another level of busyness. Still, it’s worth seeing, even if you don’t know anything about the series.

Afterwards head into Belfast for the night, or pick a caravan park outside of town.

• Enjoy the coastal road in Northern Ireland.
• Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy.
• Walk (don’t drive) down the Dark Hedges.
• Check out the Giant’s Causeway. Remember you don’t have to pay to enter if you don’t want to visit the information centre or use the carpark.

The Northern Ireland capital is filled with intense history, fascinating murals, a world-class museum and more than its fair share of awesome pubs.

Belfast is a city that oozes with grungy atmosphere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that it has an overwhelming character that should be experienced.

We were really looking forward to visiting Belfast, and it did not disappoint. To really appreciate the city though you should be willing to embrace the tragedies of the last few decades, and admire how it has bounced back.

• Spend a few hours in the marvellous Titanic Belfast, known for being one of the world’s leading tourist attractions. Get your ticket here .
• Join a free walking tour of Belfast to learn about the city’s political history.
• Check out the Crumlin Road Gaol.

For the last full day jump on the highway and head south of Belfast. You can easily be in Dublin in 2 hours, but it’s worth stopping off at the Neolithic site of Newgrange.

As mentioned above, Newgrange is one of the real highlights of any Ireland road trip, and learning all about the massive passage tomb is splendid, especially when you consider it’s older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids!

If you need to be in Dublin tonight then you can be in the city quite easily, but personally we recommend heading to the fishing village of Howth , only 30 minutes from the city.

Howth is genuinely wonderful, and the perfect place to finish up your Irish road trip. You can park your van by the dock and head out to get fish and chips, or if you want a perfect place to stay head into the only hotel in town (yes, the only hotel in town), King Sitric .

• Visit the ancient Neolithic site of Newgrange.
• Go for a hike around Howth, or enjoy the best seafood in the country at King Sitric Restaurant.

Tips For a Road Trip of Ireland

Driving a campervan around Ireland is definitely the best way to see the country.

Having your own wheels is one thing, but having your own home is the icing on the cake!

Still there are some things you need to keep in mind before you start this fun adventure. For another good reference, check out this article on renting a motorhome in Europe.

Here are some tips for renting a campervan in Ireland.

• Bigger isn’t always better:  The roads in Ireland can be notoriously narrow, and having a giant RV isn’t ideal in the Republic of Ireland. We went with the Aero model from Bunk Campers and it was a good balance of size and comfort, without being too big for the roads.
• Try to free camp where possible:  This is the whole bonus of having a campervan – You get to save on accommodation! In the Republic of Ireland we never had a problem finding a carpark or patch of grass to pull up for the night. We stayed next to a lake in Achill Island, behind a bus station in Ennis, on top of Vinegar Hill and plenty of other spots. It’s not always glamorous, but at least it’s free!
• Sometimes you’ll have to stay in a caravan park: In Northern Ireland wild camping is illegal, so you have to stay in a caravan park. They’re not too expensive (sometimes 20 Euros or less), but they come with the added bonus of amenities like laundry, proper bathrooms, electricity hook ups and wifi.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card from 3: Having data on the road is important, and we picked up a prepaid SIM from the telephone company 3. For 20 Euro we got unlimited 4G data and unlimited texts and calls for a month. We could also hotspot our laptops off of our phone with it. Get one from any 3 store.
• Don’t underestimate driving distances: You might look at one leg and think, “Oh it’s only 150km, we’ll be there in 2 hours,” but that’s not always the case. Road conditions can slow you down, as will the hundreds of photo stops along the way. Don’t be too ambitious when planning your schedule.
• Head south and drive clockwise: The weather in Ireland moves from the Atlantic Ocean and moves across the country heading northeast. A tip we got from the manager at Bunk Campers is to head south to Kerry County and drive clockwise. That way if you get nice weather you can basically follow it north.

[box] Our Ireland road trip adventure was made possible thanks to our partnership with Bunk Campers and support from Failte Ireland . All thoughts, opinions and pints of Guinness drunk at Irish pubs are, as always, our own.[/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Loved reading this post! Really appreciate how comprehensive this all is. helps a lot as we try to figure out a two week itinerary for us taking a car over from France on the ferry!

Best Itinerary and photos.. Thanks for sharing the content.

This itinerary sounds great. It would be helpful to have a map. We are hoping to book vrbo’s along the way. We will rent a car and drive the coastline. Would love any tips.

Hello, I know you shouldn’t drink and drive anywhere but I rather ask the question and be safe. It seems that it would be difficult not to have a beer or two at a pub while in Ireland, so… what is the law regarding alcohol level allowed while driving? also… is there any law against having a bottle of wine or any other spirit in the motorhome to enjoy while parked?

Hi Marcelo, you definitely should not drink drive anywhere as you are putting yourself and other people in danger. You could harm yourself or others. Or worst, you could even kill someone or yourself. Definitely no go in any country.

As for the alcohol limit and the alcohol in the motorhome, we are not too sure. Sorry

Kylemore Abbey is not actually a castle. It is a monastery built on the grounds of the Castle. There are nuns who live there now and it also has a beautiful walled garden.

I am Irish and while you did see a lot on your trip, there is a lot more for you to discover when you next arrive here.

I would love a map of your route! I would also love to know where you parked each night. Did you stay at campsites or just parked in random spots. Thanks

Hi did you have a map. so I can download..it looks amazing.. we are going in April for 2 weeks .just me the wife and ted the dog ..happy holidays steve

Hi Steve, we had downloaded maps.me and the areas we need offline. You can pick up a sim card with data for cheap and we used this. There is great apps to help you plan your trip in Ireland also.

Hi Ashley, we had downloaded maps.me and the areas we need offline. You can pick up a sim card with data for cheap and we used this. We used Safe Nights Ireland to find cheap camping spots and there are many websites on the internet recommending free spots. All the best. Happy planning

Wow, Amazing pictures and fantastic guidelines. Thanks for the share!

Thank you so much. 🙂

Just reading your blog on the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast with our camper van down below. So thanks for sharing your route with us. We are travelling around the world for a year and have 2 weeks in Ireland on our itinerary.

It would be great if you could also add a screen shot of a google map with your route. That would be helpful for readers to get a picture of your route.

Thanks for the pics and tips.

Hi Carolyn, what a trip. Sounds like you are going to have a great time. We followed the island anti – clockwise but you can definitely make up your route as everyone want to see something different. All the names above are in google and easy to find. There is also an app called Wild Atlantic Way. This is great to route out a road trip also. Have a great

Hola me gusto mucho la ruta en autocaravana por Irlanda, queremos ir en Agosto pero solo tenemos dos semanas incluyendo dia de llegada y salida desde Estados Unidos. Somos 6 y no quisieramos dormir todos los dias en el autocaravana. Cree usted que podamos ir rentando hoteles en el recorrido los dias que nesecitemos o seria complicado ya que es temporada alta?

” Hello, I really liked the motorhome route through Ireland, we want to go in August but we only have two weeks including day of arrival and departure from the United States. We are 6 and we would not like to sleep every day in the motorhome. Do you think we can rent hotels on the tour on the days we need or it would be complicated since it is high season?” comment above

Thank you for your message Yannet. I just translated it above as it may help others too. What a great trip you have planned. In the quieter towns you can easily book a hotel. But in the bigger cities such as Belfast, Killarney, Dublin, Dingle and other popular tourist places you may struggle. Definitely book ahead as your party is large and you know all 6 of you will have accommodation. There are great websites for freedom camping or low cost camping. Have a wonderful trip

Amazing trip – you’ve inspired us to do a week travelling in a campervan with our family in July, but yes only a week. We have family in Dingle to look up so will definitely be heading south and going clockwise. It looks cheaper to hire a campervan from London area (where we live) and ferry over instead of hiring in Ireland. Bit nervous to wild camp but hopefully it will workout! Would we need to pre book any campsites?

Hi Katherine, that is amazing. What a trip it is going to be. Dingle and the surrounding area is stunning. When you rent the camper from London make sure insurance covers you to go over to Ireland and Northern Ireland (if you are planning on going up there also). Personally with one week I would stick to the south and do a loop. There are some stunning drives down there. With wild camping in Ireland, it is illegal but tolerated. Just obey the leave no trace policy (even toilet paper). There is a a website called Safe Nights Ireland where you can park in peoples properties for a small fee if that feels better for you. If you are in a city and need to find a campground check out Camping Ireland website. Here is a great article below about camping in Ireland. If you do plan to stay in a campground definitely pre book as July may be busy. Have a great family trip and take lots of photos. 🙂

https://www.bunkcampers.com/en/holiday-advice/camping-guide/wild-camping/

Ireland road trip is very attractive to enjoy with awesome memories.

It definitely is. It is a stunning country. 🙂

We will be cruising with stops in Belfast, Dublin and Cork…Any suggestions of where to start a road trip as I don’t think we will need to go back to these places.

Hi Christine, Starting in Dublin and do a little loop of the south heading back past Dublin and then a loop in the north. When you do rent, make sure you can take the rental car/camper into Northern Ireland. Sometimes there are issues. Hope I answered your question. Let me know if I didn’t. Have a great trip.

Awesome recall of your trip! I am heading there next week and getting a campervan as well. Considering I have never traveled this way, reading stories like yours makes me even more excited!

So awesome. You will have a blast. We love Ireland. It was a lot of fun with the campervan. Have a great time and watch those tight Irish roads. It can get a little crazy sometimes.

This sounds amazing! I’m planning a trip (in July) to Ireland- but will only have 4 days 🙁 eek. Going to be a challenge to decide on which places to visit! (will most likely hire a car though to get around)

Hi Mel, so awesome you are heading to Ireland. Your trip is short but doesn’t mean you can’t see some awesome places. There is a lot to do and see. There are tour companies that will do trips up or down to place. Just be prepared for full on days with incredible views. If you don’t want it to be so hectic there is a lot to do around Dublin. Have an amazing trip and you can head back there in the future. 🙂

Your photos are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! I love traveling by campervan, so it’s great to know that is an option in Ireland.

Thanks so much Veronica. Ireland is a perfect place to campervan.

Stunning photographs! I love this post and so much detail. I am from the UK and still haven’t made it over to Ireland! Hopefully in the near future though! Thanks for sharing and the huge inspiration!

Thank you so much Mike. Ireland is amazing. Such a beautiful country. You will be amazed. Hope you get there soon. Happy travels.

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Explore the Wild Atlantic Way!

Come and explore the Wild Atlantic Way on the beautiful West Coast of Ireland. The best road trip in the World!

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way!!

This website helps you to explore the Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast of Ireland.

At 2,600km+ the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest, and certainly, one of the most beautiful coastal road trips in the world.

You may have to go on several trips to see all of it, but you will never regret it.

The scenery is outstanding, the roads are fun, the people are friendly, and there is plenty to do and see. And of course, you can expect a really hospitable Irish welcome wherever you are.

Driving Routes from EXPLOREWAW.COM

This site provides free driving routes along all stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way maps. The routes are each designed to be approximately one day of exploration and to allow for stops along the way. Some may be longer or shorter however depending on what you wish to see.

Each route has its own post describing the route and the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points along it.

The Google Maps routes can be downloaded to your phone or tablet to allow you to navigate your trip easily. All the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) Signature and Discovery points along the way are clearly marked on the routes so you do not miss any along the way.

A typical Google Maps route on this site looks like this:

The routes also include other interesting sites or Points of Interest (POI’s) along the way which you may wish to visit. Try exploring the locations by clicking the top left corner of the map and then the locations to see descriptions, photos and other relevant links.

Follow this link to find out how to use the routes in Google maps.

The POI’s in the maps have photos so you can see what you will be visiting. Some have related videos. So you can plan ahead and decide which places you want to avoid and make your own bespoke journey.

How to Explore The Wild Atlantic Way

• Find the suitable route(s) to match your trip duration and location
• Download the route(s) into Google Maps on your phone or tablet
• Read about the most interesting POI’s (points of interest) to visit along the way
• Plan your trip to ensure you see exactly the things that interest you

And if, unfortunately for some reason, you are unable to visit Ireland in person, you can at least explore the Wild Atlantic Way from the comfort of your home on your desktop or laptop:

• Pick the county and read about points of interest along the way find links to other relevant sites
• Browse the content – textual descriptions, photographs and videos
• Do your own virtual tour of the Wild Atlantic Way

The photos and videos are ones that I have taken during my travels.

If you download the routes, the information is updated automatically whenever I update the information online.

I do hope you find this site useful.

The author of this site, Gavin, is a well-hardened traveller, having travelled to 45 + countries and worked in many parts of the world. I understand the importance of proper trip planning.

People have different ways of travelling, whether it be active, passive, relaxed or full-on.

Here, I try and help you get the most out of your trip so that you can enjoy yourself while you are in Ireland as much as possible. Save time planning and get out and explore!

And even if you cannot visit in person I hope you will be able to bring back some memories to make you feel as if you have been here. Or at least remind you of the places you have visited in the past.

Have a great time visiting the West Coast of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW for short), whether you do it in person or online!

Some links to read about the Wild Atlantic Way:

What is the Wild Atlantic Way

How to get to the Wild Atlantic Way

How to travel the Wild Atlantic Way

Or just go to the following links to start planning!! You can also find these in the menu at the top of the page.

How to use this site

How to use the route files in Google Maps

Find the full videos along the Wild Atlantic Way on my YouTube site here .

Note: This is an unofficial site, unrelated to Fáilte Ireland but with the same aims of promoting and assisting visiting tourists to Ireland.

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Road Trip: Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Explore the sights and sounds of the Wild Atlantic Way, and meet the people who make it unforgettable.

At the western fringe of Europe is a marginal zone where the force of the Atlantic crashes against the jagged rock defenses of Ireland ’s western seaboard. The Wild Atlantic Way, a new driving route that covers approximately 1,500 miles, highlights the battle of land and sea with stunning vistas and iconic adventures.

This epic, sign-posted route skirts Ireland’s coastline from north to south and takes travelers through traditional rural outposts where Irish Gaelic is still spoken, tweeds are woven on wooden looms, the fish on the menu is from the boat tied up at the pier, fiddlers play sessions in the pubs at night, and—as the locals say— the craic is mighty (meaning the social banter is fun).

We’ve broken the Wild Atlantic Way into seven segments and offer insider suggestions on authentic cultural experiences, killer views, and little-known highlights.

Inishowen Peninsula to Donegal Town

Donegal is rugged, remote, and sparsely populated, a place dominated by seabirds and sheep. Soaring sea cliffs and northern headlands seem to taunt the fishing fleet—11 lighthouses along the coast help vessels navigate to safety.

Hike One Man’s Pass : Go beyond the viewing platform at the granite cliffs of Slieve League, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, by hiking the trail along the ridge topping the cliffs. It’s not for those afraid of heights—the sheer drops are dizzying, especially in the stretch known as One Man’s Pass. Stay at Slieve League Lodge in Carrick, where the pub's hot whiskies with lemon and cloves will heal all aches.

Join a program in Glencolmcille: Guided hill-walking is one of the programs offered at Oideas Gael , a cultural center in Glencolmcille. The most popular route is over a mountain to the deserted village of Port and back around the sea cliffs at Glen Head. You can also take a week of classes covering Irish Gaelic language, Irish harp or whistle, archaeology, and more. At Glencolmcille Folk Village , thatched cottages reveal country life during different centuries. Donegal fiddling is often heard in sessions at Roarty’s Bar .

Watch traditional Irish hand-weaving : Studio Donegal in Kilcar maintains hand-weaving traditions by spinning their own yarns and weaving signature tweeds and woolens on old wooden looms. Ask for a peak at the workshop, then shop for high-quality wool clothing, plus colorful pillows and throws.

Try sea-stack climbing : With guides from Unique Ascent , descend sea cliffs to a storm beach, cruise by boat to a sea stack, then climb to the stack’s stony summit.

See impressive late Neolithic dolmens : The Dolmen Centre near Portnoo features two stone portal tombs dating back more than 4,000 years. The larger of the two Kilclooney dolmens is one of the best preserved in Ireland and features one of the biggest capstones, which stretches 20 feet wide and soars above upright portal-stone supports. The smaller dolmen is partly collapsed.

Photo op : Driving from Glencolmcille to Ardara, pull off at the top of Glengesh Pass for a view of the road looping downward into what appears to be a Hobbit-like world below.

Get a guide : Derek Vial of Tour Donegal is the expert on history, sights, and everything Donegal.

Donegal Town to Ballina

This stretch consisting mostly of Sligo, with bits of Counties Donegal, Leitrim, and Mayo, is a coastal zone of rugged sand dunes and wild beaches. It’s world-renowned for surfing. Streedagh Strand made news in the summer of 2015 when nine cannons from one of three Spanish Armada galleons wrecked here in 1588 were recovered offshore and taken to the National Museum of Ireland for conservation.

Soak in seaweed : At Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths , an Edwardian bathhouse in Enniscrone, experience a therapeutic soak in a tub filled with hot seawater and freshly harvested seaweed, which releases nutrients and oils to soothe skin and bones.

Catch a wave : Rossnowlagh hosted the European Surfing Championships back in 1985, and the reliable curls here make it an excellent destination for beginner and experienced surfers. The Fin McCool Surf School will help you hone your technique. You can watch big-wave surfing from the headlands at Mullaghmore in winter; the nearby Prowlers surf break can sometimes throw up waves reaching 55 feet high, attracting the world’s most extreme surfers.

Attend a Ballyshannon festival : For decades, the Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival has attracted top musicians and bands during the August bank holiday weekend at the beginning of the month. The Wild Atlantic Craft Beer and Whiskey Festival , based at Dicey Reilly’s Bar, is on the same weekend and features tastings, brewer sessions, and tours of the on-site Donegal Brewing Company that produces seven craft beers.

Check out this curious court tomb : Along the main road north of Cliffony is Creevykeel court tomb, a massive Neolithic stone monument built around 3000 B.C. The complete interior court, accomplished architecture of the burial gallery, and monumental size make this structure an impressive achievement and one of the best court tomb examples in Ireland.

Ballina to Westport

Mayo has a varied coastline, with its north coast cliffs, the nearly flat Mullet Peninsula, the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland on Achill Island, and the hundreds of islands and islets in Clew Bay.

Stay in a Coast Guard station : The white fortress of Stella Maris in Ballycastle, County Mayo, is an 1853 Coast Guard station lovingly renovated as a country house hotel and opened in 2002. It features a commanding view across the water to Downpatrick Head and Dún Briste sea stack, romantic decor, and a changing menu inspired by locally harvested produce.

Watch horse racing on the beach : Head to the Geesala Festival in mid-August to watch horse racing on a temporary racecourse—drawn in the sand on Doolough beach at low tide. The action comes complete with bookies, who set up stalls on the beach. This is old-fashioned horse racing, as seen in the movie The Quiet Man , filmed in Mayo.

Gourmet Greenway : The defunct railway from Achill to Westport was converted to the Great Western Greenway for cycling the Clew Bay coastline, and now there's an artisan food trail, the Gourmet Greenway , featuring at least 18 food producers and restaurants along the same path.

360-degree view : On Achill Island, you can drive up to the cell tower parking lot at the top of Minaun for views in all directions, taking in Blacksod Bay, the Atlantic, mountainous terrain, and offshore islands.

Snorkel with basking sharks : The remote beach at Keem Bay on Achill Island features the remains of buildings once used to process basking sharks for oil. Now this Blue Flag beach has a snorkeling trail as part of the Blueway and offers a chance to see the behemoths that still frequent these waters. Keem Adventure has a setup right on the beach.

Boat-to-table dining : The Hassett family covers the spectrum, with Gerard as captain of his own fishing boat; his wife, Julie, running Chalet Seafood Restaurant in Keel (featuring the boat’s daily catch); and a smokehouse producing artisanal smoked fish to take home.

Westport to Galway

Oscar Wilde described Connemara’s landscape as “a savage beauty.” Ancient castles and monasteries highlight this island-studded coastline backed by otherworldly bogs. There are photo opportunities in every direction.

Ride a Connemara pony : Ride across blanket bogs and sandy beaches on legendary horses said to descend from horses that swam ashore when Spanish Armada ships sank off the Connemara coast in the 16th century. Errislannan Manor near Clifden has horses for all abilities. The Connemara Pony Festival takes place in Clifden in August.

Thatched cottages echo ancestors : Surrounded by bog land, Cnoc Suain near Spiddal is a 17th-century hilltop village of restored stone cottages with thatched roofs. Staying in one of these cozy cottages with turf fireplaces and duvet-covered iron beds is one of the most authentic experiences you could have in Ireland. Dearbhaill Standún and Charlie Troy have created a time warp, which is enhanced with cultural programs.

Great guide : Renowned field archaeologist Michael Gibbons offers guided tours of many destinations in Connemara, as well as wherever there's history to explore and stories to be told. He’s knowledgeable and entertaining. Book through Michael Gibbons Archaeology Travel .

Kayak Killary Harbour : Explore Killary Harbour, an Irish fjard (smaller than a fjord), by kayak with Leenane-based Killary Adventure Co . The stunning fjard is ten miles long and surrounded by mountain peaks. Watch for dolphins.

Ultimate castle stay : The recent multimillion-dollar renovation of Ashford Castle in Cong (which originally opened as a hotel 1939) was so extensive that it exposed the original stone exterior walls. It was then rebuilt with a modern infrastructure and luxe interiors. New owners added 130 crystal chandeliers, 800 works of art, bathrooms with heated marble floors, and rooms with padded silk walls, antiques, and electronically controlled curtains and temperatures. There’s a new spa, cinema, and whiskey bar too. In short, it’s tasteful and glorious—an ultimate castle experience.

Woolen shopping : Check out Standún in Spiddal for a wide selection of Aran sweaters, woolens, tweeds, and fine giftware with reasonable prices.

Galway to the Shannon River

The Clare coastline mixes sea cliffs (like the popular Cliffs of Moher) with the cracked-limestone landscape of the Burren and the vast dune lands that host famous links golf courses. There are dolphins in the Shannon River and music in nearly every pub here.

Slurp some oysters : The end of September is an oyster frenzy around Galway, where the local bivalve is slurped with gusto and prepared every way imaginable during the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival . At other times of the year, oyster destination restaurants include Moran’s Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan, a thatched cottage on the weir run by the Moran family for seven generations, and Paddy Burkes Oyster Inn in Clarinbridge, a thatched-roof pub and seafood restaurant dating to 1850.

Music madness : The Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, which takes place in mid-July, is a mecca for musicians across the country, as well as fans of traditional music, song, and dance. There are classes, lectures, and recitals, but it is the brilliant sessions late into the night that people talk about. If you can’t make it to Willie Clancy week, stop at the Music Makers of West Clare visitors center to see video clips of the area’s renowned musicians.

Live like a chieftain in your own castle : Ballyportry Castle near Corofin is one of the best restored late medieval Gaelic tower houses in Ireland, and you can have it all to yourself. The 15th-century tower house sleeps eight comfortably and features a stone spiral staircase, a great hall, a modern kitchen, cozy under-floor heating, and fireplaces for crackling fires. It reigns supreme over its kingdom—the karst landscape of the Burren.

Great view : The top of Corkscrew Hill on the N67 road between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna offers far-off views of green fields, Galway Bay, and the unusual limestone Burren landscape. The looping drive down is a bonus.

Cheese please : Ireland’s best selection of native farmhouse cheeses is at Sheridans Cheesemongers , which has its flagship store in Galway. The selection features about 70 Irish cheeses from 30 artisan producers. You can taste cheeses paired with wines in their upstairs Wine Shop and Bar.

Shannon River to Kenmare

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Known as “the kingdom of Kerry,” this county has an abundance of ring forts, standing stones, and ancient monuments, as well as Ireland’s tallest mountains. The Ring of Kerry is well known for its rocky coastal drama, although a loop of the Dingle Peninsula easily equals its jaw-dropping panoramas—with fewer driving miles.

National Folk Theatre : Head to Tralee for an evening at Siamsa Tíre , the National Folk Theatre, where the magical stage performances tell epic tales of the past through dance, live music, and song.

Traditional pubs : In Dingle, don’t miss three historic pubs that were also once stores and still have cubbyholes for goods: Foxy John’s, J. Curran, and Dick Mack’s . With all the traditional musicians in Dingle, a good music session might just pop up in any one of them. O’Sullivan’s Courthouse has music every night, as owner Tommy O’Sullivan draws in his friends to make music.

Great views : At the Scarriff Inn on the Ring of Kerry near Caherdaniel, enjoy the expansive view of quiet coves and rocky islands with an Irish coffee in hand. On the Dingle Peninsula, if you walk to the top of Dunmore Head (the most westerly point on the Irish mainland), you’ll get a great view of the Blasket Islands and can check out an ogham stone, a tall slab inscribed with the slash marks of early Irish writing.

Tour a whiskey distillery : The Dingle Distillery produces single malt and pot still–style whiskey aged in the bracing marine environment of this Celtic outpost. It also makes Dingle Original Gin with botanicals from the Kerry landscape and Dingle Distillery Pot Still Vodka, which is distilled five times in a pot still. You can tour this craft distillery and learn how whiskey is made, then do a tasting. There’s a two-day whiskey school held periodically as well.

See a stone circle : The Kenmare stone circle is one of the largest in southwest Ireland, with 15 stones in the circle and a large boulder-burial in the middle. At one end of the stone circle is a tree known locally as a fairy tree, on which people tie ribbons that represent wishes.

Check out Dingle’s artists and craftsmen : Dingle town is an excellent place to shop for paintings, artwork, and handcrafts. Brian de Staic is a goldsmith known for his ogham jewelry collection, customized with the buyer’s name in ancient ogham writing. Well-known politicians and Hollywood stars are among his customers. Sean Daly, a Waterford Crystal master craftsman, set up Dingle Crystal and has famous clients like Bono. Carol Cronin Gallery features this accomplished artist’s paintings of the sea’s fury, while acclaimed painter Liam O’Neill works with a palette knife to create local scenes in a colorful, textured signature style.

Kenmare to Kinsale

West Cork has peninsulas and headlands stretching far into the ocean, plus myriad offshore islands. The Gulf Stream attracts whales and dolphins to these waters, and the temperate climate enables subtropical plants to flourish in formal gardens. It’s a great place for water-based activities and festivals.

Fiddle Fair : Time your visit for early May to take in the Baltimore Fiddle Fair , featuring top musicians playing in intimate venues and late-night sessions that are legendary.

Bird migration : With a strategic location, Cape Clear Island is one of the best places to watch seabird migrations in Europe, especially in late summer. Songbird migrations happen in spring and fall. Book a birding workshop at the Cape Clear Bird Observatory , which has just opened after a two-year closure for construction.

Lie in the Sky Garden at Liss Ard : The visionary Irish Sky Garden is a unique landscape feature at Liss Ard Estate , a lovely Georgian country house with garden mews in Skibbereen. It was created by earth artist James Turrell and resembles a grass-covered crater. A plinth in the middle lets you lie on your back and contemplate the heavens. Stay in the elegant country house to experience the Irish Sky Garden by day and night.

Hike Sheep’s Head : The Lighthouse Loop Walk on Sheep’s Head Peninsula follows a sheep trail along stony heights to sea cliffs, where a lighthouse clings to the jagged end of the landmass 250 feet above the surf. The trail cuts back through boggy valleys and along coastal bluffs with views across Bantry Bay.

Kayak around the Old Head of Kinsale : Guides at H2O Sea Kayaking in Kinsale insist that even novice kayakers can paddle out to the Old Head, through the sea arches, and over to a secluded beach for a group picnic. The coves and caves here intrigue even experienced kayakers.

Great guide : Tanya Jordan is a nationally certified tour guide with a breadth of experience, a brain for trivia, and talent on the bones, a traditional instrument. She can cover any area in Ireland and even meet you at the airport for day or weeklong trips.

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The Wild Atlantic Way: The Ultimate Irish West Coast Road Trip

The Wild Atlantic Way explores Ireland's most spectacular cliffs and the best of western Ireland.

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The wild atlantic way - a complete itinerary to ireland's west coast, take time to explore galway in the middle of the wild atlantic way, must see points on the wild atlantic way in donegal.

One of the top tourist trails in Ireland is the Wild Atlantic Way ( Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin in Irish). The Wild Atlantic Way is a great way to see and explore much of the best of Ireland, including the entire west coast of the island. At over 1,500 miles long, it is possibly the ultimate road trip to take in Ireland. It is a route that needs at least a week to discover fully - if short on time, then just discover a portion of it.

Ireland is a land full of ancient sites and legendary towns for first-timers to complete . Come see the wild west coast of Ireland, far from the tourist sites of Dublin. Those looking for a road trip in Ireland need to look no further than the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Wild Atlantic Way traces the entirety of the Irish west coast (as well as parts of the north and south coasts). The route travels through nine Irish counties and three provinces. The route has 157 discovery points, around 1,000 attractions, and over 2,500 activities.

• Length: 2,500 kilometers or 1,553 miles

The Wild Atlantic Way is broken down into five sections:

• County Donegal
• County Donegal to County Mayo
• County Mayo to County Clare
• County Clare to County Kerry
• County Kerry to County Cork

The Wild Atlantic Way explores the heartland of the Gaeltacht - the parts of Ireland where Irish remains the predominant language and English a second language.

Along the way, people see the landscapes that have inspired poets and writers through the histories. See dry-stone walls, thatched cottages, deserted beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and brooding mountains.

Here at the edge of Europe, feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean as it relentlessly pounds away at the base of towering sea cliffs. Explore castle ruins, take a boat out to an ancient island monastery, find isolated lighthouses, and more.

There are plenty of places to stay along the Wild Atlantic Way, but perhaps nothing is more authentic than staying in an old Irish cottage in the countryside somewhere along the Atlantic Ocean. Refer to Discover Ireland for accommodation options along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Related: You Can Actually Stay In These 10 Amazing Irish Castles

One of the key destinations along the Wild Atlantic Way is Galway. It is the fourth city in the Republic of Ireland, with a population of around 83,000. Galway grew around an ancient fortification built by the King of Connacht in 1124.

Today it is a major Irish tourist destination famous for its events and festivals (such as the Galway Arts Festival). Places of interest in Galway include Lynch's Castle, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the Galway Cathedral, the remains of the Menlo Castle, the Eglinton Canal, and the Claddagh, among others.

While in Galway, take a ferry and discover the timeless Aran Islands, where a true Irish experience awaits. On these islands, locals still speak Irish and seem to have gotten stuck in time.

Related: 10 Places You Should See In Ireland During A 7-Day Trip

There are too many must-see points along the Wild Atlantic Way to list out here. But here are three must-see points in Donegal at the beginning of the route.

Marlin Head

See Ireland's northernmost point at Marlin Head. Marvel at the wonders of Ireland as one stands with the sea swelling on three sides and mighty cliffs rising up from the tempestuous sea. Experience the feeling of isolation on Ireland's Inishowen Peninsula - an area rich with seabirds.

The second of the discovery points of the Wild Atlantic Way is Fanad Head. See the Fanad Head Lighthouse that has been guiding ships since its lights first shone on St. Patrick's Day in 1817. It is one of the top locations in Donegal for photographs and paintings.

Sliabh Liag

Continue along the Wild Atlantic Way and discover the Sliabh Liag Cliffs (pronounced Slieve League). See the ruggedness and isolation that other Irish high cliffs seem to have lost. These cliffs soar 601 meters or 1,972 feet above the sea below. Those who are not faint of heart can walk the 'One Man's Path at the cliff summit. Take care, and have a good head for heights to hike this path.

Ultimate guide to the Wild Atlantic Way road trip in Ireland

The west coast of Ireland is a fairly spectacular place. Striking, rugged cliffs, smashed by waves. Swathes of empty, white-sand beaches line the roadside. The shore is dotted with towering sea stacks and smatterings of tiny islands.

But the best thing about the west coast? The meandering path that is the Wild Atlantic Way. It might not hug the coastline as strictly as California's Highway One, but this road takes in over 1,550 miles of scenery that make for the perfect road trip .

It's easy to stick to its path -- the blue and white signs mark the way, dipping between coastal villages and green fields, the sea never too far away. While it's definitely possible to do it all in one trip (allow at least three weeks to do it right), most people break it into shorter sections, spending four nights in Donegal, Sligo and Mayo, or a few days down in Cork and Kerry. However you want to tackle it, this is your ultimate guide to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.

What to see

Start right at the top at Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point. This rugged spot at the top of the Northern Headlands of Donegal is one of the most dramatic backdrops you could ask for. It's a great setting for a cliff walk and, if you're there in the summer months, you might just spot a few cyclists finishing up Ireland's longest cycle , the Mizen to Malin trek. Be sure to spend some time exploring the Inishowen Peninsula, taking in the pretty little beaches and keeping a close eye on the water -- this is prime whale-watching territory.

Head down the coast and you'll reach Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The Cliffs of Moher might get all the attention (and the crowds), but if you're lucky, you'll have this spot all to yourself. Be warned, though -- the path is pretty tired in spots, and there's not too much between you and the crashing waves below.

Read more : 6 of the best golf courses in Ireland

If you're heading there in the winter months (and it's highly recommended you do), then you might just be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights , which often dance in the Donegal sky. And if you're there in the summer, you're gifted with long, languorous days — it often doesn't get dark until midnight, which is handy for the stroll back to bed after a night spent in the local pub.

Where to eat

On the road between Sliabh Liag and Donegal town, you'll find Killybegs Seafood Shack, serving up super fresh seafood right on the pier. Get some piping hot fish and chips and sit with your feet dangling over the harbor's edge. For something a little fancier, Foyle Hotel dishes up some of the best food in the northwest, courtesy of TV chef Brian McDermott. Don't be fooled by the hotel setting -- this place is more of a restaurant with rooms. If you're in the mood for more seafood, then pop into Fisk at the Harbour Bar in Downings. It's right on the beach, and its meaty crab claws with seaweed butter are legendary.

Where to stay

Fancy something a little different? Lough Mardal has five beautiful yurts, kitted out with antique furniture and cozy wood-burning stoves. Sitting out on the deck with a glass of wine and those gigantic Donegal skies is pretty much heaven on earth. Yurts are from $140 per night.

Just outside Donegal town, Lough Eske Castle is a gorgeous five-star hotel with a great spa and excellent restaurant. Set right on the edge of the lake, there are also fabulous walking trails that you can tackle after a mammoth breakfast. Rates are from $240 per night.

Sligo and Mayo

You've probably seen a fair bit of Sligo on screen as the backdrop for much of the BBC series "Normal People." You'll recognize the dreamy, desolate sands of Streedagh Strand from Marianne and Connell's romantic walks along the beach.

But apart from its newfound reputation among lovestruck millennials, Sligo is also the surf capital of Ireland. You can take on the baby waves in Strandhill or watch the serious surfers on the monster waves in Mullaghmore -- this is the kind of place where people get choppered in to take on the big waves in the winter. If you'd rather stick to solid land, climb one of the local mountains, like Knocknarea in Strandhill or the big kahuna, Benbulben (you'll spot its distinctive ridges from pretty much all over the city).

Read more : From Connemara to the Giant's Causeway: 9 of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland

Down along the coast is the underrated county of Mayo. When you drive the Wild Atlantic Way, the road is punctuated with jagged bronze wayfarers, pointing out a spot that's dramatically beautiful and worth pulling in for. There are more than 150 of these Discovery Points, but a huge chunk of them are along the Mayo coastline. One of the best is Downpatrick Head, a chunk of headland that's peculiarly bouncy -- like walking on grass Tellytubby domes. The sea stack at its edge is particularly gorgeous. The best way to see it? Crawl up the cliff's edge and lie on your belly. It'll make your knees tremble, but it's an unbeatable view.

In Sligo, you can't beat Eithne's by the Sea, in Mullaghmore. Overlooking the harbor, you'll find platters of local shellfish and catch of the day. In the chichi beachside village of Rosses Point, The Driftwood is a brilliant spot for a huge plate of lobster doused in smoked garlic butter. It has cute bedrooms upstairs, too.

If you have loyalty program points to spend, the Radisson Blu Rosses Point is a fabulous hotel with a fantastic restaurant and plenty of al fresco seating. The spa is pretty nifty, too. Rates are from $185 per night or 57,000 points.

Down in Mayo, Ashford Castle is one of the finest hotels in the whole country, a dreamily luxurious spot on the lakeshore with a classically Irish sense of luxury – you'll get top-notch service, but with a cheeky wink. Oh, and it has two resident Irish wolfhounds that you can walk each morning, too. Rates are from $408 per night.

Galway and Clare

Down in this neck of the woods, it's all about the beaches. Leaving Mayo and coming into Galway, you first catch a glimmer of the impossibly gorgeous Connemara landscape with its wide expanses of rock-strewn fields rolling down towards the sea. Make sure you take in the pretty coastal villages of Roundstone and Clifden -- they may get busy with tourists in the summer, but they're still worth a pit stop.

If you have a little more time to spare, then it's worth exploring some of the islands dotted off the coast -- the easiest is probably Achill (though this is up in Mayo, it's the only island accessible by bridge). If you have a full day or two, the Aran Islands are almost otherworldly, with their crumbling stonewalls and beaches that belong in the tropics . Inis Oirr is the understated favorite, if only because of its resident dolphin Dusty and the ale named after it (Inis Beer).

In the village of Roundstone, a visit to O'Dowd's is pretty much mandatory. In the winter, the tiny pub is filled with the scent of smoldering turf on the fire. In the summer, you can take one of the outdoor seats and sit in the sunshine (if it's there). But either way, you simply can't beat a platter of oysters and a pint of Guinness -- it's a match made in heaven. If you're driving to the Connemara National Park, stop into Misunderstood Heron by Killary Fjord. This little food truck serves up the best mussels around, plucked from the very waters a few feet away.

When it comes to glorious Connemara boltholes, you simply can't beat Ballynahinch Castle. An absolutely beautiful spot right on the water, this is the epitome of countryside coziness, with beautiful heritage rooms, captivating views and fireplaces around every corner. The restaurant is one of the finest in the country, too. Rates are from $276 per night.

Of all the counties around Ireland aside from Dublin, Kerry is the one that's probably most flocked to by visitors. And who can blame them? This is a county that has it all -- striking lakes, perfect beaches and mountains that look like something out of a Toblerone advert. Cut in from the coast a little and drive the Ring of Kerry and through the Killarney National Park , stopping whenever you can to take in the view. Check out Gleninchaquin Park, too -- it's where Annie Leibovitz shot "Star Wars" star Adam Driver for Vogue.

Along the coast, hang around for a glimpse of the Skellig islands (you might recognize them as a Jedi sanctuary from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"). If you have the time and the weather is on your side, then head out to Skellig Michael, a seriously impressive structure with steep, weather-worn stone steps leading to a monastery almost 1,500 years old. If you fancy a real adventure, climb Carrauntoohil -- it's the tallest mountain in Ireland, but there are several routes up to the top, Devil's Ladder probably being the most accessible. It's probably best to go with a guide if you're not an experienced hill climber.

Kenmare is a great little foodie stop, with a number of brilliant restaurants and cafés. The cute Boathouse Bistro is a short hop out of the town, perched right on the water with a cool maritime feel. The fish and chips are exceptional (as are the fish tacos and selection of rosé wines). Don't skip a visit to Kenmare Ice Cream either, where classic flavors are whipped up with local cream.

One of Ireland's most beloved hotels, the Park Hotel Kenmare, is just a couple of minutes walk away from the town but has the feel of a palatial country manor. Its spa is one of the finest you could hope for -- numbers are limited so it's never crowded, and the outdoor infinity hot tub is set right in the trees for a truly magical soak among nature. Rates are from $285 per night.

Along the road by the Boathouse Bistro is Dromquinna Manor, with some cool glamping options -- you can stay in an ultra-chic converted Potting Shed or a sleek safari-style tent. Both are kitted out with sumptuous bedding, antique furniture and every little luxury you could ask for. Rates are from $240 per night.

Cork is an absolute beast of a county, so don't try to do it all too quickly. Kick things off in West Cork, home of giant, blue-flag beaches and whale-watching tours. One thing you definitely shouldn't miss? Night kayaking in Lough Hyne, a saltwater lake close to the town of Skibbereen. You'll set out at dusk and before long, you'll be paddling under the night sky. But it's far from dark below the water -- move your oar through the lake and you'll see the dazzle of bioluminescence. It's a magical sight.

Read more : The ultimate guide to visiting Cork, Ireland

For a poetic end to the Wild Atlantic Way, head to Ireland's most southerly point, Mizen Head. There's a cool suspension bridge and great lighthouse views, plus the waters that surround it are often filled with minke, fin and humpback whales. If you want to head out to the furthest point, take a boat to Fastnet Rock, a dramatic little island that's known as Ireland's Teardrop — it was the last patch of Ireland that emigrants would see as they sailed off to America .

The food scene is huge in West Cork, with plenty of Ireland's best producers supplying the rest of the country with the best artisan cheeses and charcuterie. That means there are Farmer's Markets aplenty, so you'll never be short of picnic supplies. Head to Toonsbridge Dairy for its killer halloumi and smoked scarmorza or nab a pizza fresh out of the clay oven, smeared with spicy 'nduja.

Kinsale is a paradise for food lovers, so you're never short of a good bite there. Cork is also home to some of the newest Michelin stars in Ireland -- Mews Restaurant in Baltimore and Chestnut in Ballydehob are two of the best spots in the country, as is new recipient Bastion in Kinsale. In Cork city, Chef Takashi Miyazaki's incredible tiny Japanese spot Ichigo Ichie is one of the hottest tables in Ireland, let alone Cork.

If you want to make the most of the water, stay on Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, where the ocean is basically on your doorstep. It's the best place for sea kayaking, so make sure you book a paddle when you're there. Rates are from $212 per night.

For a cooler B&B vibe, try Roseville in Youghal -- it has two completely self-sufficient rooms in the walled garden, which come with a pantry stuffed to the brim with local bread, cheeses and yogurts. Rates are from $137 per night.

How to get there

The main airports along the coast are Shannon (SNN), Kerry (KIR), Ireland West Knock (NOC) and Cork (ORK). From there we definitely recommend renting a car.

Bottom line

A nice long road trip is a great way to experience the delights of a new country without coming into contact with too many other people. The scenery on the west coast of Ireland is fantastic, varied and exciting, and the island is small enough that you can do it over a leisurely week or two. Bear in mind some of our insider tips of where to stay and eat and you'll have the road trip of a lifetime.

West Coast of Ireland

The west coast of Ireland is the perfect escape, especially for outdoor enthusiasts!  We love the unique combination of wild rugged nature and vibrant cities and towns. It really sums up Ireland wonderfully!

If you plan on doing a road trip as part of your Ireland travel holiday, then you should really spend some time on the Wild Atlantic Way . This coastal driving route runs from Malin Head in Donegal , to Kinsale in the south of the country , just a short distance from Cork City . 

The entire route spans over 2500 km (1550 miles) and meanders the west coast taking in stunning headlands, superb surfing spots, towering cliffs and wild national parks. 

Some of the scenery may even seem somewhat familiar to you. The beauty of the isolated Irish landscapes has caught the attention of filming location scouts from some of Hollywood’s biggest movies including Star Wars and Harry Potter . 

A visit to Galway city should be included in everyone’s itinerary, if possible. This charismatic city offers a rich history of arts and culture that will delight visitors. Check out one of the city’s many hotels, great restaurants and stroll the streets enjoying the entertaining street performers.

From Galway , it is also easy to do day trips by car and take part in organized bus tours to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren in County Clare , the Aran islands , as well as the scenic Kylemore Abbey in Connemara .  

Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and water sport are especially well catered for along the west coast of Ireland. Some of my favorite hikes are in Connemara National Park , where the views over Connemara and beyond are absolutely breathtaking. Achill Island also has fantastic hiking routes.

The Great Western Greenway is a 42 km (26 miles) traffic-free trail for walkers and cyclists that takes visitors along the route of a 19th century Midlands Great Western Railway.

Water enthusiasts will be kept busy with the ample surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and kayaking opportunities, particularly along the stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal town to Erris . 

It is easy to reach the western Ireland, either directly from Dublin city , where the majority of tourists start their Ireland vacation. Alternatively, there are also airports in the west of Ireland , such as Shannon Airport near Limerick or Knock Airport in County Mayo .

Check out our post on the Wild Atlantic Way to learn more about why you should visit this fabulous area of Ireland.

Ireland Destination Guides

Find our guides for each destination in Ireland by clicking on the images below.

SOUTH OF IRELAND

EAST COAST OF IRELAND

NORTHERN IRELAND

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Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: Off-the-Beaten-Path Itinerary Ideas

Written by Becca

Updated on October 27th, 2023

Which places should be on an itinerary for a West coast of Ireland road trip? Check out our ideas for some off-the-beaten-path locations, towns and national parks on the Wild Atlantic Way.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in Ireland

Table of contents

• Is there a best Wild Atlantic Way route?
• Loop Head Lighthouse
• Cliffs of Moher

Ennistimon (Ennistymon)

• Connemara National Park
• Lough Inagh

If you’re dreaming of a Wild Atlantic Way road trip in Ireland, your dreams may match reality.

I didn’t know Ireland was as green as it is in the photos, and it lives up to the hype. When going to Ireland, we didn’t truly know what to expect, and we were pleasantly surprised.

One thing about planning our trip that was challenging was the sheer number of things to see on Ireland’s West Coast. There are lots of itineraries that check boxes for all the most sought-after places, but what about the less-touristed and slightly more alternative locations?

In this guide to our itinerary from a road trip in Ireland’s West, we’ll share the villages, towns, landmarks and national parks that made our trip varied and memorable.

Remember: there is no right or wrong way to visit the Wild Atlantic Way, and the best part can be the drives (on the left)!

Is there a best Wild Atlantic Way route?

This is a semi-easy question to dive into. The internet will show you lots of ideas for a Wild Atlantic Way road trip, and the truth is, there is no right or wrong way to do it.

This is because everyone’s trip has a different amount of time, a different tolerance threshold for time spent in the car, a different interest in towns vs. nature, and more.

For us, we had about 12 days. We flew into Shannon, Ireland, from Tenerife in the Canary Islands and departed in the end out of Dublin, with a day trip to Glendalough , then went back to our home in NYC .

Your trip may fly in and out of Dublin, or in and out of Shannon. A good thing to know about Shannon is that there’s not much to do there at all, so we’re not including Shannon in the list of iconic locations for your Irish road trip, below.

Ideal itinerary ideas

For our Wild Atlantic Way trip itinerary, I wanted a mix of villages, national parks, landmarks and culture. I did a ton of research, looked at heaps of photos, and we got exactly this!

With three national parks, a smattering of villages that we both drove through and stayed in, and some rural accommodations on one-lane roads, we got to learn all about Ireland and its beautiful destinations.

Where to stay in Western Ireland

As for where to stay, that was what turned into a bit of a challenge. In order to save money during our trip , we opted for Airbnbs, rather than hotels or hostels, which were pretty expensive at high season rates.

A benefit of traveling as a couple was that all we needed was one private room, and we often found this in local Airbnbs. Many were outside cities, like 30 minutes outside Galway in a tiny village of only several hundred people on a road that had no streetlights after dark… you get the point!

Our accommodation while driving on the Wild Atlantic Way was quite varied. We stayed in private rooms in the homes of locals in Ennis, in a suburb of Galway, in a home in Shannon (where we picked up our rental car) and in another suburb of Galway.

A helpful way to think about accommodation is to weigh the pros and cons of each type of accommodation. Check out our guide where we compare hotels vs. Airbnb vs. hostels .

Do you need a car for the Wild Atlantic Way?

Absolutely. We could not have done this trip without a rental car. We suggest looking into rental cars even before you book your trip to a) see if they’re available and b) see if they’re affordable.

You can’t really travel freely and see the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way without your own vehicle.

What is the weather like on the Wild Atlantic Way?

Ireland sees a lot of rain, year-round, and the West of Ireland is no exception! We encountered rain on a daily basis. Remember: This is what keeps the Emerald Isle so green! We found Ireland to be an awesome destination for cool weather summer travel .

We flew into Shannon and within a day or two, made our way to Limerick. See it on Google Maps .

Limerick is a charming town about an hour east of Shannon, and it’s lovely and walkable. Some of the things to see are the colorful houses, outdoor restaurants, bars and pubs and of course, the city’s castle.

Limerick is the third-largest city in Ireland (when you get there, you’ll see that it feels more like a town), and it’s one of the oldest. It was founded by the Vikings, hundreds of years ago.

Maybe you’re familiar with a “limerick,” which is a jolly style of poetry. We’re going to write one for you now:

Limerick was a nice time So nice, that I’m making this rhyme. We both took a bus, without making a fuss, and didn’t eat lemon nor lime.

Okay, it doesn’t totally make sense, but you get the point!

You can walk along the river and you may even notice some groups of kayakers with the castle in the background. This is a great photo op near downtown!

Here are the things to see in Limerick:

• Tom Collins Bar
• Sarsfield Bridge
• The Milk Market
• Kyoto Sushi & Noodle
• Arthur’s Quay Park
• Robert Byrne Park
• Nicholas Street

To leave Limerick, you can take the short bus to Shannon. You can do this in a day!

What we’d recommend is a visit to Limerick if you’re already staying in Shannon. If you’re not based in Shannon, there’s little reason to visit Shannon itself aside from flying into the international airport for your arrival.

Loop Head Lighthouse

Loop Head Lighthouse was literally a landmark that was ‘out on a limb’ on our trip. See it on Google Maps .

We chose to venture out to Loop Head because it was conveniently west of Shannon, and it looked a lot closer. For fair reasons, not every traveler gets out to Loop Head.

To be fair, what looked like a straightforward and quick drive was in fact nearly an hour and a half on very slow roads, and during our little road trip, we were dealt one of Ireland’s famous summer rains that comes out of nowhere.

Not only did it rain, it poured, but we made the best of our visit to Loop Head, which is way out on the Loop Head Peninsula, west of Shannon and its surrounding area.

Why visit Loop Head? Well, during nice weather, it is absolutely beautiful, with unique cliff formations, lots of green and certainly some strong wind and waves to see as the ocean slaps the coast.

Most visitors say coming to Loop Head is ‘worth the journey.’ From our photos, you can see that we had no visibility, and lots of rain droplets on our car, jackets and glasses, but it’s the rains that keep Ireland so green! We couldn’t complain, and knew we’d laugh about it later.

The year we went to Ireland, the song “Galway Girl,” by Ed Sheeran was trending.

I decided to ask our Airbnb hostess in Galway about it. This is what happened:

Me: Did the song Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran make Galway more popular, do you think?

Hostess: No. Me: Really? That’s surprising. Hostess: Galway was always popular.

And that’s some Irish humor for you! I think Irish people are so funny.

Galway is a traditional Irish city that has perfect Irish charm through its architecture, colorful storefronts and medieval city wall. It’s known as one of Ireland’s most enjoyable destinations. You can find it on a map here on Google Maps .

Travelers will for sure want to try Galway’s restaurants, festivals, pub culture, museums and markets, as well as strolling around the city center for some photo ops.

I wish we had photos of Galway City, but it rained during both our trips there, so you’ll have to enjoy our photos of the nature that’s going to follow in a moment.

Lahinch is a memorable spot of sorts, right on the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, and likely on your way to the Cliffs of Moher. See it on Google Maps .

What’s worthwhile about a visit to Lahinch? Well, it’s a pretty seaside resort town that has a golf course, and a waterfront promenade where you’ll literally have to watch out for waves coming in and splashing up against the barrier.

There is a sand beach, if you’re down for visiting it, despite the cool temperatures, freezing water and relatively high winds, even in summer. Lahinch is one of the top surfing destinations in all of Ireland, and you can see that immediately from the waves!

Right around the corner (by car) are the Cliffs of Moher, so visiting Lahinch can be done on the way to, or back from, this famous West Coast landmark.

Local bar recommendation: Try Frawleys Bar Lahinch on Kettle St. They’ve got a pool table, live music on select nights and authentic coastal Irish culture. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Cliffs of Moher

The highlight of a Wild Atlantic Way road trip is, of course, the Cliffs of Moher ( see it on Google Maps ). Are they worth the visit? I think you can see for yourself, or take a look at our photos.

The Cliffs of Moher are located on the edge of the Burren region, making them a doable day trip with a hike in the Burren, below. The cliffs are located in County Clare, the county where we spent most of our trip (and were surprised at all the things to see!).

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the top locations for travelers and tourists in Ireland, and you will certainly see throngs of visitors if you come on a sunny day in high season. As a “signature point” on the Wild Atlantic Way route (which as you see here, you can create yourself, because we found there’s no single “correct” way to see the route), you’d be missing out big time if you did not stop at the Cliffs of Moher.

What surprised us was a big shiny visitors center upon arrival at the Cliffs of Moher. This was great, though, as it makes the entry point rather official. In case you’re the type that doesn’t like official tourist attractions, well… this is the only way to do it.

What we did find about parking is that it’s harder nowadays to park for free at the Cliffs of Moher. We had read previous reports of parking on the road and illegally and all these things, but the truth is you have to do the official parking if you don’t want to get in trouble with your rental car or the local authorities.

Here’s a photo of the parking lot, though: it was nothing to complain about.

Our biggest tip: go at golden hour, and calculate the timing based on the time of year it is. For us, during our trip in August, sunset was around 9pm, so we tried to arrive around 7:30, waited around, and then got these beautiful photos you see here as the sun went down.

The best part of our visit to the Cliffs of Moher was walking around the paths and exploring. What was really great was the amount of time you can spend in this area, even past the cliffs themselves (which are to the left/south of where visitors are allowed, and you can’t access the cliffs specifically because you’re looking at them).

The sunsets at the Cliffs of Moher are truly incredible. Have your camera ready!

The Burren is potentially not one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, but it’s a worthwhile stop for unique nature and walking. Find it here on Google Maps .

In fact, The Burren is basically badlands. There are no trees, there are swirls of rock, there are small weeds and flowers peeking out of crevices, and there isn’t a ton of wildlife.

BUT! Hiking in The Burren will be a great experience if you’d like to be at an attraction that doesn’t get too many visitors, and if you like expansive views when the sky is clear.

The website for The Burren calls it a “rocky limestone paradise,” and poetically, maybe that’s exactly what it is. What you can see with the naked eye are rock formations you may find, and what you won’t be able to discern are the possibility of the thousands-year-old fossils you’re walking on.

While you may enjoy our photos, you’ve got to see the aerial photos at Ireland.com , which are quite striking.

Find out more about visiting The Burren at the park’s national park info page .

Last on our list is the village of Ennistimon, population 1045. Don’t blink, or you may miss it! Find Ennistimon here on Google Maps .

This quaint village might be on your drive to our from The Burren, and it might not be. Even if you have to go out of your way to get to Ennistimon, we recommend it, because it’s so cute, and quiet, that you can have the village kind of to yourself while you walk around and admire the small shops and empty streets that look like they’re from a movie set.

The highlight of Ennistimon, if I may be completely frank, is the supermarket, where we picked up road trip snacks for the rest of our evening. With the sun setting so late, we wanted to make the best of seeing the Cliffs of Moher at sunset around 9pm, and in my opinion, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was more important than sitting down for a meal.

Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park may not be one of the most popular national parks in Ireland, but we thought it was a great day hike that was both relaxing and challenging. See it on Google Maps .

The park itself consists of 2000 hectares of bogs, farmland and woodlands. Because of the bogland, there are not many tall trees, and this allows expansive views when the weather is clear.

As per our luck with Irish weather, we got a cloudy day with intermittent drizzles (but fear not, we had clear skies for the Cliffs of Moher, and that is ALL that matters!).

We found that a hike in Connemara National Park brought all types of weather, all in an hour or two, from warming up on the lower parts of the hike, to experiencing the winds (and rains) at the tops of the hills and small mountains.

For more information, check out the website for Connemara National Park .

Lough Inagh

Lough Inagh means Lake Inagh in Irish. In our drive to Connemara National Park, we happened upon this majestic and thoroughly gorgeous lake, both on the way to the park, and back from it. Star its location here on Google Maps .

This freshwater lake is quite large, and surrounded by lush mountains. You will probably notice the herds of goats grazing nearby, as they’re hard to miss.

If you’re driving to Connemara National Park from Galway, it’ll be between an hour and an hour and a half. Given the scarcity of roads, you’ll take R344 and you’ll pass right by the length of Lough Inagh.

If you’d like to stay at the lake, try the Lake Inagh Lodge , which comes highly rated and is super quaint and charming.

Ennis is a town in Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, in County Clare, known for its music, and that’s a great thing! It’s located here on Google Maps .

Ennis doesn’t get too many visitors, and we felt like we were among locals as we walked the streets of the town center at sunset after a summer’s rain.

This town is one of Western Ireland’s most picturesque villages because of its winding streets. You won’t have to walk long before you hear live music coming from its bars, pubs, restaurants and theaters.

Learn more about Ennis at its town website from the County Clare tourism site .

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How to Road Trip Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way (Map + Itinerary)

Wild Atlantic Way

I always thought it was best to travel somewhere new, rather than returning to the same place over and over.

And yet, somehow, I’ve been to Ireland twice in the last two years, looking for more of the wild landscapes, warm hospitality and foot tapping music that characterize this small European country.

One of the best parts of Ireland?

The Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal touring route that runs down Ireland’s entire western seaboard, where the Atlantic waves crash against jagged rock. 

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At nearly 1,600 miles long, from County Donegal in the north to West Cork in the South, it’s not a road trip to be done in one visit – so we’ve done small sections in pieces, on various trips!

Whether you want adventure, culture, great food or incredible architecture, there’s a piece of the Wild Atlantic Way for you. Today I wanted to share a bit more background on what it’s like to road trip down the Wild Atlantic Way.

I’ll cover the different sections of the route, the best towns to stop in and uniquely Irish activities to try along the way.

Keep reading or pin this article for later ⇟ 

What counties are in the Wild Atlantic Way?

9 counties are included in the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route, 7 of them are in the Republic of Ireland and 2 are in Northern Ireland .

We’ll be focusing on the Republic of Ireland’s portion, as it’s the majority of the route. From North to South, these are Counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork.

Wild Atlantic Way Map

But, the Wild Atlantic Way is more often discussed as six regions, based on the scenery of each section:

• Northern Headlands (County Donegal)
• the Surf Coast (Counties Donegal and Sligo)
• the Bay Coast (Counties Galway and Mayo)
• the Cliff Coast (Counties Galway, Clare and Kerry)
• Southern Peninsulas (Counties Kerry and Cork)
• the Haven Coast (County Cork)

Can you walk the Wild Atlantic Way?

Mhm…not really. It’s primarily a driving route.

(There are some sections you could cycle though! Notably, the Westport Greenway in the north, County Mayo.)

Irish roads are narrow winding paths, hedged in on both sides by small stone fences. In many places there’s barely enough room for 2 cars to pass, much less a foot path to comfortably walk for long periods of time.

If there’s one thing I can recommend doing in Ireland, it’s to rent a car . Driving in Ireland gives you the freedom to explore the entire country, see the popular sights at your own pace and go off the beaten path. There’s not very much public transportation in Ireland in general, and even less so on the Wild Atlantic Way route.

You can browse car rental rates here to get an idea of costs for your trip.

Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours

If you don’t want to drive, you can join a tour ! We’ve driven a portion on our own as well as done group tours with Kerry Coaches and Vagabond Tours. We’ve also booked day trips using GetYourGuide and Viator . 

There are a decent amount of options for those who don’t want to rent a car – in particular for day tours from Galway and Dublin. Some of the most popular guided tours are below:

• Connemara National Park & Kylemore Abbey Tour
• Burren Discovery in 7 Days
• Wild Atlantic Way Boat Day Trip
• From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher Day Trip

Whatever option you chose, you’ll have a great time! But if you want the most freedom, I would recommend driving. You can check out my Ireland road trip guides below for more info about self-driving in Ireland. 

How to Master Driving on the Left (as an America)

Everything You Should Know about Renting a Car in Ireland

When I shared our trip on Instagram ( @shershegoes ), I got a couple of the same questions over and over, so I thought they’d be helpful to also answer here. Here’s everything to know about Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

How long does it take to do the Wild Atlantic Way?

At over 1,500 miles (2,750 kilometers) in length, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring road in the world. Ireland may be a small country, but it would take at least 4 to 5 days to properly see just a piece of the Wild Atlantic Way.

If you have 1.5 to 2 weeks, you really have a chance to soak in the magnificent views! Three weeks is probably recommended if you wanted to explore the length of the Wild Atlantic Way, from top to bottom.

Most people only drive a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way. Below is some guidance on how to pick a section. Or, you can read our Ireland Itineraries post to get more advice on planning a trip to Ireland.

Where does the Wild Atlantic Way start and finish?

The drive stretches the entire western coast of Ireland, beginning in Malin Head in County Donegal and ending in Mizen Head in County Cork.

The nice thing about driving the Wild Atlantic Way is that it’s very well sign posted and maintained. A couple of years ago, Fáilte Ireland, the Republic of Ireland’s tourism authority, decided to officially market the route.

They installed maps, itineraries and info boards all along the driving route so it’s very easy to follow even if you’re self driving.

Look for a swiggly blue signpost to know you’re on the right road! Notable stopping points and attractions (castles, viewpoints, etc) are marked by a brown pole with the w symbol (like in the picture above). 

Getting In & Where to Start

If you’re already in Europe, you might like to fly into one of Ireland’s 4 regional airports, which will get you started closer to the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route:

Shannon Airport : Ireland’s second busiest airport just outside the city of Limerick. Perfect for exploring the Cliffs of Moher and the counties Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry.

Cork Airport : Just south of Cork city, this is the perfect airport to fly into if you want to start the Wild Atlantic Way at its southernmost point.

West Airport Knock : Located in the heart of west Ireland, between Galway and Sligo. Best if you plan to explore the North section as Donegal and Malin Head are (relatively) close.

Kerry Airport: This is a small hub, but places you directly in County Kerry – I think one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland.

You can also set a flight alert for different route options here so that you can jump on discount fares.

Dublin International Airport

But if you’re not already in the EU, most likely you’ll be flying in to Dublin – this is what we did! 

If you have the time, I’d recommend spending a day or two to explore Ireland’s capital before heading west to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Start your rental car date after you’re done exploring Dublin, then head to the airport to pick up your rental car. If you’re short on time, you can skip Dublin and pick up the rental car when your flight lands.

Note : It’s not worth the stress to drive in Dublin and you can easily get around the historical sights on foot, via cab or the hop-on, hop-off bus .

Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way

From Dublin, the most direct method to reach the Wild Atlantic Way is to drive west.

Most people will head straight across on the main highway to County Galway . The town of Galway is also the perfect stop to stretch your legs and have some lunch!

From Dublin to Galway it will take about 3-3.5 hours of driving , without stops. Make sure to have cash on hand for tolls! If you’re hesitant to drive on the left, you can read more about what it’s like renting a car in Ireland here and my driving tips for Ireland here .

If you leave in the morning, you’ll reach Galway just in time for lunch. We loved lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos, a tiny (Michelin starred) restaurant on the water, under an old bridge. It’s serves a delicious breakfast and lunch that’s healthy but full of flavor.

Must try dishes?

The turmeric ginger shot, the elder flower cordial and their best selling fish cakes. I really liked the beet salad too!

After Galway, it’s time to finally start on your Wild Atlantic Way road trip!

Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way

Because the coastal route is so long, we’re guessing you’ll choose just a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way for your trip. I thought the easiest way to break down the Wild Atlantic Way drive would be by region.

There’s activities for everyone along the route – we’ve done everything from visiting historic castles to exploring megalithic structures and stone tombs.

There’s breathtaking coastal routes for those who want a scenic drive and lots of small islands off the coast perfect for day trips and stretching your legs.

If you want something more active, the Wild Atlantic Way is close to 3 of Ireland’s national parks (Connemara, Ballycroy and Killarney ) which have incredible hiking, scenic nature walks and lots of gorgeous terrain – mountains, lakes, bog, etc.

Finally, if you’re hoping to see something traditionally Irish, there are tiny fishing hamlets, sheep herding farms and Gaeltacht regions where Irish is the predominant language. Many of the valleys and hills are still dotted with the ruins of famine huts and potato plots dating back to the Great Famine.

Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect on each section of the route, from North to South

The Northern Headlands

From malin head to donegal town.

In the remote northern tip of the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll find County Donegal.

This rugged, remote region is a bit of a wild child. It’s located more north than Northern Ireland yet technically belongs to the ‘south’, the Republic of Ireland!

Donegal is a largely Catholic province (whereas Northern Ireland is mostly Protestant). Its rugged interior, labyrinth coastline and thick bog enabled it to resist the British more successfully than other regions, allowing Donegal to remain truly wild and isolated.

Over a third of the population here speaks Irish in their day to day – something you won’t find in most other areas of Ireland (the British outlawed Irish culture and language as part of their efforts to subjugate the island). 

If you’re looking for the ‘wild’ in the Wild Atlantic Way, start in Donegal. Its steep cliffs, sublime scenery and beautiful beaches give testament to the county motto: “Up here, it’s different”

Here are some great driving stops along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal:

• Visit Fanad Head Lighthouse
• Soak in the view at Malin Head
• Stand on Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), Europe’s highest sea cliffs
• Explore Doe Castle by the sea

Where to Stay: Donegal Town

The capital of the county is the perfect place to base yourself. With great shopping (Donegal tweed is famous), a local castle (Donegal Castle) and lots of great restaurants, there’s a lot to keep you busy.

For something unique, book a night at Solis Lough Eske , a stunning Irish castle hotel which was named the best in the country.

Find great hotel deals for Donegal Town here .

The Surf Coast

Donegal town to erris.

Love to surf?

Visit the wave crashed coastline from Donegal to Erris to find freezing cold water and world class surf conditions. Or give snorkeling and kayaking a go!

Not too inclined to freeze our bones, we opted to explore the local castles, feast on delicious seafood (the crab claws here are the biggest we’ve ever seen) and check out some of the local historical sights.

If you want to soak in the view, visit Downpatrick Head, where a sea stack splits from the island into the ocean.

Local legend says that St. Patrick founded a church here. When a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, St. Patrick struck the ground and split a chunk of land into the sea, with the chieftain still on it!

Here are some of the best stops along the Wild Atlantic Way’s Surf Coast:

• Go surfing at Streedagh Beach
• Explore Donegal Castle and picturesque Lough Eske
• Go salmon fishing in Ballina
• Feast on local seafood in Sligo or Bellmullet
• Ceide fields and Downpatrick Head

Where to Stay: Ballina

Right on the mouth of the River Moy, in County Mago, Ballina has fantastic restaurants, lots of local heritage and a famous annual Salmon Festival.

The town is just a 40 minute drive from West International Airport and in particular, we love Mount Falcon Estate hotel , a luxury Irish country house!

Find great hotel deals for Ballina here .

The Bay Coast

Erris to galway bay.

We lingered for days along the Bay Coast – there’s so much to see and do here! If you love getting active, this region is known for its savage, wild beauty and great outdoors.

Visit Connemara, home to the cute Connemara pony, Victorian Kylemore Abbey and expansive Connemara National Park. There’s also Ballycroy National Park, with 15,000 hectares perfect for nature walks and stargazing.

The Great Western Greenway is a route from Westport to Achill that transformed an old railway into one of the most scenic cycling roots in the world. Even better, you can combine it with the Gourmet Greenway and stop at artisan food producers along the way! Clew Bay in particular is well known for its incredible seafood.

Prefer a scenic drive?

There’s the Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, connected to Ireland by a bridge, and the breathtaking Sky Road in Clifden. The former has a ruined tower that once belonged to legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley, while the latter has a panoramic view of the Connemara peninsula.

Here are some fun things to do in the Bay Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way

• Explore Achill Island and Keem Bay, home to beautiful basking sharks
• Explore the Lost Valley in Mayo
• Walk the bog trail in Ballycroy National Park
• Learn the art of sheep herding and try cutting peat
• Get active in Delphi Mountain: ziplining, kayaking, archery
• Visit beautiful Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian gardens
• Hike through Connemara National Park
• Drive the Sky Road in Clifden

Where to Stay

There’s lots to do in this section of the Wild Atlantic Way so we’ve stayed in a number of different towns and hotels. We recommend:

Westport , a colorful small town home to Westport Manor. Have dinner at Cian’s (everything's delicious!)

Clifden , a remote area near Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park, where we stayed at the cozy Rosleague Manor

Ballynahinch Castle , if unique and luxurious castle hotels are your thing!

Delphi Mountain if you are on a budget or traveling as a family, this historic mountain lodge offers tons of fun activities (we tried archery and ziplining) on over 1,000 acres of land. There are both family suites and hostel accommodation options.

The Cliff Coast

Galway to ballybunion.

The Cliff Coast is home to Ireland’s most well known and unique landscapes.

This route mixes sea cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher with the otherworldly karst landscapes of the Burren. Towns here are famous for their traditional pubs, live music and beautiful views. There’s enough sights here to keep you busy for a week!

A great time of year to visit is in September, when Galway hosts its International Oyster and Seafood festival.

Here are some fun things to do in the Cliff Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way

• Spend a day in colorful Galway
• Walk along the majestic Cliffs of Moher
• Explore the karst landscape of The Burren and visit Poulnabrone dolmen

Galway is a colorful and charming harbor city on the west coast. The town square has plenty of pubs, great shopping and often live Irish music is performed in the streets!

Gregans Castle We stayed here and loved everything, from the luxurious yet comfy furniture to the fine dining restaurant. The location is also conveniently between The Burren, a remote karst region and hte Cliffs of Moher. 

Doolin  is a quaint village and the gateway town to the Aran Islands, which are just offshore. 

Limerick is compact, yet also Ireland's third most populated city. There's a medieval town center, historic castles and cathedrals and a buzzing new food scene to explore.

The Southern Peninsulas

South kerry to west cork.

Now we’ve reached the beautiful South West.

County Kerry call’s itself ‘God’s Kingdom’ for its rolling green hills and serene lakes. There’s beautiful Killarney National Park with its castle, hiking trails and waterfall. Off the coastline is Skellig Michael, an ancient monastery featured in Starwars, while a drive down to Dingle will have you in the pubs enjoying live music all night long.

The Dingle Peninsula is a drive worth going out of the way for. Locals joke the next town over is Boston and on this remote stretch, you’ll find traditional pubs, great ice cream and local gin.

Finally, County Clare is known as the musical section of Ireland, with more musicians per square mile and music festivals than in any other county.

• Drive Loop Head Peninsula and climb the lighthouse
• Explore the Ring of Kerry and visit Killarney
• Ferry to the ancient stone monastery on Skellig Michael
• Learn about the history of Ireland’s independence movement in Caherdaniel
• Enjoy the beach at Glenbeigh
• Enjoy live music in Dingle’s quaint pubs

Killarney  a colorful small town on the shores of Lough Leane. Killarney is a great base for day trips and the town also has fantastic hotels, spas, shopping and restaurants. You can read our in depth Killarney guide for more travel tips!

Dingle a cute port town known for its pubs, music and harbour resident..Fungie the dolphin. Dingle is great for everyone – couples, families with kids and millennials looking for a night out. You can read our in depth Dingle  guide for more travel tips!

The Haven Coast

Bantry bay to kinsale.

The southernmost stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is perhaps the most peaceful section, cooled by the temperate Gulf Stream.

There’s lush formal gardens with subtropical plants, calm waters that attract dolphins and whales and scores of festivals. Spend the days beachcombing, kayaking, fishing or island hopping. Visit ancient sites and coastal forts in West Cork and zig zag through Kinsale.

• Drive the Beara Peninsula
• See the lighthouse at Kinsale’s Old Head Kinsale’s Old Head
• Cross the iconic (and dizzying) footbridge at Mizen Head
• Feast on the freshest seafood at Baltimore Harbor
• Get away to relaxing Cape Clear

Kenmare is a less crowded version of Killarney, with a triangle of shops, galleries and cafes. Stay here to explore the Beara Peninsula

Cork is Ireland's second largest city and nicknamed by locals the ‘real capital' of Ireland. It has a beautiful waterfront, cosmopolitan atmosphere and great restaurants and pubs.

Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary

Now of course there’s no single best itinerary, but I’d say one of the most popular Wild Atlantic Way routes is to spend 5 days on a road trip from Galway to Killarney. 

This route hits some of Ireland’s most popular sights, like Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park and Dingle.

I also had a chance to re-visit Ireland on a more off the beaten path itinerary, so I’ve incorporated those activities to present a couple different options…

Tips for Self Driving in Ireland

One thing to keep in mind is the distance between towns and sights. What we found helpful was to research places that seemed interesting to us, create a list and then plug all the destinations into Google Maps and plot a straightforward driving route. 

Driving Times

Google Maps is generally a great tool for planning trips. However for Ireland, we suggest adding 30-45 minutes to their driving time estimates.

Irish roads are narrow and if you’re unused to driving on the left, chances are you won’t be going full speed. If you plan to stop and take pictures, give yourself a lot more leeway. 

Finally, try not to pack too much in per day and do a quick google search for sunrise and sunset times in Ireland on your dates.

We found that Irish roads didn’t have many street lamps, so we made sure to be at our hotel destination by the time the sun went down to avoid driving in the dark.

What are you looking forward to the most along the Wild Atlantic Way?

Essential Tips for Visiting Ireland

Getting In | Aer Lingus, the national Irish airline, offers non-stop flights from select US cities. Two reasons to recommend Aer Lingus: low nonstop fares from many US cities and their pre-clearance facilities. We found cheap flights to Ireland in October – you can check for flight deals and routes here .

When returning to the U.S., take advantage of the U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports, where you complete U.S. immigration, customs and agriculture controls before departure so that when you land in the U.S., you can just collect your bags.

Getting Around | If there's one thing I can recommend, it's to rent a car and drive around Ireland. Not only is the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route one of the world's most scenic drives, transportation in Ireland is a bit difficult without your own vehicle. We were nervous about driving on the left but ultimately renting a car was the best decision! Check car rental prices for your dates here .

Where to Stay | I highly recommend staying at an Irish country house during your trip. Irish hospitality is truly something else. For unique luxury accommodation check out out Ireland's Blue Book. Or, take advantage of Airbnb for a local experience!

Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Ireland with travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Hurricane Ophelia hit the country smack in the middle of our road trip! Get a quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Ireland Vacation Planning Articles

Ireland Travel Tips : Know Before You Go

The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland

How to Plan the Perfect Ireland Itinerary

Where to Stay: 10 Enchanting Irish Castle Hotels  

Packing Checklist:  What to Wear in Ireland

For Foodies: All the Best Food We Ate in Ireland

Ireland Road Trips

The Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way (with map!)

7 Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Ireland

How to Master Driving in Ireland (as a tourist!)

Irish Sights, Activities & Tours We Especially Enjoyed:

Co Galway: Visiting Kylemore Abbey , Ireland's Most Beautiful Castle?

Co Kerry: Can't Miss Sights in  Killarney  & Dingle

Co Waterford: Waterford , Ireland's Oldest City, the  House of Waterford Crystal  &  Mount Congreve Gardens

Co Wexford: Don't Skip Wexford - Here's Why!

Co Kilkenny:  Exploring Kilkenny Castle, in photos

Restaurant & Hotels We Loved:

County Clare: Gregans Castle Hotel

County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel , Where to Stay in Galway

County Wexford: The Strand Inn

County Waterford: The Cliff House Hotel , The Reg Pub

Northern Ireland

Travel Guide: Belfast

Where to Stay in Belfast as a First Time Visitor

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

Youtube | Tiktok | Instagram

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This is so beautiful! I love the variation in the landscape and that coastline. Definitely pinning this for future reference.

Thank you so much for this comprehensive overview! I have 5 days to explore the Wild Atlantic way and this broke down this drive so beautifully! You’re awesome!

Ah, so glad the post was helpful :) Thanks for letting me know!

None of these counties are in Northern Ireland which is part of the UK and uses £ etc. Donegal is ‘northern’ but is part of the Republic. Northern Ireland is Fermanagh, Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry/Derry, Down and Tyrone! :)

Yep! As I wrote in the post, I focused on the Republic of Ireland portion of the Wild Atlantic Way.

You have incorrectly said that 2 counties along the Wild Atlantic Way lie in Northern Ireland. No part of the Wild Atlantic Way enters Northern Ireland. It is solely based in the Republic of Ireland.

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Ultimate Wild Atlantic Way Route Ireland: A WAW Road Trip

The Wild Atlantic Way route sits along the West Coast of Ireland, covering 2700 kilometres – the longest defined coastal route in the world. The WAW encompasses 9 counties each and every one of which is stunningly beautiful. Planning an Ireland road trip itinerary can take an immense amount of time and energy. Hopefully, this article will give you some ideas on how to make your Wild Atlantic Way road trip a little easier.

Planning a Wild Atlantic Way itinerary can be a challenge it’s a hell of a long route but it is well worth taking 2 weeks to explore. It is not possible to explore the wild Atlantic coastal drive in a few days the distances are just too vast and although you can easily use Google maps to plot your route I guarantee you – you will get lost but that is part of the joy of travelling in Ireland, and when you do get lost you will stumble across some of Ireland’s off the beaten path sites that you may not have found otherwise.

Wild Atlantic Way road trip map

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101 Landmarks in Ireland to see

One of the descriptions for the Wild Atlantic Way is “where land and sea collide” which is apt as many of the views along the Wild Atlantic Way route are stunning scenes of the waves of the Atlantic crashing on Irish shores.

Planning a dream trip to Ireland? Everything you need to know

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Where does Wild Atlantic Way start and finish?

Technically the Wild Atlantic Way leads along the Irish west coast starting on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal and ending in the little town Kinsale in County Cork. This Wild Atlantic Way route planner will help you choose the places to see that are important to you.

The Wild Atlantic Way route is over 1600 miles long (2600 km) 

The west coast of Ireland or the Wild Atlantic Way Route covers 2700 kilometres and to plan a road trip of a week or two to cover the entire route is almost impossible unless you plan on staying for at least a month. The Wild Atlantic Way route is the longest-defined coastal driving route on earth. It’s easy to navigate and understand, but there are a few things you should know before you go.

Hiking the Wild Atlantic Way is possible but then you would have to plan to stay for several months. This part of Ireland is known for its narrow roads where barely a car can pass and there are many areas that are private land which you can’t walk through. There are several hiking locations where you can do parts of the Wild Atlantic Way route. There are even cycleways that you can ride a bike through for example the Greenway in Mayo is perfect for bike tours.

When is the best time to travel the Wild Atlantic Way route?

All I can say to that is it depends. If you love a beach and the WWA has many fine blue flag beaches then go in the summer months. You will find it much more touristy during the summer and to be honest I preferred late April and May or September. You are still going to find the weather but just pack some waterproof clothing and good hiking boots and you will be good to go.

If your road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way route takes place during the off-season , which is from late October to the end of April you can probably improvise and book into places along the route. However, if you plan on going in the summer high season months book in advance.

Places to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way vary from small cosy B&B’s to luxurious castles and manor houses and even lighthouses. There are as many types of accommodation as you could ask for. From campin g to Glamping to a spa, stay in a luxury 5-star hotel it’s all here. Rates will vary from as low as €20 per person and up to as high as €500 per night. Here are a few of my articles on where to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way.

33 of the most fabulous Hotel Castles to stay in Ireland

Perfect traditional Irish cottages for your holiday

35 of the Coolest & Unique Places To Stay In Ireland

I don’t believe there is a best time to travel anywhere, particularly in Ireland. We experience 4 seasons in one day here on the west coast and as long as you are prepared for the weather you will be just as happy with your Ireland route no matter what the season.

The one thing I might suggest is that in some areas such as the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Way those super-hyped tourist sites will be jam-packed and it may make travelling a little harder in the summer months.

A Wild Atlantic Way road trip should be taken in a car – it is impossible to do this Wild Atlantic Way itinerary on public transport as many of these areas simply don’t have a means of public transport. Don’t be fooled by those cheap rental car sites and aggregators offering you a rental for $5 a day.

Car rental , with all the insurance you need in Ireland it is going to cost an average of around €600-800 for a week to 10 days. The Wild Atlantic Way route can be quite narrow and tough going for those not used to driving on Irish roads so take your time and simply pull over as far as you can.

The best way to save money on car rental in Ireland is to pick and choose wisely when you need a car. Don’t for example drive in cities like Dublin or Belfast and you could take public transportation to some site you may want to see. There are many tour companies that offer great value and you don’t have to waste time or hours on buses and you don’t have to wear yourself out driving.

A fabulous way to go is the Wild Atlantic Way motorcycle route – you can follow the entire 2700 km on your bike and say you have driven the best bike route in the world – it’s sort of Ireland’s route 66 but way better.

While I believe if you really want to see Ireland’s west coast you need to drive the Wild Atlantic Way but it can be scary driving on some of those tiny roads. There is a tour you can take from Dublin that takes in the Cliffs of Moher, the barren beauty of the Burren, and you can stroll through the grounds of Killarney National Park and stay overnight on the Dingle Peninsula.

There are six basic regions to the Wild Atlantic Way and each of these regions has its attractions and stunningly different scenery.

• Donegal – Northern Headlands
• Donegal & Sligo – Surf Coast
• Bay Coast – Galway and Mayo
• Cliff Coast – Galway, Clare & Kerry
• Southern Peninsula – Kerry & Cork
• Haven Coast – Cork

Faqs & highlights of County Donegal

• Donegal is called the Coolest Place on Earth according to National Geographic
• Bundoran is called the surfing capital of Ireland
• Donegal’s Slieve League Cliffs are the highest Cliffs on land – 3 x higher than the Cliffs of Moher
• Donegal folks favourite saying is “it’s different up here”
• Donegal is also known as the forgotten county – most of the county was fully electrified until the mid 1970’s
• Letterkenny is Donegal’s largest town but Lifford is the County Town
• There are 512 named mountains in County Donegal. The highest and the most prominent mountain is Errigal.
• Home to Star Wars at Malin Head
• Tory Island off the coast of Donegal is the home of Ireland’s last King
• Is the ancestral home of the Patron Saint Colmcille
• And most obviously is the home of Donegal Tweed

Where does the Wild Atlantic Way start? Obviously lol it starts in Donegal and I am a tad biased when it comes to Donegal after living here it does make you want to brag to the whole world about what an incredible place it is. I’ve covered a few highlights here but if you really want an in-depth guide to Country Donegal you need to read my article 46 Fantastic things to do in Donegal Ireland .

I recommend basing yourself in Donegal Town there are many things to see in the area and it’s just a few hour’s drive to the Inishowen peninsula.

The northernmost point of Ireland is at Banba’s Crown in Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula . Located on the Wild Atlantic Way in the Inishowen Peninsula, Donegal . A rugged raw coastline where you can see 1.7 billion-year-old rock formations and if you’re lucky and the day is clear you may even see Scotland.

Malin Head is now famed for its role in the Star Wars film The Last Jedi. North of Trawbreaga Bay, you can see Five Finger Strand, which is home to some of Europe’s largest sand dunes. At low tide, try and spot the wreckage of the ‘Twilight’, which sank in 1889 while sailing to Derry .

Malin Head is also one of the best places in Ireland to spot the Northern Lights. I have had absolutely no luck in photographing Auroras but I have promised myself one day I will learn.

Visit the Doagh Famine Village in Inishowen and discover how the Irish survived the Famine and learn the history of the area from those times to the present.

Glencolmcille

Glencolmcille is located on the Slieve League Peninsula at the southwest point of Donegal – an area starting to be known as the Donegal Highlands and part of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive. The area is bounded on the south by the mountains of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) and Leahan and on the north by Slieve Tooey. To the west lies the restless Atlantic Ocean.

Saint Colm Cille, or Columba, is one of Ireland’s three patron saint s (along with  Saint Patrick  and Saint Brigid). Colm Cille and his followers lived in the valley for a time and the ruins of several of their churches can still be seen there.

Check out the Folk Village if you are there in the season (spring-summer) it’s a microcosm of what life was like in Ireland at the turn of the century. There are also a couple of great pubs in Glencolmcille to have a Guinness at.

Some of the best beaches are to be found in Donegal – here are the Top 10

Glenveagh National Park

One of the Wild Atlantic Ways’ best places is slightly off route and in the centre of Donegal. Although truth be told even in the centre of Donegal you are not far from the wild coastal route. Glenveagh is a designated Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area under EU and Irish Law. The 16,000 hectares of Glenveagh includes most of the Derryveagh Mountains, the Poisoned Glen and part of Errigal Mountain and is a beautiful place to walk the hills and follow trails. There’s even a shuttle bus to help lift walkers to the different hiking trails.

The Park is a place of stunning beauty from raw mountain landscapes to rushing waterfalls. The National Park is free to enter and there are many hikes around the area that make for a great day out. There is a visitor’s centre in the car park from which you can walk to Glenveagh Castle and gardens and see where famous celebrities like Marilyn Monroe swam in the lochside pool.

Glenveagh National Park is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the northwest of County Donegal .

Glenveagh Castle

At the centre of the Park on the edge of Lough Veagh is Glenveagh Castle , a late 19th-century castellated mansion, built as a hunting lodge.

Fanad Head is a small peninsula jutting out into the ocean in County Donegal which is one of the wildest Wild Atlantic Way best places to visit. The most famous site on Fanad Head is the lighthouse, which overlooks Mulroy Bay and Lough Swilly. There is much to see in the area apart from the lighthouse though. Part of the epic scenery of the area is the Great Arch, a stunning viewpoint that is one of the best places in Ireland to catch sight of the grey seals and whales.

For beach, lovers go and find Ballymastocker Bay, near Portsalon. Named one of the best beaches in Ireland this blue flag beach is a great place to swim and just relax.

Slieve League

The highest sea cliffs in Europe and even more impressive than the Cliffs of Moher . Slieve League is one of those undiscovered beauty spots in Donegal. They have now built a visitors centre that will help maintain and sustain the Cliffs for future visitors. You can drive your car right up to virtually the top of the Cliffs, park and admire some of the most stunning views ever. Just make sure to shut the sheep gate behind you.

Grianán of Aileach

This restored Cashel or ring fort is over 23 metres in diameter with surrounding earthworks and sits atop Grianan Hill with 360-degree views across Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle and the gorgeous countryside of the Inishowen Peninsula. On a clear day, it is believed that the view includes 5 counties. At 3.9 meters thick and 5 metres tall, the dry stone walls of the “Stone Palace of the Sun” have three interior walkways, which are easily reached by several inset stairways.

The views from here are simply stunning and nearby if, you fancy the walk you can visit a cairn and a holy well .

Donegal Castle

Fully restored in the ’90s the Castle sits near the centre of Donegal Town. Built by the O’Donnell chieftains in the 15th Century, beside the river Eske in Donegal Town, Donegal Castle was rebuilt in Jacobean style in the 16th Century by Sir Basil Brooke, after Hugh O’Donnell burnt it to the ground rather than let it fall into enemy hands. Information panels chronicle the history of the castle and guided tours are available. The cost of a visit to the castle is €4.  

Castle ruins in Ireland

Tullan Strand & Bundoran

Framed by the Sligo Leitrim Mountains Tullan Strand is known as Donegal’s best surfing beach (well one of them at least). But Tullan Strand (located in Bundoran) has much more to offer than surfing. Check out the Fairy Bridges and the Wishing Chair.

There is also a very poignant memorial to some Canadian pilots that crashed here during WWII. There are some WWII secrets kicking around as well given that the Republic was not supposed to be involved in the war. This is a glorious beach and a great place for an overnight stay at a quintessential Irish seaside vacation. The town of Bundoran has a lot to offer and you can just kick back relax and treat yourself to some ice cream.

Donegal has some of the finest surfing beaches in Ireland . There are ancient sites such as the Beltany Stone Circl e, Court Tombs, abandoned villages, Bad Eddie the iconic shipwreck in Dunfanghy. You can climb Mount Errigal or wander through the Poisoned Glen.

If you are looking for a tour of Donegal and want a guide I highly recommend Tours by Locals there are 3 local guides that live, eat and breathe everything Donegal has to offer. You will never be disappointed if you book a tour with them.

• Leitrim has the smallest population in Ireland
• Leitrim is bordered by 6 counties: Donegal, Fermanagh (Northern Ireland/UK) to the north-east, Cavan to the east, Longford to the south, Roscommon to the south-west and Sligo to the west.
•  Leitrim has the shortest length of the coastline of any Irish county that touches the sea. 
• The county town is Carrick-on-Shannon it sits on the River Shannon and there are hire boats to explore the Shannon-Erne Waterway
• The famous Glencar waterfall is immortalized in Yeat’s poem The Stolen Child

Leitrim is a tiny County and probably not really worth basing yourself here – the reason I say this is that you can drive through Leitrim on your Wild Atlantic Way route and if you blink you will miss it. I suggest you head to Sligo city where you can stay a day or so and enjoy all the country has to offer.

Glencar Waterfall

With the number of rivers, canals, lakes and waterfalls across the entire county it seems like the best place to start. The absolute gem in the crown is  Glencar Waterfall , located just on the county line between Manorhamilton and Sligo. A short path from the car park brings you to the small pool, which lies beneath the falls. There is no charge to visit the waterfall. You can stop into the tearooms for a quick snack or a cup of tea and traybake after your walk.

Parke’s Castle

Just outside the town of Dromahair, along the shores of Lough Gill, stands Parkes Castle . The three-story castle, which dates from the 1600s, is now a museum, which is open to the public during the summer season from March to September. A nominal admission fee applies.

Glenview Country House

Glenview Country House and Folk Museum is located just outside Ballinamore along the Shannon Erne Waterway. Glenview Folk Museum is a private collection of over 6000 antique, historical and novel items ranging from pre-famine Ireland . There is an impressive array of farmyard equipment, a collection of horse-drawn agricultural machinery, and a thrasher.

A street scene has a number of reconstructed shops and a pub; all stocked, jam-packed with an assortment of products and equipped, as they would have existed in the past.

• It is noted for Benbulben Mountain, one of Ireland’s most distinctive natural landmarks
• Yeats Ireland’s famous poet is buried in Sligo under Benbulben at Drumcliff
• The megalithic cemetery of Carrowmore is located in County Sligo
• The tomb of Queen Maeve, Miosgán Médhbh, dominates the western skyline from the crest of Knocknarea Mountain.

I’ve always loved Sligo and its proximity to Donegal Town makes it an easy trip. There is a lot do see in Sligo and some of the best seafood around can be found here. I would suggest staying in Sligo Town and exploring from there.

Ben Bulben and the Glencar Waterfall

Ben Bulben sits in both Sligo and Leitrim and can be accessed from either side by walkers and hikers. A paved path starting at the Glencar Waterfall has a gentle slope for an easy walk. There is a unique variety of plants growing on the mountain, including some found nowhere else in Ireland.

At 526 metres high, it’s no small task to climb Sligo’s famous mountain. The journey to the summit takes about two hours, but the views you get at the top are jaw-dropping. Undoubtedly, Ireland’s most iconic mountain, Ben Bulben is the most distinctive peak in the Dartry range; it was formed during the ice age by massive glaciers segmenting the landscape.

Strandhill is a growing tourist destination thanks to its stunning sandy beaches. Why not try some of the spas on the seafront and enjoy a seaweed bath or massage. You can make Strandhill your central stop and enjoy a visit to Queen Maeve’s grave at the top of Knocknarea.

Irish legends state that Knocknarea is the burial place of the beautiful Warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught. She is said to be buried upright in the cairn at the summit of Knocknarea, spear in hand, still facing her enemies in Ulster. Until 2014, those wanting to visit Queen Maeve’s cairn on the summit of Knocknarea had to use the rugged path from the car park on the south side of the mountain.

Another highlight of Strandhill is visiting Ireland’s largest megalithic tombs at Carrowmore. The megaliths of Carrowmore, located just southwest of Sligo town, are at the heart of the Coolrea peninsula and are one of the greatest megalithic complexes of ancient Ireland.

This peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route is bounded by water on three sides – Ballisodare Bay to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Sligo Bay to the north. Twenty-seven monuments remain today, in varying states of preservation. The remains of at least 65 monuments are known, though it was thought by earlier researchers that there may have been up to 100 monuments at Carrowmore. The sites were extensively damaged in the early years of the nineteenth century by land clearance and quarrying.

Visit Yeat’s Grave

W.B Yeats was laid to rest in 1948 under the shadow of Ben Bulben Mountain in Drumcliffe, County Sligo . An unassuming grave holds his remains in the Cemetery of St. Columba’s Church. There is no cost to view the grave or to enter the church but donations are always welcomed.

The Yeats Complex includes a tearoom, gift shop and of course, the Church that Yeat’s family worshipped at for many years as well as preached in. Yeat’s grave and an information centre about the area and Yeat’s love of Sligo.

If you are looking for a tour of Sligo and a Wild Atlantic Way day tour and want a guide I highly recommend Tours by Locals there are 2 local guides that live, eat and breathe everything Sligo has to offer. You will never be disappointed if you book a tour with them.

• The term “boycott” originated in Co. Mayo. Boycott was a 19th-century British land agent for an absentee landlord, Lord Erne. Boycott was frozen out by his local community in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo during the Irish Land War
• Mayo is the birthplace of Ireland’s most famous Pirate Queen – Grace O’Malley
• The famous Quiet Man movie was filmed in Cong Mayo.
• Mayo is home to the iconic pilgrimage sites Croagh Patrick and the Knock Shrine
• Ireland’s largest island is off the coast of Mayo -Achill Island
• The Céide Fields in Mayo date back over 5000 years and are one of the largest Neolithic sites and field systems in the world
• Mayo is home to the iconic sea stack Dun Briste

Mayo is a stunningly beautiful County and my favourite place to stay is in Westport near Clew Bay. There are views of Croagh Patrick to die for, lots of ancient ruins and famine sites to see and it makes a great base for travelling the County.

The Céide Fields

The Céide Fields in North Mayo will certainly give you a unique experience. The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, over five and a half millennia old. It is a unique Neolithic landscape of world importance, which has changed our perception of our Stone Age ancestors. The remains of stone field walls, houses and megalithic tombs are preserved beneath a blanket of peat over several square miles.

Village of Cong & Ashford Castle

Cong is the home of Ashford Castle, a luxury hotel converted from a Victorian lakeside castle, built by the Guinness family. Ashford Castle is a tourist attraction in its own right. The castle offers a variety of activities for its guests including Falconry, cycling and sailing. If you fancy spending the day there – book a meal at one of the restaurants so you can explore the castle itself. The library holds a collection of interesting books, paintings and letters from famous visitors.

Cong also features a ruined medieval abbey, Cong Abbey, where Rory O’Connor, the last High King of Ireland, spent his last years. It also is the origin of a piece of Celtic art in the form of a metal cross-shrine called the Cross of Cong. The original ‘Cross of Cong’ is now held in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin. There is a High Cross in the village.

The Quiet Man

Perhaps the most famous thing about Cong is the 1951 movie The Quiet Man starring John Wayne, and Maureen O’Hara, which was made there.

The Quiet Man Cottage Museum gives visitors a total Quiet Man experience as if they were actually ‘on-set’. Located by the river at Circular Road, Cong, between actual locations used for the filming, the ground floor of the cottage has been designed as an exact replica of White-o-Mornin’ Cottage.

Painstaking effort has ensured that all the furnishings, artefacts, costumes, etc are authentic reproductions. The four-poster bed and the tables and chairs which Mary-Kate cherished, the thatched roof, emerald green half door and white-washed front combine to charm all those who visit it.

Croagh Patrick

Every year on the last Sunday of June, thousands of pilgrims take to the slopes of Croagh Patrick in Mayo . Walking, crawling or going barefoot to honour their patron Saint Patrick.

The hike to the top is quite steep and even though the peak is (only) at a height of 764 meters (2.507 feet), the path goes pretty much straight up. The rocky hiking path cuts across several fields and it gets a lot trickier towards the top as the ground becomes more unstable and “pebbly” like walking on slippery gravel.

Historically Westport was the home of the pirate Queen Gráinne Mhaol (Grace O’Malley). The dungeons from the ancient O’Malley fortress can still be seen in Westport House. The 18th Century Westport House is a privately owned historic home and Pirate Adventure Centre. It’s a great place for anyone with a love of pirate lore.

Downpatrick Head

Just outside of Knockaun, 80 meters off Downpatrick Head stands a colossal, 50 meters in height, sea-stack called Dun Briste (The Broken Fort). The surrounding cliffs, including the rock formation, were formed about c. 350 million years ago when the sea temperatures were much higher than today.

One legend has it that the place where the stack now stands used to live an ogre Geodruisge,  He was a most obnoxious character, often making life difficult for St. Patrick, who used to pray at the church on Downpatrick Head. The saint became agitated and prayed to God to get rid of this tyrant. The next day the stack with the ogre’s residence was separated from the mainland. Geodruisg couldn’t escape and so he vanished.

If you are looking for a tour of Galway, Limerick, Clare or Kerry and want a guide I highly recommend Tours by Locals there are 8 local guides that live in these areas who would love to show you their home County.

• Galway is famous for being the festival capital of Ireland with 122 events throughout the year
• In 1477, Christopher Columbus visited Galway
• In 1473 Galway was almost destroyed by fire.
• Bubonic plague was introduced into the city by a Spanish ship in 1649 and killed at least 3,700 of its inhabitants and forced many Galway residents to abandon the city temporarily.
• The cannons on display on Eyre Square were captured from the Russians during the Crimean War (1853-56)
• Galway was one of the counties most affected by the Great Famine (1845-47); approximately 20% of the population died.
• The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia, a townland found in County Galway.
• There are 35 heritage sites, 31 museums and 10 art galleries in Galway City and County.
• 689 kilometres of Galway’s coastline is part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way including Connemara .
• Connemara marble, which is also known as Connemara Green, is estimated to be 500 million years old. It is quarried at the Streamstown Marble Quarries near Clifden.
• There are three breeds of horses indigenous to Ireland. These are the Connemara pony, the Irish draft and the Irish hunter.
• Galway has the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking community) in Ireland.

Well, what can you say about Galway this is the place that every tourist wants to head to and there’s a reason for that. Galway City is the best place to base yourself and then you are free to wander the pubs listen to some traditional music, shop and move out of town when you want to explore the highlights of the County

Galway City 

Galway city , on Ireland’s west coast, is known for its great pubs, local Irish culture, and plenty of craic. It’s an amazing city to explore on its own, but it also serves as a perfect base for exploring this section of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Galway City itself can be explored in a day. It’s a charming place with plenty of free attractions and sites. Plus, Galway is easily walkable and best explored on foot. Make sure to check out the Galway Cathedral, Eyre Square, and the Latin Quarter. Make sure to spend your evening at one (or a few) of the many live music pubs.

The Loop Head Drive; is a scenic road trip with great photo stops and a limited few other travellers. Watch the waves for dolphins and whales and be sure to stop at the lighthouse and Carrigaholt Castle.

Aran Islands

Inis Mor; is the largest of the Aran Islands. The Gaelic language, historic forts, and thatched cottages give this part of the country an old-world Ireland feel. It can be explored by bike, horse and carriage ride, or you can book a tour with a local. Inis Mor can absolutely be seen on a day trip, but if you have time to spare, I do recommend staying overnight. Most tourists don’t spend the night so it promises to be a good local Irish experience. From Hannah of Ireland Stole My Heart

Need to watch some Irish movies before you go? Here is my list of my favourite top 43 Irish movies

Galway-to-Connemara Loop

The Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) has 1,500 miles (2,500/k) of coastal roads that start in Kinsale and goes all the way up to the border with Northern Ireland . The most popular sections of the WAW include the Ring of Kerry , Dingle and the Cliffs of Mohr (as noted elsewhere in this piece). These sections of the trail are beautiful to be sure but I found the section of road between Galway and Clifden to have its own intimate beauty and it’s far less crowded.

My Wild Atlantic Way itinerary zigzags along the WAW west of Galway, through Roundstone, Clifden , up to the Sky Road and back to Galway via the northern Connemara road . Popular stops on the route include Roundstone’s harbour, the Marconi transatlantic transmission station, the Clifden Sky Road, Connemara National Park and the Victorian Kylemore Abbey.

But what makes this road trip worth it is all of the views in between those stops. Some people do this route in one day and you can indeed get to Clifden in 1-1/2 hours on the fast road, but that’s not the point. The true value of this road trip is taking the slow, meandering way along the coast road and through the bogs. The landscape here has a stark quiet beauty that will creep up on you. Going down the side roads and getting deliberately lost in Connemara is always worth it. Get more detail on this Galway to Connemara road trip here . contributed by Carol of Wayfaring Views 

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is quite possibly one of the most photographed places in Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way route. Its stunning location on a lake and its beautiful pristine grandeur and welcoming appearance make it a number 1 place to visit in Ireland.

Killary Fjord

A Fjord cruise  takes only 90 minutes and you can even have lunch on the boat if you want.  It is one of three glacial fjords that exist in Ireland and you can see dolphins sometimes swimming around the boat. After that, you can go straight to Kylemore Abbey. The cost of the cruise is €20 per adult and it is an absolutely stunning way to spend 90 minutes.

Like to know more about Galway City and what to see? Janet has written a great post on  23 Fun Things to do in Galway City on her blog Your Irish Adventure.

• In 1881, in County Clare, John Philip Holland was the first person to successfully launch a submarine. 
• Muhammad Ali’s great-grandfather was born and raised in Ennis, Co. Clare
• The Cliffs of Moher in Clare are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland
• County Clare is home to the miraculous Burren
• The inventor of the submarine was from County Clare.

My favourite place to stay in County Clare has got to be one of Ireland’s perfectly charming villages Doolin. It is the epitome of Irish charm and has some great craic in the local pubs. Not only that but it’s easy to get to places like the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren .

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland and an absolute must-do when in Ireland. With its impressive castle, stunning Folk Park and the new fairy gardens Bunratty will keep the whole family occupied for hours.

The Cliffs of Moher

I planned out my trip to Ireland in great detail and was so excited when we finally arrived.  The itinerary included major sites as well as small surprises.  After landing in the morning in Shannon, it began with the dramatic Cliffs of Moher , after which we drove on to Cong to overnight at Ashford Castle. 

There we took a lesson in falconry and explored the tiny village and after two nights continued on to the Dingle Peninsula, where we spent one night in charming Dingle Town.  The next day we drove the rustic Ring of Dingle and then moved on to Adare, a village of thatched-roof buildings, for the night.  Then it was on to Dublin for four nights and the unusual Art Tea at the lovely Merrion Hotel, plus a lot of sightseeing.  I am quite pleased with all we saw in such a short time. From Carole at BerkeleyandBeyond

Sites like the Burren  on the Wild Atlantic Way encourage the imagination to wander. The Burren appears to be a desolate, moonscape but it holds a curious beauty. It intertwines with the Cliffs of Moher, which stand proud against the ravages of the sea. Birds whirling overhead clash with the crows that seek out tourists to scavenge for food in some of these heavily visited areas. Some of the best bird watching in the world can be found in this region hard up against the Atlantic waters. 

If you are planning a trip to the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip make sure you check out Bruna’s post-Dublin  to Cliffs of Moher , she has some great tips on getting there and more.

Doolin is often called the most perfect Irish village on the west coast. Doolin is a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Aran Islands.  Adventure beyond the usual by taking a horseback ride through the Burren, or head to one of the two pubs in town: McGann’s and Fitzpatrick’s and enjoy some great Irish craic .

Doolin is picture perfect and finding things to do in Doolin is not difficult you can take a cruise, visit the Arran Islands, grab some great Irish food or simply hang out in the pubs.

Often touted as better than the Cliffs of Moher – Loop Head is a relatively short drive from those cliffs. Loop Head, however, is worlds apart. Here you will find very little traffic, no parking lots and virtually no tourists. What you will find is the true virtually undisturbed Irish views and cliffs that you have dreamt about. If you wish to avoid shelling out high prices for tours of the Cliffs of Moher, explore on your own, go, and find Loop Head.

• Limerick is home to the longest footbridge in Ireland on the campus of the University of Ireland, this footbridge pans across the River Shannon, connecting the university grounds on either side of the river.
• The world-famous Irish Coffee was first made back in the 1940s in the small port village of Foynes, Limerick
• King John’s Castle is the most Western castle in Europe
• The Vikings invaded Limerick around 800 AD and called the area Hlymrekr
• Limerick is the only Irish town to give its name to a style of poetry
• Limerick was once declared a Soviet City – During the War of Independence, the British government declared Limerick a Special Military Area under the Defence of the Realm Act and the Irish responded by claiming the city was the Irish Soviet

As much as I like shopping at the Milk Market Limerick City is not one I would choose to stay in. I would head to Adare where you can stay in a very luxurious castle or perhaps Ennis which is another very pretty Irish town.

King John’s Castle

King John’s castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe. The interactive visitors’ centre offers to pull out drawers filled with artefacts including weapons and coins (minted in the castle) to dress up areas for children and cannonball games.

In the main courtyard of the castle, you can watch a blacksmith at work in his forge from the sidelines of a 17th-century siege. The castle itself has been restored beautifully, which allows you to climb several viewpoints that offer a 360-degree view of Limerick.

Lough Gur, in Ballyhoura close to the village of Bruff, is a beautiful little lake with several archaeologically significant sites. At the Heritage Center, there are many displays that prove this was one of the oldest settlements in Ireland. Hundreds of ancient objects emerged, including a bronze shield, pottery fragments and spearheads.

The Lough Gur Stone Circle , located on private land, can be seen from Route 512 a short distance from Bruff. The circle, 46 meters in diameter within a perimeter mound, is the largest of its kind in Western Europe, estimated to be over 4000 years old.

The Limerick Milk Market

As in many countries, Ireland is working to emphasize buying local, buying fresh and supporting small producers and the Limerick Milk Market is the epitome of that ethos.

A bustling foodie mecca the Milk Market Limerick has something for everyone. From special events to foodie tastings and cooking classes the Milk Market covers the gamut of gourmet events in the area.

The freshest locally grown produce speciality bread from gluten-free to beautifully presented wheaten and sodas. The pastries, cakes and traybakes (what the Irish call things like brownies and dessert bars) this market has some of the best in Ireland.

• Rural County Kerry is home to stunning natural sites like the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and the Skellig Islands.
• Kerry is one of the most mountainous regions of Ireland and contains two of its three highest mountains, Carrauntoohil, part of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks range, and Mount Brandon, part of the Slieve Mish range.
• Just off the coast are a number of islands, including the Blasket Islands, Valentia Island and the Skelligs. Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site, famous for the medieval monastery used in Star Wars clinging to the island’s cliffs.
• Kerry contains the extreme west point of Ireland, Dunmore Head on the Dingle Peninsula
• The most westerly inhabited area of Ireland is Dún Chaoin, on the Dingle Peninsula.

My absolute favourite place to stay in Kerry is Killarney. From here you can explore the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle peninsula and take a boat trip out to the Skelligs from Port Macgee. Don’t forget to take a jaunting cart around the Ring but if you drive it go counterclockwise so you don’t get stuck behind a bus. You can read my Ring of Kerry itinerary her e.

Dingle Peninsula

Lonely Planet says that Dingle is truly quaint without even trying. Dingle is famous for its traditional music pubs of which there are a number of as well as some great cafes and restaurants. It is, after all, an Irish “seaside” town and to the Irish, that means a visit for some Murphy’s Ice-cream made only from Kerry cattle.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry on the wild Atlantic way coastal route. Taking you through some of the most breathtaking vistas in Ireland the route is a circular 179 km.

Beginning in the Killarney National Park, we started from Killarney. Staying in Killarney makes it a grand jumping-off point for the Ring of Kerry and you can easily book a jaunting cart to tour the Ring.

The Gap of Dunloe, Killarney

Everyone has heard of the jaunting carts and the trip through the Gap of Dunloe . This narrow mountain path sits between Purple Mountain and the evocatively named MacGuillycuddy Reeks. You can also do a boat tour from Ross Castle through the lakes and you can get dropped off at Brandon’s Cottage. From there you can grab a cart or walk the 6 miles between the mountains if you fancy it.

Driving the Gap of Dunloe in a private car can only be done during the off-season and should only be attempted by the brave! The single-lane road leaves little room for passing and blind corners will test your nerves to the breaking point.

The Skelligs

Skellig Michael & Small Skellig lie 13 km from the southwest coast of Valentia Island. Weather permitting you can head to the Skelligs by way of boat. Over 1400 years ago Skellig Michael became home to a small group of men seeking religious solitude and isolation.

You can take two types of tours to the Skelligs. The cruises of the Skelligs are usually 2 hours long & run between April & September. You should book a trip around 6 months in advance but be prepared for the wild Atlantic Way as there is no predicting whether or not the boats can sail. 

• The Royal Cork Yacht Club is the world’s oldest yacht clubThe Crosshaven club is said to be the oldest yacht club in the world. It was originally founded in Haulbowline Island in 1720.
• The Dursey Cable Car is the only cable car to be found in Ireland
• The first steamship to leave Ireland and cross the Atlantic sailed from Cobh
• The first documented immigrant at Ellis Island came from Cobh
• In 1903 Cobh hosted the first motor boat race
• Skibereen was home to Europe’s first Temperance Society.
• The first potato was planted in Cork by Sir Walter Raleigh, the man who is said to have brought the potato crop to Ireland from the Americas, is said to have planted the first potato near his home in Youghal around 1588.

Cork is high on everyone’s list and of course, a visit to Cobh where the Titanic left on its fateful voyage is a must-do. I wouldn’t stay in Cobh though as it is a very short drive from Cork. Cork is a really vibrant town with lots of trad music pubs and a great foodie scene.

Kinsale, Old Head

Ever since I moved to Ireland , one of my favourite places to visit is the cliffs at Old Head in Kinsale as it is the perfect day trip. For me, this place totally represents Ireland – beautiful nature, lots of green and fresh air.

The best way to get there is either by car (if you rent one) or by bike since it is located about 10km away from Kinsale city centre. You can walk/climb around the cliffs on both sides, while one is more open and the other one quieter and wind safe. There is no fence protecting you from the edges since this place is pure nature. So, be careful in case you are there on a windy day.

After visiting the cliffs, it is worth exploring Kinsale. It is a very small town; you can literally walk through within 30min. On Main Street, you should grab a bite at the Lemon Leaf cafe/restaurant to finish off your trip. From Sixtine of Six Miles Aw

Blarney Castle

Probably one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks the legend of the Blarney Stone is one that many tourists pilgrimage to. Not my idea of fun as you have to hike up many stairs and then take care that someone has a good grip on you as you literally bend over backwards to kiss the stone. But it does seem to be high on many a bucket list .

Gougane Barra

On a small island in the middle of a beautiful lake sits one of the most romantic places in Ireland . Never has there been a prettier location for a church ( Glendalough included) than St Finbarr, patron saint of Cork’s Oratory. This has to be one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Wild Atlantic Way route but beware of its tiny little single-lane roads if driving.

A deep U-shaped valley carved out of the mountains of West Cork at the end of the last ice age, Gougane Barra is also, where the Lee River rises. Up until the 1930s, this area was covered with smallholdings, with farmers and shepherds following the pilgrim paths for 100s of years.

Gougane Barra Park has developed more of a recreational focus and is the only National Park in Ireland that you can actually drive into and around for a small charge.  Although it is a lot healthier and more environmentally sound obviously, to leave your car and walk. There are 5 km of roads and 10 km of hiking/biking trails.

Ring of Beara & Dursey Island

The Ring of Beara is a stunning circular drive in southwestern Ireland, lesser-known than the Ring of Kerry just to the south. The trail around the Beara peninsula begins in Kenmare and takes in some beautiful panoramic views.

At the end of the Beara Peninsula is Dursey Island & Ireland’s only cable car, which connects Dursey Island (County Cork) to the mainland. You can visit the Island via cable car and you can find the  opening times of Dursey Island Cable Car here .

There are perhaps half a dozen occupied houses on Dursey Island, mostly small crofting farms, along with holiday cottages you can rent. Please note though there are no shops, pubs, restaurants or anywhere else to buy anything, so do take any food & water you might need with you.

Martello Tower

The Martello Tower is over 200 years old and stands on the top of Western hill. It was built as a lookout for French invasions during the Napoleonic Wars. There are towers dotted along the whole coastline, each insight of each other. They would each have a fire built and ready on the roof, and if enemy ships were spotted the fires would be lit, the signal travelling tower to tower to rapidly send the message back that an invasion was imminent.

If you would like to read more about the Beara Peninsula take a look at Naddya’s article on the Beara Peninsula: Spectacular Views, Kind People, And Delectable Food .

The English Market in Cork

The English Market is intricately linked to the city of Cork and over its 218 years of history, it has been a bastion of Irish food traditions.  To this day, even among the “foodie” trends of the middle class the Market still supplies old-school favourites like crubeens, drisheen and tripe to its customers. 

For those who don’t know crubeens are boiled, battered and fried pig’s feet, drisheen is a type of black pudding made from a variety of animal blood, black pudding is sausages made from pigs’ blood and white sausages are made from the fat from pigs. Tripe is from a cow’s stomach when I was a kid my grandfather used to boil it on the stovetop for hours (yes, it was disgusting).

Mizen Head 

If you’re short on time in Ireland or simply want to experience a great mixture of amazing landscapes, incredible history, and charming Irish towns in a short period of time, the Haven Coast leg of the Wild Atlantic Way is a fantastic place to start. This itinerary takes you past colourful villages, for a tour through the star-shaped Charles Fort, to weather-beaten headlands, past stunning beaches, and leads to amazing ancient artefacts.

It’s entirely possible to drive this route in a day, but I’d recommend spreading it out over two or three days to appreciate the sights on the way. I particularly enjoyed spending time at Mizen head with its walkways and breathtaking viewing platforms, and Gougane Barra, which is even more spectacular at night. Written by Nadine of Lelongweekend

Cobh makes a perfect day trip from  Cork  and you can enjoy the fascinating Cobh Heritage Centre, talk an uphill walk to the Cobh Cathedral and check out the colourful houses, enjoy sailing on the bay, and learn about the tragedy of the Titanic. 

There you have it – not by any means a complete guide to the Wild Atlantic Way but some of our favourites along the route. You can also pick up a free Wild Atlantic Way guidebook . This great 24-page guide will help you plan your next trip to Ireland. It has pages for each county along the coastal route showing county maps of the official Discovery Points plus more detail about the main Signature discovery points in that county.

Touring the Wild Atlantic Way is an unforgettable experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Ireland’s rugged coastline. From breathtaking landscapes and charming towns to rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, this 2,500 km route has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, hiking along cliff tops or indulging in fresh seafood, you’ll be immersed in the natural wonders of this stunning region. So pack your bags and hit the road to discover the magic of the Wild Atlantic Way for yourself!

What’s your favourite place on the Wild Atlantic Way route?

More articles to read before visiting Ireland

27 Things to do in Galway in 2 days

A Traditional Irish Breakfast – the lush full Irish breakfast

Ireland’s Ancient East – an epic road trip

Ancient Ireland 30 sacred places

Cool things to do in Dublin off the beaten path Ireland

Ultimate Ireland Road Trip Itinerary in 14 days

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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17 Places to Visit on Ireland’s West Coast

Posted on September 22, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on November 18, 2023

Planning on visiting Ireland’s West Coast? Discover below the best places to see on the West Coast, a sample itinerary, and tour options if you don’t want to drive.

The West Coast of Ireland is filled with incredible sights and some of the country’s best attractions , making it a top destination for a road trip . Following along the Wild Atlantic Way , pass by jaw-dropping landscapes, ancient castles, and quaint towns.

Whether you just have a couple of days, a full week, or more, you’ll find plenty of things to do and places to visit along the coast . From the majestic Cliffs of Moher to the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula, Ireland’s West Coast is home to some of the best destinations in the country.

Keep on reading to discover all the best places to visit on Ireland’s West Coast and start planning your trip!

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Places to Visit on Ireland’s West Coast

The places listed below are from North to South and can more or less be visited in that order. It’s better if you have a car, especially for the loops, but you can also use public transportation to get to most places or book tours from Dublin .

Technically Western Ireland is made up of the counties of Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon , and some people might only consider these as part of the West Coast.

However, I’m including places from farther south and farther north that are located geographically on the West Coast and part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

One of the best places in the country for surfing , Sligo is home to beautiful beaches and offers plenty of opportunities when it comes to water-based activities.

The best time to surf is from September to May , but you can go year-round. Beginners can head to Enniscrone and Strandhill while intermediate to advanced surfers can surf in Easkey and Streedagh Strand . Mullaghmore More features some of the biggest, coldest, and heaviest waves on the planet, while most people can’t surf there, going to see the few who can is a show like no other.

The coast here is also good for sea kayaking and freediving . In Sligo, you can rent kayaks and go on your own, starting from Rosses Point or you can arrange for a kayaking excursion with a local guide.

Achill Island

Featuring rugged mountains and peat bogs, Achill Island is known for its tall sea cliffs and pretty beaches popular among water sports enthusiasts. There’s a bridge connecting it to the mainland, so access is pretty easy.

You can spend a day there, driving around, enjoying the scenery, and visiting the island’s attractions . In summer, you can plan to spend a couple of days there to enjoy the quiet beaches and laid-back vibes.

On the island, you’ll find Kildavnet Castle , a tower house from the 15th century where Grace O’Malley, the “Pirate Queen” lived for a while. You can also stop by the deserted village at Slievemore , Achill Heritage Centre, and Achill Henge.

Clare Island

Another beautiful island off of Ireland’s West Coast, Clare Island is a must-visit and a true hidden gem . To get there, take the Clare Island Ferry from Roonagh Quay (west of Louisburgh) to the island, the trip takes 15 to 20 minutes.

With only 150 inhabitants, the island is a haven of peace and a great place to disconnect and relax. There are plenty of hikes and scenic walks to go on to visit the island’s main sights and enjoy the landscape.

Don’t miss the Clare Island Abbey from the 12th century, Granuaile’s Castle , the Napoleonic Signal Tower , and the Archaeological Trail.

Roundstone is a charming colorful seaside town often considered as one of the most beautiful places in the Connemara. Spend some time enjoying the peaceful vibes , having a meal or drink at one of the local restaurants, before strolling around town.

South of town, you can stop by Roundstone Musical Instruments & Crafts to see how traditional bodhráns are made and visit the small museum there.

Nearby, you can head to Gurteen Bay and Dog’s Bay , two of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Connemara National Park

One of my favorite places in Ireland, the Connemara National Park is only an hour’s drive away from Galway City but you might want to take your time and drive around the peninsula. If you’re driving straight to the park, half a day is enough, otherwise take 2 days to explore the area.

The highlight of the park is the stunning panoramic views you get from one of the highest points. On clear days, you can see the coast, Kylemore Abbey, and the surrounding mountains. There are basically 2 trails you can hike, the Lower and Upper Diamond Hill Loops , both joined, so you can start with the lower one and continue onto the upper one.

If you’re doing both, count around 3 hours with breaks . I definitely recommend doing the upper one for the best views, however, you need to be fit as it goes up quite a lot.

For something easier, you can hike the Sruffaunboy Trail (30 minutes) or the Ellis Wood Nature Trail (15 minutes).

Kylemore Abbey

Next to the Connemara National Park is the stunning Kylemore Abbey, one of the best places to visit in Ireland and probably one of the most iconic as well. This Gothic Benedictine nunnery was founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle and features restored Victorian rooms that can be visited plus a stunning garden .

The castle dates back to 1868 and was restored by the nuns who still live here and make some of the crafts and food you can buy at one of the shops. There are daily history talks in the Abbey and tours of the Walled Garden throughout the summer, but you can also easily visit on your own.

Galway is a vibrant city and a good base to explore the Connemara peninsula. Spend some time strolling around the downtown area before picking a pub for dinner and/or a pint. Galway is also a perfect place to listen to live Irish folk music , no matter what day of the week you visit, you’re sure to find a pub hosting a band.

Tig Chólí, Taafles Bar, and The Quays (one of the oldest pubs in the city) usually offer daily live music.

You can also visit the Galway City Museum , featuring exhibits ranging from Prehistoric and Medieval Galway to the 1916 revolution.

If you’re visiting during a weekend, shop for local crafts and produce at the Galway Market , located around St Nicholas’ Church.

Nature lovers can go for a peaceful walk at the nearby Barna Woods and Rusheen Bay Nature Reserve , both great places to spot birds and see wildflowers.

Aran Islands

Made up of three main islands (Inis Mor, Inis Oirr, and Inis Meain), the Aran archipelago is one of the top destinations in Western Ireland . You can take a ferry from Rossaveel or Doolin to reach the islands, a seasonal ferry operates from Galway City to Inis Mor.

The biggest and most visited island is Inis Mor where you can rent a bicycle and head to the Seal Colony Viewpoint , before hitting the beach. Other must-sees include Dún Aonghasa , the largest of many stone forts in the group of islands, the Wormhole , a strange hole connected to the sea, and the Black Fort .

On Inis Oirr and Inis Meain , rent a bike as well and explore the small islands’ scenery and archaeological sites.

Cliffs of Moher

One of the most visited places in Ireland , the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see on the West Coast. It’s a spectacular sight like no other, offering breathtaking vistas and awesome hiking opportunities.

You can easily access the cliffs from the visitor center, Doolin, or Hag’s Head . If you don’t want to hike along the cliffs. then head directly to the visitor center, where you’ll find several viewpoints to see the cliffs. You can just sit on the grass if the weather is nice and enjoy the view.

If you’re planning on hiking along the cliffs, there’s a path from Doolin to Hag’s Head , with the visitor center in the middle. The trail is about 10 miles (15 kilometers) . You can hike all or part of it, just make sure to pack enough snacks and water.

Burren National Park

The Burren is easily one of my favorite places in all of Ireland. The otherwordly landscape makes it a unique place you won’t see anywhere else. While the Burren is along the coast and offers coastal hikes like the Black Head Loop , it’s in the national park that you’ll find the most spectacular hikes.

All the hikes within the national park start at the same point, type “ Gortlecka Crossroads ” on Google Maps. There, you’ll find the parking lot and the starting point for the hikes. I recommend doing the 4.7-mile Blue Trail for the best views.

It is quite challenging as it goes up a lot – so if you have limited mobility or are traveling with children pick one of the easier trails.

Dingle Peninsula

Ireland’s West Coast is full of stunning peninsulas that are great destinations for a road trip along the coast . Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula is a treasure trove of quaint towns, prehistoric sites, and scenic landscapes.

There are plenty of things to do and places to explore around the peninsula. If you like hiking you can plan to spend a few days there – a popular multi-day hike is the one from Tralee to Dingle . You’ll also find plenty of shorter hikes between Cloghane and Brandon .

Among the must-visits, you’ll find the Lispole Railway Viaduct, the ruins of the Killelton village, Inch Strand, Brandon Point, Fermoyle Beach, the Gallarus Oratory, and Glanteenassig Forest Park . If driving, make sure to pass by the Connor Pass and hike to Pedlar’s Lake.

A road trip through the Slea Head Drive is also a must with stops at Clogher Beach, Dunmore Head, Dunquin, Cashel Murphy, and Kilmalkedar.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular driving loops in the country and not for nothing. Featuring dramatic beaches, rugged cliffs, medieval ruins, and stunning scenery , this area is filled with hidden gems and beautiful sites.

Start in Killorgin and drive straight to the Kerry Bog Village to visit a reconstitution of a 19th-century Irish village before heading to Cahersiveen to visit some ring forts. Next, head to Valentia Island where you can see the lighthouse and some historic sites.

At the tip of the peninsula, you’ll find majestic cliffs just a short drive from the main road with a nice viewpoint. Make sure to drive the Skellig Ring from Portmagee to Waterville to not miss the cliffs.

Keep driving along the coast, stopping in Caherdaniel to visit the house of Daniel O’Connell, and ending your trip in the charming town of Kenmare .

Skellig Islands

From mid-May to September, you can visit the beautiful Skellig Michael with a boat tour from Portmagee, Ballinskelligsn, or Derryname . Make sure you reserve your spot in advance as a limited number of people are allowed daily. You can either book a tour including some time on the island, or book an eco-tour where you just circle the island and stay on the boat.

The island is first famous for having been home to monks centuries ago. In the 6th century , they built the stairs you use today to reach the top where you’ll find the famous beehive huts .

It was also made famous by the Star Wars franchise when several scenes for the sequel trilogy were shot there. The island appears in The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens .

Killarney National Park

While technically not on the coast, Killarney National Park is worth the short detour if you’re traveling along the West Coast. The park is stunning, driving around is just a feast for the eyes with plenty of jaw-dropping viewpoints.

Apart from driving around, you can go hiking through the forest and around the lakes . You’ll find several types of trails of all lengths and difficulties. Make sure to visit the iconic Muckross House and Ross Castle as well.

You can also take a boat ride on the lake or go kayaking when the weather is nice.

Beara Peninsula

One of the wildest parts of Ireland, the Beara Peninsula is known for its rugged landscape and secluded feel . It’s as interesting as the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, minus the crowds.

Enjoy driving around, taking in the scenery, stopping by viewpoints and quaint villages . Don’t miss driving the Healy Pass Road all the way to the tip of the peninsula. From there, you can take the only cable car in the country to Dursey Island .

In Adrigole, you can go sea kayaking to see a colony of seals .

If you’re visiting during summer, you can spend some time on the beautiful Ballydonegan beach .

Sheep’s Head Peninsula

Starting in Bantry, embark on the beautiful Sheep’s Head Drive through untouched landscapes, far away from the hordes of tourists. This unspoiled part of the Wild Atlantic Way is an opportunity to explore a stunning hidden gem off the beaten path.

It’s one of the smaller loops so you can easily visit it within half a day . Count some extra time if you want to go for a hike. An easy one is the trail to Seefin Viewpoint providing views over Bantry Bay. The easy trail to Sheep’s Head Lighthouse is also a must-hike. For something more challenging, check out the Poet’s Way Loop.

You can stop at some of the few villages along the way. Durrus, Ahakista, and Kilcrohane all offer shops, pubs, and restaurants with a scenic backdrop.

If you want to go birdwatching, you can take the ferry from Bantry to Whiddy Island known for its abundant wildlife.

Last but not least, Mizen Head marks the end of Ireland’s West Coast. It’s also one of the most popular sites in West Cork offering stunning scenery and opportunities to spot marine life.

Drive all the way to the station and once there, try to spot seals , if you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins and whales . You should also cross the bridge to Cloghane Island (be prepared if you suffer from vertigo as it’s suspended 150ft above the Atlantic).

At the visitor center, you can learn more about local history and enjoy a drink and a piece of cake at the Mizen Café .

In the area, you can stop by Dunlough Fort overlooking the bay, check out some of the beaches, and stroll around a village or two.

Ireland West Coast Itinerary

An Ireland West Coast itinerary is pretty straightforward as you can just follow the coast. Depending on how much time you have, you can only focus on a part of it, do the entire route skipping some places, or visit everything.

If you have 10 days to visit the West Coast, you can just start in Sligo and make you’re way down, or vice-versa. You could do it in 7 days but you’ll be rushed – 7 days is okay if you’re not planning on hiking and just want to be doing sightseeing.

Here’s a sample Ireland West Coast itinerary featuring the highlights of the area:

• Day 1 – Drive the Connemara loop, stopping at the abbey, the national park, and Galway
• Day 2 – See the Cliffs of Moher and hike in the Burren
• Optional Day – Drive around the Dingle Peninsula and the Slead Head Drive
• Day 3 – Ring of Kerry and Skellig Michael
• Day 4 – Killarney National Park

If you have extra time, you can continue with this Southern Ireland itinerary .

West Coast of Ireland Tours

If you don’t want to drive or don’t want to bother with public transportation, a good alternative is to book a tour . I recommend booking tours via TourRadar, they carefully select the tour operators they work with, offer a wide variety of tours, and you can easily filter results based on age range, duration, size of the group… and many other filters.

While I rented a car and explored Ireland’s West Coast independently, here are a few small-group tours I’ve selected that have good reviews and include the best sights along the coast (if you try one let me know!):

• 8-Day Castles & Coast Experience – 4.7/5 stars (34 reviews)
• The 6-Day Celtic Voyage – 4.6/5 stars (65 reviews)
• 7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure – 4.8/5 stars (151 reviews)
• 3-Day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way – 4.8/5 stars (4 reviews)

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These 10 road trips will bring you into the heart of Ireland

Mar 9, 2024 • 7 min read

On Ireland’s winding country roads, expect to take it slow © Jade Prevost Manuel / Shutterstock

People often think that given  Ireland ’s small size, they can see everything in a matter of days. We can confirm that this is simply impossible.

Here’s a typical story: a visitor makes a stop in a quaint village to sit down for a quick coffee.  All of a sudden, they’re being whisked off to the local watering hole with Tom “from down the road” who wants to introduce you to the locals and share enthralling (and extended) tales of Irish history.

Such social connections are the soul of Ireland – and that’s on top of the island’s staggering raw beauty. What’s the best way to get the best of both? Hit the (rural) road – and plan to take it slow. 

Our list of the best 10 road trips in Ireland should help inspire you.

1. The Wild Atlantic Way 

Best road trip for the ultimate Irish experience Inishowen Peninsula – Kinsale ; 2600km (1600 miles), 2 weeks

This is the pinnacle of Irish road trips. The Wild Atlantic Way will show adventurers both the natural beauty and the pure  craic that Ireland has to offer . This route will have you weaving your way around mountains, boglands and rugged karst landscapes as you experience the Emerald Isle at its most dramatic.

You’ll spot Wild Atlantic Way markers at every point of interest along the way to enhance your trip; follow the symbols attached to almost every road sign along the route to make sure you don’t get lost.

Planning tip:  We recommend taking at least two weeks to savor every moment of this epic journey.

2. The Mayo Coast 

Best less-traveled road trip Ballina–Killary; 543km (337.5 miles), 1 week

Many visitors to Ireland miss out on  Mayo , which has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. It’s home to the highest mountain in Connacht, secret swimming spots and dramatic cliff walks.

Plan for numerous stops as you make your way down the coast. Plenty of free activities, hostels and campsites make it possible to tackle this trip on a budget.

Planning tip: If you time your road trip to reach the sacred mountain Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday of July, you can join the annual pilgrimage known as Reek Sunday. Some people even attempt this hike barefoot as part of their spiritual journey.

3. The Old Military Road

Best road trip for mountain landscapes Rathfarnham–Aughavannagh; 60km (37 miles), minimum 1 day

As you travel along the spine of the Wicklow Mountains, you’ll follow a winding road shrouded in a dark history. The route  was constructed between August 1800 and October 1809 to allow the British Army access to the mountains following the 1798 rebellion in Ireland.

Today, the road is home to some of Ireland’s most challenging and beautiful trails . If hiking isn’t your thing, an abundance of excellent restaurants, lodges and activity centers lie along the route. The true beauty of this trip? You can take as long as you like to complete it. There are so many things to see and do packed into such a small distance that you’ll never be bored.

Planning tip: If you’re taking a few days to complete this trip, be sure to pack for all weather. The Wicklow Mountains are notorious for suddenly changing conditions.

4. The Copper Coast

Best road trip in the east Tramore–Dungarvan; 40km (25 miles), 1 day

With the Copper Coast’s countless opportunities for walks and dips in the cold sea, you'll never be stuck for something to do on this short but action-packed route. And amateur geologists will love that part of the Copper Coast is  UNESCO Global Geopark , thanks to its unique combination of environments packed into such a small area.

Detour: Take a trip to the nearby Comeragh Mountains and tackle one of Ireland’s most rewarding hikes, the Coumshingaun Loop.

5. The Ring of Kerry

Best road trip to experience old Ireland Starts and ends in Killarney (travel clockwise); 179km (111 miles), 2–3 days

Towering mountains, glistening lakes and enchanting forests: the Ring of Kerry is one of those unforgettable road trips that stuns from start to finish. There are so many landmarks to see along this route, it can be hard to fit it all into one trip. Yet the beauty of this drive is that even if you rarely leave the car, you’ll still experience some of Ireland’s most beautiful spots.

Detour:  This route takes you not far from Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil . It’s worth taking a day to attempt the hike via the Devil’s Ladder.

6. The Burren Loop

Best road trip for beautiful barren landscapes Starts and ends in Ballyvaughan; 150km (93 miles), 1–2 days

This is the only figure-eight route on this list, a configuration that allows you to stay in the same accommodation if you want to complete the route over two days. The Burren itself has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique karst landscape, which covers approximately 250 sq km (96.5 sq miles).  The drive will take you down narrow roads that cut through the barren landscape to sheer cliffside views.

Planning tip: Leave time to incorporate some, if not all, of the Cliffs of Moher cliff walk. If time allows, consider hopping on a boat from Doolin to see them from the sea as well.

7. Slea Head Drive

Best road trip for experiencing true “Irishness” Starts and ends in Dingle Town (travel clockwise); 46km (28.5 miles), 1–2 days

Pubs doubling as hardware stores. White sandy beaches. Lambs you can hold. What more could you ask for from a 46km (28.5-mile) road trip?

The Slea Head Drive is located on Dingle , one of Ireland’s most fabulous peninsulas, which has everything from coastal hikes to island escapes and some of the best nightlife in the country. All of this is plastered against a picturesque backdrop of green hills, sandy beaches and the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Detour: Since you’ll already be on the road, you should add the Conor Pass, one of Ireland’s highest, to your list. Located just outside of Dingle Town , it’s a great add-on to this itinerary.

8. Sky Road Loop

Best short road trip Starts and ends in Clifden; 16km (10 miles), 1 day

This road trip is short, and it doesn’t disappoint, offering some of the best, most sweeping views of the Connemara coastline. You can also look forward to encountering castles, quaint villages with delicious food and views of rugged mountains in the distance – a full taste of Ireland in just one day.

Detour: Pack your camera (and your swimming gear) to visit the shore along the Sky Road. With crystal-clear waters and beautiful golden sand, Eyrephort Beach is the perfect place to take a break.

9. The Ring of Beara

Best road trip for unspoiled scenery Starts and ends in Glengarriff (travel clockwise); 148km (92 miles), 2–3 days

Another looped road trip in the south of Ireland makes another worthy addition to our list, just a stone’s throw (or rocky peninsula) away from the Ring of Kerry.  With multiple mountain passes, delightful villages filled with local foods to try and many hikes and walks along the way, you’re bound to find something that’s perfect for you.

Detour:  At the tip of the Ring of Beara , make a stop to take the cable car to Dursey Island, a neat  way to cross the choppy waters below.

10. The “Four Peaks” Challenge road trip

The best challenge of a road road trip Carrauntoohil–Mweelrea–Slieve Donard–Lugnaquilla; 865km (540 miles), 1 day to 1 week

Road trips are usually all about the journey. This one is a little bit different. The Four Peaks Challenge involves tackling the highest mountains in each of Ireland’s four historic provinces by hike. Most take on the challenge at a leisurely pace – but some (very ambitious) people strive to complete it in 24 hours.

You will be treated to some of the most epic views of Ireland from each of these peaks – though the adventure is definitely not for the faint-hearted. We recommend planning for one hike per day, which will let you take in the beautiful Irish countryside while putting your body to the test.

Planning tip:  If you can, get someone to do the driving for you. Your legs will be worn out enough without the 12 hours of driving in between peaks.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated March 2024

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Around Ireland In 18 Days: A Coastal Road Trip Of A Lifetime (Full Itinerary)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Hello and welcome to a road trip guide that my fingers will never forgive me for writing.

In the guide below you’ll find a chonker of an 18-day coastal road trip that’s planned for you from start to finish.

Now, this route isn’t for the faint-hearted or for those looking to spend several nights in one place – there’s a lot of moving about and you’ll be staying in different places each night.

If you’re looking for ‘slower’ or shorter road trips , drop into our road trip hub . Scroll down to see the full 18-day route.

The 18-Day Road Trip

The image above shows a  rough  outline of the route taken over the course of this road trip. Is it perfect? Absolutely not!

So, if there’s somewhere that you want to see that hasn’t been included, just alter the route to suit you! Here’s a breakdown of the different days:

• Day 1: Wicklow
• Day 2: Wexford
• Day 3: Waterford
• Day 4: Cork
• Day 5: West Cork
• Day 6: Kerry
• Day 7: Kerry Part 2
• Day 8: Kerry and Clare
• Day 9: Clare
• Day 10: Clare and Galway
• Day 11: Galway and Mayo
• Day 12: Mayo and Sligo
• Day 13: Donegal
• Day 14: Donegal
• Day 15: Donegal and Derry
• Day 16: Antrim
• Day 17: Antrim
• Day 18: Louth

Day 1. Wicklow

To make the most of our first day on the road, get out of the bed and into the car for 8:00. Our first day sees us take a nice and handy spin from Dublin to Wicklow.

1. Gallivanting Around Glendalough (start 09:00)

Photo by AndyConrad/shutterstock.com

We’re going to kick the day off with a moderate hike that I’ve done many times. The Glendalough Spinc Route is a hike that I can’t recommend enough.

It’s challenging enough to give you a good workout, but not too strenuous in that you can still chat away and have a laugh with friends as you climb.

The walk begins at the Upper Lake car park and follows the Poulanass Waterfall before entering the Lugduff Valley. You’ll find a full guide to this walk in our guide to the best walks in Wicklow .

2. Roundwood for lunch (arrive around 

Photo via the Coach House

At this stage, you’ll be in need of a post-hike feed. Head for the Coach House in Roundwood, fuel up and rest the legs.

If you’re here in the winter you’ll be able to warm yourself by an enormous open fire. The drive from Glendalough to Roundwood takes 14 minutes (if it took 4 hours to complete the hike, you should arrive in Roundwood by 14:15).

3. Lough Tay

Photo by Lukas Fendek/Shutterstock.com

Roundwood to Lough Tay – 11-minute drive (if you spend 90 minutes eating and chilling, you’ll arrive at Lough Tay for 16:00).

Lough Tay is easily one of my favourite places in Ireland.

Mainly because it’s a such short drive from Dublin (where I live) but also due to the fact that you’ll have the whole place to yourself if you arrive at sunset (basing this on the past 3 times I’ve visited at sunset).

Keep driving until you come to a little makeshift car park on the right.

Cross the road and walk down the grassy hill until you’re treated to the incredible view above.

4. The Sally Gap Drive

Photo by Dariusz I/Shutterstock.com

So, this is a looped drive rather than a stop. Start it at around 16:30 and head in the direction of Glenmacnass Waterfall.

I did this drive several times over the past 12 months, and many times over the years, and it never fails to disappoint.

The vast, quiet landscape that engulfs you as you chug along the Sally Gap Drive has the knack of making you feel like you’re the only person left on earth.

You’re driving along smooth bendy roads that hug the side of mountains one minute and passing along tarmac surrounded by towering trees (keep an eye out for trees donning Christmas decorations) the next.

Take your time with this drive. Jump out of the car when the feeling takes you. And gulp down as much of that fresh mountain air that your lungs allow.

5. A Nest for the Night

Glenmacnass Waterfall to The Glendalough Hotel, – 11-minute drive (take 45 minutes to do the Sally Gap Drive and arrive at the hotel for 17:30).

So, where you stay in Wicklow is totally up to you.

I’m going to recommend The Glendalough Hotel , but if this doesn’t suit your budget, there are plenty of other places to stay nearby (check our interactive map of the best places to stay in Ireland !)

Check into the hotel, grab a bite to eat in the hotel’s Glendassan River Restaurant and kick back with a couple of drinks.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Monday 4th of April 2022

Morning Keith O Hara I have been looking at your 18 days tour of Ireland I am arriving on the 14th April at Rosslare can I start my tour on day 2 I am driving a small camper van can you tell me about camp sites on my around please and do I have to book or just turn up my name is John Duke

Keith O'Hara

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

Hey John! You'll find campsites in most counties along that trip. The best way to do it is to just give it a Google and then suss out a spot with good reviews (I've never stayed in a campsite in Ireland, so I wouldn't like to lead you astray). In terms of booking. I'd recommend doing so if you're visiting during the busier months of the year, like summer. I hope this helps!

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

This was a great trip to read through. I understand how tired you are after writing so much - my husband and I are coming to Ireland from the U.S. in May 2022 for 3 weeks, and I've been planning everything myself for many months. Lots of great suggestions for places to visit, things we shouldn't miss, etc. Also, many of the things you suggested are already part of our plans, so it made me feel like I had done a good job! Thanks for all of the great help - we can't wait for the trip to begin!

Tuesday 12th of January 2021

Really digging this blog!! I have the travel blog so bad and Ireland is next on the list - your recommendations are speaking to me! Thanks for taking the time to create all the wonderful road trips / ideas.

Akshay Bansal

Tuesday 14th of January 2020

I am considering travelling to Ireland this summer via road-trip and AirBnBs. While researching, I found your blog and found it very helpful and resourceful.

I am travelling from New Delhi (India) with my extended family (infants, toddlers, siblings, wife, parents etc.). Assuming this might be our only trip to Ireland together as a family, I am interested in covering Ireland comprehensively within a limitation of 11-13 days.

Is it possible to shorten the suggested 18-day itinerary to the above duration by bypassing some of the locations or sites. I understand this would mean we missing a few locations, but need your help.

Uli Moissidis

Sunday 11th of August 2019

Hi Keith, I am planning our road trip to Ireland in october and I love your Instagram account. I like to use your suggestions for our schedule. On day 11 you suggest to leave Westport and Achill on the same time (16:55) ? So this is a pretty long day ;-) I prefer to stay an extra night on Achill Island. What do you think? Thanks Uli

Monday 12th of August 2019

Aha! OK, that's clearly a mistake on my part. I'll get those times updated!

I love Achill, personally.

There's nothing bad that can come from a second night spent there.

Exploring Ireland’s west coast: from Dingle to Donegal, Achill Island and the Cliffs of Moher

D INGLE, Ireland – The west coast of Ireland is the stuff of travel dreams – filled with soaring cliffs, bright green pastures and grazing sheep, glorious beaches, charming towns and ancient ruins. It’s worthy of a week all its own, if you have the time.

I suspected when I planned this itinerary that I was doing it too fast – covering too many kilometers in just four days, not leaving enough time to stop and smell the rhododendrons (which were in full bloom in County Mayo in late May, by the way).

Ireland’s tourism department created the Wild Atlantic Way in 2014, a driving route along the west coast that covers some 1,500 miles through nine counties. Well-placed signage along the route directs drivers to and from sights along the scenic path.

We didn’t cover it all, skipping some sections entirely and occasionally opting for faster highways to get us to our destinations quicker.

But we covered much of it, starting in Dingle, traveling north to the Cliffs of Moher, then driving through Galway to Clifden, biking out to Achill Island and ending our tour in Donegal. I wished I had an extra day in every location.

Ah well. It’s always better to want more than to stay too long.

And who knows — maybe I’ll be back. The new Aer Lingus flight, nonstop between Cleveland and Dublin, makes frequent trips to Ireland pretty tempting.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is one of several scenic peninsulas along Ireland’s southwest coast. The Iveragh Peninsula, with its well-known Ring of Kerry scenic drive, is directly south and more popular. But I chose Dingle because it’s smaller, more manageable, and typically less crowded.

Dingle’s primary attraction is Slea Head Drive, a 24-mile loop route at the far west end of the peninsula that hugs the coastline most of the way. It’s dotted with ancient ruins and more contemporary sites, with dramatic cliffs, lush farmland and beautiful beaches.

The entire route was spectacular, striking and serene all at once. And though just 24 miles, it took us more than six hours to complete, as we stopped nearly a dozen times to check out interesting sites along the way.

Most of the route was uncrowded, although I imagine that will change as the summer tourist season heats up. The route is two-way, except for tour buses, which must travel clockwise. Most of the traffic flows that way too – in part, no doubt, to avoid getting trapped by one of those mega buses we saw maneuvering some very tight hairpin turns. The route is also popular with bicyclists, although it looked like too much of a workout for me, with lots of hills.

Among the stops:

* The Blasket Centre, on the mainland directly across from Great Blasket Island, the one-time home of as many as 175 residents. In 1953, the island was evacuated – too many people had voluntarily relocated, leaving the existing population too isolated and vulnerable. The island’s rich Irish-speaking culture is chronicled and celebrated at this small museum, built in 1994. Don’t miss it. Note: Separately, tours to the island are available from Dingle.

* Dunbeg Fort, a defensive structure dating back some 2,000 years or more. It’s been substantially eroded and rebuilt over the years, and it’s little wonder why – this fort is precariously perched on the cliffs, hundreds of feet above the crashing Atlantic.

* Gallarus Oratory, an elegantly constructed dry stone building – that is, built without mortar — which dates back as many as 1,300 years. The small structure, about 16 feet by 10 feet, was likely used as a small chapel.

* Irish Famine Cottages, a collection of small, spare structures built in the 19th century, and abandoned during the Great Famine, which hit this area of Ireland particularly hard.

And don’t miss a stop at Dunmore Head and Coumeenoole Beach – a gorgeous stretch of sand and the only place in Ireland I dared take my shoes off and walk barefoot in the water. Brrr!

The town of Dingle is the starting and ending point for the drive and a lovely place to spend a couple of nights. Tucked alongside a protective harbor, the charming town is home to dozens of restaurants and shops. It’s also a thriving fishing port, with a downtown marina lined with commercial boats.

I had my best meal in all of Ireland here at Out of the Blue , which offers a seafood-only menu written on a chalkboard, dictated by what the boats bring in. I also heard some of the best Irish music of my trip in Dingle, at O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub and Neligan’s.

And don’t miss Murphy’s Ice Cream, with two locations in town, featuring a tasty gin-flavored ice cream, and chocolate whiskey, among many others.

Where we stayed: We spent two nights at the quiet and comfortable O’Neill’s Bed and Breakfast , well-located on a side street in town, operated by Stephen O’Neill, who took over the business from his parents several years ago. At 110 euros per night, it was the most economical accommodation of my 9-night trip to Ireland and included a full Irish breakfast.

Note: There are two routes into Dingle, one along the southern coast of the peninsula and another along the northern coast. The northern route, along R560, cuts through the mountains via Conor Pass, a narrow, twisting mountain road that, after reaching its peak at about 1,500 feet, descends dramatically into Dingle. The roadway, which reduces to one lane in sections, is not for the faint of heart – but it is spectacular. Don’t miss it.

A final thought on Dingle: The afternoon we arrived, a large cruise ship was docked off the coast of Dingle – an increasingly common occurrence, according to O’Neill, who said there are four more ships scheduled to visit town this summer. There is no major pier here, so passengers are shuttled via tender to the mainland, where they descend on the small downtown for a few hours of shopping and sightseeing.

It will be interesting to see whether and how the cruise industry alters the small-town charm of Dingle and other Irish coastal communities. On the one hand, the economic impact of the visitors is certainly welcome, but the long-term effect the ships could have on the town may not be.

Cliffs of Moher

From Dingle, we drove north to the Cliffs of Moher, a scenic drive that included a 20-minute ferry across the Shannon estuary, connecting Tarbert and Killimer (23 euros; shannonferries.com ). The Cliffs were another hour-drive north.

Towering up to 700 feet above the ocean, the Cliffs stretch for nearly 9 miles along the west coast of Ireland south of Galway. It’s one of the country’s top sites for a reason, with dramatic views in every direction.

Access to what’s called the Cliffs of Moher Experience is via a central entryway that includes a visitors center built into the ground. Admission, including parking, is 10 euros per person during midday, cheaper in the morning or later afternoon.

You can also hike to the cliffs from the nearby towns of Doolin and Liscannor and avoid paying admission, although you won’t be able to access the visitors center.

The central cliffs area can get quite crowded, so come early or late if you can. My husband and I arrived at about 1 p.m., with the midday sun straight overhead, which tended to wash out our photographs.

Some of the viewing areas closest to the visitors center got clogged with people during our stay, but it was easy enough to escape the crowds by walking a bit farther along the coast.

We spent about two hours here, most of it walking along the coastal trail. And I would have stayed longer, but our next destination was calling.

A castle in Clifden

After stopping in Doolin for ice cream, we continued north toward Galway, motoring through an area known as the Burren (literally “rocky place”), a region so completely unexpected amid the green of Ireland. The area, approximately 200 square miles, features a stark landscape of rocky mountains carved from limestone. It was like driving on the moon.

The only unpleasant part of the trip came as we maneuvered through Galway, population 80,000, where we got caught in traffic and delayed by road construction. If I had to do it over again, I would have spent the night here.

Our destination was another 90 minutes northwest, in Clifden. We arrived at our hotel – the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel – just in time to hear owner Ronan Hughes recount the history of the building and the region and offer a complimentary champagne toast to some of the people who made it possible. (Read more about our castle stay here: Castle overnight in Ireland: What’s in a name? )

Clifden is in the heart of Ireland’s Connemara region, another starkly beautiful area of Ireland to explore, with jagged mountains, serene inland lakes and a dramatic coastline to explore.

We rose early to drive the Sky Road, a short, 10-mile loop that offers panoramic views of the ocean, islands and surrounding countryside. Then we took a short walk to check out the ruins of Clifden Castle, built by the same man, John D’Arcy, who founded the town and built Abbeyglen.

And here we encountered one more example of that famous Irish hospitality: The gentleman who owns the land that includes Clifden Castle came outside to tell us the property was private and to please not go inside the structure, because it wasn’t safe. And then he invited us along for an exterior tour of the space.

If I had another day here, I would have toured scenic Kylemore Abbey (built in 1868), hiked Connemara National Park and maybe taken a boat ride on Killany Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. But time was tight, so we continued our drive north to County Mayo.

Biking through County Mayo

For several decades at the turn of the 19th century, a railroad operated from Westport to Achill Island. In 2010, the rail line was turned into a level, paved path, creating what has to be one of the world’s most spectacular bikeways, the Great Western Greenway , which traverses 27 miles through scenic County Mayo.

We started our trip from Newport, skipping the first 7 miles of the greenway, from Westport to Newport, which I had read was the least scenic part of the route, as it parallels the roadway. The route from Newport was spectacular from start to finish – through farmland and forest, past pastures and lakes, with the Atlantic coast within eyesight through much of it.

We pedaled past horses and cows and sheep – and a handful of humans, too. I imagine it will get much busier as the summer progresses. We stopped for lunch in the tiny town of Mulranny, overlooking Clew Bay, then summoned the energy to finish the final 8 miles to Achill.

My only regret was that we didn’t opt for electric bikes because although this was mostly flat, 20 miles is a lot (for me), and I didn’t need to work that hard.

We did opt for the shuttle ride back, however.

The route ends at the bridge to Achill Island – which, at 57 square miles, is Ireland’s largest island, with cliffs and mountains and some of the country’s most spectacular beaches. It’s a sister city to Cleveland, which is why the group of Northeast Ohio government and business leaders who traveled to Ireland last month spent a night here.

I, however, continued my route north, to Donegal.

But first, I asked our shuttle driver, the owner of Greenway Bicycle Hire in Newport, if he wouldn’t mind driving us the few miles west to see the statue of Johnny Kilbane, the Achill native who found fame in Cleveland as a boxer in the early 1900s.

Though he had never heard of Kilbane, or the statue, he graciously agreed. After I thanked him, I told him I might not be the last Clevelander who makes such a request.

Last stop: Donegal

We ended our tour in the town of Donegal, in Ireland’s northernmost county (also Donegal). Unfortunately, we were here mostly to sleep, before heading to our next stop. Next time, for sure, I’ll allot at least a day or two to explore the rugged coastline in Ireland’s most remote region.

For now, though, our tour came to an end at the Reel Inn, a venue well-regarded for its traditional Irish music offerings.

The place was standing-room only when we entered, filled with the sounds of banjo and button accordion. I eventually secured a couple of seats at a table by the door, where we listened for hours to the lively soundtrack of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast before returning to our hotel.

Then, the next morning, we were off – to Northern Ireland, to the Antrim Coast and Giant’s Causeway, yet another spectacular coastal region on an island that has so many of them.

Driving in Ireland: Narrow streets, insurance extras and staying on the left side of the road

En route from Dublin to Dingle: Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle

48 hours in Dublin: New Aer Lingus flight from Cleveland makes for an easy international getaway

First flight on Aer Lingus: Go to sleep in Cleveland, wake up in Dublin

(Coming next month: Two days in Northern Ireland: Giant’s Causeway, Belfast and the Titanic museum.)

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