Top Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way Route
- Mar 3, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 15
The Wild Atlantic Way lives up to its name as every mile shows you a new aspect of West Coast Ireland which is famed for its invigoratingly dramatic, wild and weathered landscapes. Steeped in rich local history, lore, and culture, the route also boasts many of Ireland’s top points of interest from Kylemore Abbey to the Cliffs of Moher, the musical Galway City, and Killarney National Park.
But the Wild Atlantic Way isn’t just about the famous landmarks it covers, the drive itself is ever-exciting too. Expect to teeter on hair-raising cliffsides, up steep narrow roads, and over harrowing mountain passes, all of which may raise a few hairs but the scenery you discover and the stories you’ll live to tell will make it all worthwhile.
Whether you have one month to drive the Wild Atlantic Way or one week, there are certain stops along the way that can’t be missed, all of which are listed (in order) below. Between them, these stops show you the very best of West Coast Ireland’s nature, history, and culture. Which stops will you make on your Wild Atlantic Way road trip?
How Long is the Wild Atlantic Way?
One of the world’s most iconic driving routes, the Wild Atlantic Way winds 1600 miles (2,600 km) along the West Coast of Ireland from Malin Head, its northernmost point, to the city of Cork on the south coast. From end to end, it’s a 32-hour-drive but with so much to see and do along the way, those navigating the entire route reserve at least a week for the adventure. After all, the Wild Atlantic Way is a destination that should be savoured, not rushed.
Top Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way Route
Inishowen Peninsula
The Wild Atlantic Way route begins in Malin Head, a rustic village with chiselled razor-sharp sea cliffs at the northern tip of Ireland. To reach it, hikers must pass the ‘Hell’s Hole’ ravine and ‘Devil’s Bridge’ mountain ledge, names lending to its dramatic landscape. Malin Head is part of the Inishowen Peninsula which, on its own, deserves hours if not days of exploration. Its coastline features dozens of wild beaches including Lenan Bay, the Isle of Doagh, and the Five Fingers Strand, all of which compete for the top spot of the Wild Atlantic Way’s best beaches. Take the ‘Inishowen 100’, a 100-mile circular route to see the best of the peninsula.
Sligo & Downpatrick Head
For a taste of a typical Irish town, stop in Sligo where there are Irish pubs aplenty and a taste for great food. Although one can never get bored of soaking up the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way scenes, it can make a refreshing change to soak up some culture instead. But if you do miss the great outdoors, impressive scenes surround Sligo including Ox Mountain and Mullaghmore Head. Driving 1.5 hours west, the road reaches Downpatrick Head, a real scenic highlight of the Wild Atlantic Coast. At the headland's tip stands one of Ireland’s biggest sea stacks and the ‘Eire 64’ aerial marking made in WWII to indicate that it was a war-neutral zone to passing aircraft.
Connemara National Park
Considered ‘the wild heart of Ireland’, Connemara is one of the staple stops on the Wild Atlantic Way route. Its rugged heaths and mountains, historic landmarks, and traditional villages like Roundstone and Clifden culminate to embody the essence of what makes Ireland so wonderfully…Irish. Head to the Connemara Heritage & History Centre to experience life in rural 1800s Ireland and to Kylemore Abbey to set your eyes on the Gothic castle-esque architecture that positions it as one of the most famous landmarks in the country. It should go without saying that Connemara is a top Irish hiking destination too. Diamond Hill and the Western Way are must-do trails for experienced hikers.
Galway & Aran Islands
If you’re looking for that Irish charm, follow the sounds of an Irish harp and accordion to the music-filled streets of Galway. This small city half way down the Wild Atlantic Way is famed for its multitude of traditional Irish pubs where you can listen to the jolly beats of slip jig or solemn sounds of folk every night of the week at live gigs across the city. While it’s easy to get lulled into Galway’s lively pub scene, take a day to visit the Aran Islands, a group of scenic rocky isles 90 minutes away from Galway by ferry. From here, not only do you get to immerse in life in one of Ireland’s most isolated communities, but you get the unique chance to see the Wild Atlantic Way in full view.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are possibly the most famous stop on the Wild Atlantic Way and it’s for a very good reason — it’s the most dramatic section of the coastline. The cliffs rise vertically from the sea reaching up to a dizzying 214 metres as the waves crash forcefully against them far below. That’s more than double the height of the UK’s tallest cliff. This spectacle snakes along the coast for 8.5 miles (14 km), making for an excellent hiking route with special viewpoints like Hag’s Head and O’Brian Tower marking the way. Doolin, the quaint village at the start of the Cliffs of Moher trail awaits with an atmospheric traditional pub to reward a good day’s hike.
Loop Head & Limerick
From the Cliffs of Moher, the coastline runs alongside The Burren, a strange flat limestone landscape that measures 200 sqm to the astonishing Loop Head. The thin stretch of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Shannon River mouth marks the tip of County Clare’s long peninsula with a lighthouse, a chunky sea stack called ‘Lover’s Leap’, and stunning views from every angle. From there, the route turns back inland toward Limerick for a lesson in Irish history. Between Limerick Castle and Bunratty Castle, the city has some fascinating stories to tell about medieval Ireland while the Milk Market (quite literally) offers a taste of local Limerick. Nearby, the Ballyhoura Mountains await with adventurous outdoor activities like mountain biking.
Dingle Peninsula & Killarney
The Dingle Peninsula promises one of the most epic drives on the Wild Atlantic Way. Its thin winding roads teeter on cliffs edges, skim sensational beaches, and pass over the highest mountain road in Ireland to show off its emerald landscape. Don’t forget to stop in one of Dingle’s hardware shops for a pint of Guinness. Yes, you read that right. The peninsula loops around to Killarney National Park which swaps Ireland’s usual bare heathland for mountainous forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Meanwhile, the colourful town of Killarney awaits to show visitors proper Irish whiskey at Killarney Distillery.
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a circular driving route encompassing the peninsula that dominates County Kerry. The most popular of Ireland’s peninsulas, the route is like a treasure map of Irish history, lore, and scenery. After passing through the Gap of Dunloe, stop at Skelling Islands where a mystical meeting of craggy rocks rise to form an otherworldly landscape — no wonder it was a Star Wars filming location! After a day or two enjoying the local crafts, cinema, and street entertainment of quirky Waterville, immerse in ancient Ireland at the Stone Forts of Cahersiveen dating back to 600 AD. along the way, be sure to pass over Moll’s Gap for one of Ireland’s most breathtaking views.
Beara Peninsula
It’s worth driving around Beara Peninsula, the final peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way just for the beauty to behold on Healy Pass. With steep inclines and jittering drops, this winding mountain pass is thought to be among the most challenging but rewarding drives in all of Ireland. However, the circular peninsula route begins with the gorgeous Gleninchapuin Park where hiking trails big and small reveal historic farms, whimsical waterfalls, and babbling rivers. A few miles off the the tip of the peninsula lies Bull Rock Island which impresses visitors with an arch that cuts a hole in the island from one end to another and the historic dwellings built into the rock above it along with a lighthouse.
West Cork
There’s nowhere better to end your Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip than the lively city of Cork where you can celebrate like a true Irish with a few tipples at one of the hip local bars. But before you reach the city, take time to explore the wonderful West Cork. The quaint coastal towns of Clonakilty, Kinsale, and Cobh all give other Wild Atlantic Way towns a run for their money. Whilst in Cobh, head to the Titanic Experience to put yourself in Kate and Leo’s boots while the ship begins sinking. And of course, don’t forget to stop at Mizen Head which marks the southernmost point of Ireland so you can boast about having explored the entire length of the country.
Start Planning your Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip
Now you have all the inspiration and information you need about Ireland’s iconic driving route, it’s time to start planning your very own Wild Atlantic Way road trip. Let us know how long you want to spend on the driving route and which places you simply can’t miss and our expert trip planners will thoughtfully create a bespoke Wild Atlantic Way itinerary just for you. Find out more by calling us toll-free on 1 (800) 707-5184/ direct in the UK +44 (0) 2045 781 580 or email us here.
