Doolin is a quaint village and the gateway town to the Aran Islands, which are just offshore. Less than one year later, Ireland saw its best year ever for overseas tourism, with people from all over the world enchanted by the west coast’s rugged charm and breath-taking hotspots. Because the coastal route is so long, we're guessing you'll choose just a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way for your trip. Or, you can read our Ireland Itineraries post to get more advice on planning a trip to Ireland. It depends on how long you have to explore. The location is also conveniently between The Burren, a remote karst region and hte Cliffs of Moher. Choosing where to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you choose the best accommodation. Way. Whether you’d like to dedicate a few weeks, or you’d prefer to explore it a few days at a time, there’s a Wild Atlantic Way route out there for you! The Wild Atlantic Way is 2750km long. How to Master Driving on the Left (as an America), Everything You Should Know about Renting a Car in Ireland. Hop out from behind the wheel and take I have 5 days to explore the Wild Atlantic way and this broke down this drive so beautifully! Google Maps is generally a great tool for planning trips. The Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland's spectacular coastal route. 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. Moher. ), Clifden, a remote area near Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park, where we stayed at the cozy Rosleague Manor. ), 7 Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Ireland, How to Master Driving in Ireland (as a tourist!). Dingle a cute port town known for its pubs, music and harbour resident..Fungie the dolphin. It has a beautiful waterfront, cosmopolitan atmosphere and great restaurants and pubs. There’s beautiful Killarney National Park with its castle, hiking trails and waterfall. Definitely pinning this for future reference. Getting Around | If there's one thing I can recommend, it's to rent a car and drive around Ireland. Now we’ve reached the beautiful South West. If there's one thing I can recommend doing in Ireland, it's to rent a car. The Wild Atlantic Way route is the longest defined coastal driving route on earth. This route hits some of Ireland's most popular sights, like Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park and Dingle. Explore our resources and use the supports to grow your … I always thought it was best to travel somewhere new, rather than returning to the same place over and over. West Airport Knock: Located in the heart of west Ireland, between Galway and Sligo. Co Kerry: Can't Miss Sights in Killarney & Dingle, Co Waterford: Waterford, Ireland's Oldest City, the House of Waterford Crystal & Mount Congreve Gardens. route to suit you! We recommend: Westport, a colorful small town home to Westport Manor. like to gain from your experience. Or, take advantage of Airbnb for a local experience! The dinner at Ard Bia , a restaurant just under the Spanish Arch, was the perfect introduction to this food culture. It joins the ranks of other great coastal roads like Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail , Big Sur , Maui’s Kaekili Highway , and South Africa’s Garden Route . At 1600 miles long, we would recommend giving yourself the time to take it all in and thus setting aside 3 weeks to complete this coastal vision. But if you're not already in the EU, most likely you'll be flying in to Dublin – this is what we did! Intrigue and awe – two emotions that will This itinerary is a circular Wild Atlantic Way route of 257km (160 miles) which starts and ends in Limerick City:. Co Kilkenny: Exploring Kilkenny Castle, in photos, County Galway: Rosleague Manor Hotel, Where to Stay in Galway, County Waterford: The Cliff House Hotel, The Reg Pub, Where to Stay in Belfast as a First Time Visitor, Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin, « Don’t be a “Cube Noob”: These are the Best Packing Cubes in 2019! The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2500km motor route along the Atlantic coast of Ireland. You will be cycling the whole length of the Wild Atlantic Way from Kinsale to Derry, over 2000kms of pure beauty, in just 25 days. If you don’t have a whole month, you can also pick a specific section. The 'Wild Atlantic Way' driving route neatly packages the abundant attractions of Ireland's west coast, from West Cork to Donegal. Most people will head straight across on the main highway to County Galway. Towns here are famous for their traditional pubs, live music and beautiful views. At 1600 miles long, we would recommend giving yourself the time to take it all in and thus setting aside 3 weeks to complete this coastal vision. The town square has plenty of pubs, great shopping and often live Irish music is performed in the streets! Even better, you can combine it with the Gourmet Greenway and stop at artisan food producers along the way! It’s primarily a driving route. If you want to soak in the view, visit Downpatrick Head, where a sea stack splits from the island into the ocean. County Kerry call’s itself ‘God’s Kingdom’ for its rolling green hills and serene lakes. Northern Ireland is Fermanagh, Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry/Derry, Down and Tyrone! Yep! Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect on each section of the route, from North to South. Three weeks is probably recommended if you wanted to explore the length of the Wild Atlantic Way, from top to bottom. From Dublin to Galway it will take about 3-3.5 hours of driving, without stops. 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. 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. Just published my travel guide to San Miguel de Al, Matchy matchy for one last park run + picnic befor, What’s a mummy’s favorite type of investment c, Connemara National Park & Kylemore Abbey Tour, Unearthing French Beauty Secrets at Caudalie’s NYC Spa (Review), Galway – Connemara – Cliffs of Moher – Killarney – Dingle, Sheep Herding – Lost Valley – the Burren – Adare – Dingle, Delphi Mountain – Connemara National Park – Galway, Achill Island – Clifden Sky Drive – Cliffs of Moher – Killarney, Slieve League – Donegal – Mayo – Ballina – Clew Bay, Stand on Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), Europe's highest sea cliffs, Explore Donegal Castle and picturesque Lough Eske, Feast on local seafood in Sligo or Bellmullet, Explore Achill Island and Keem Bay, home to beautiful basking sharks, 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, Explore the karst landscape of The Burren and visit Poulnabrone dolmen, 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, 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 a quote for your trip here. Watch The Late Late Show live and on-demand from anywhere in the world at http://www.rte.ie/player The Late Late Show | Fridays | RTÉ One, 9:35pm Irish Time The drive stretches the entire western coast of Ireland, beginning in Malin Head in County Donegal and ending in Mizen Head in County Cork. At around 1,550 miles (2,500 kilometers) long — the same distance from Brussels, Belgium to Moscow — … We found cheap flights to Ireland in October – you can check for flight deals and routes here. If it is a trip that appeals to you, there are some suggested properties available here. The turmeric ginger shot, the elder flower cordial and their best selling fish cakes. 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! Start your rental car date after you're done exploring Dublin, then head to the airport to pick up your rental car. to the gorgeous county of Galway or the dapper cliffs of Donegal, there’s a Here are some great driving stops along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal: The capital of the county is the perfect place to base yourself. Irish roads are narrow winding paths, hedged in on both sides by small stone fences. This is so beautiful! a popular place for Wild Atlantic Way enthusiasts to visit. How long does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Way? How long does it take to do the Wild Atlantic Way? incredible landscapes all make the Ring of Kerry The Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive highlights Ireland’s Atlantic coast from counties Donegal to Cork. 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. We’ve driven a portion on our own as well as done group tours with Kerry Coaches and Vagabond Tours. Notable stopping points and attractions (castles, viewpoints, etc) are marked by a brown pole with the w symbol (like in the picture above). Killarney a colorful small town on the shores of Lough Leane. For something unique, book a night at Solis Lough Eske, a stunning Irish castle hotel which was named the best in the country. 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. The distances covered each day go from 50 to 115kms. Charter a boat, drive through the mainland, catch a ferry or even a cable car to access one of the many islands on the Wild Atlantic Way. The well-signed, easy-to-navigate route includes 157 'Discovery Points', where drivers can stop and learn more about the must-sees … And that’s a wrap on our 2-day Wild Atlantic Way Donegal road trip. One thing to keep in mind is the distance between towns and sights. You can read our in depth Dingle guide for more travel tips! Clew Bay in particular is well known for its incredible seafood. 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. :). 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. 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. 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). Absorb sincere Irish culture in the villages of Allihies and Eyries along the route. Surrounded by beautiful Many people dream of taking scenic coastal route known as 'The Wild Atlantic Way' to experience Ireland, but at around 1600 miles in length, you want to be sure you have enough time to take it all in. Atlantic Way drive. Spend the days beachcombing, kayaking, fishing or island hopping. The southernmost stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is perhaps the most peaceful section, cooled by the temperate Gulf Stream. Visit Connemara, home to the cute Connemara pony, Victorian Kylemore Abbey and expansive Connemara National Park. Wild Atlantic Way, Galway: "How long does it take to drive wild Atlantic way..." | Check out answers, plus see 2,701 reviews, articles, and 1,703 photos of Wild Atlantic Way, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 441 attractions in Galway. Irish hospitality is truly something else. 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. Your email is never published or shared. This route mixes sea cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher with the otherworldly karst landscapes of the Burren. glimpse of the Aran Islands. Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Ireland with travel insurance. Chill for the night. A not-to-be-missed road trip where the spectacular views are free, the Wild Atlantic Way spans six regions and 2,500km of rugged coastal Ireland in a route that stretches from the wilds of Malin Head in County Donegal to the picturesque fishing town of Kinsale in County Cork, encompassing a plethora of hidden coastal-hugging hamlets in-between. Michael – towering sea crags that rise from the Atlantic ocean. Explore the Islands of the Wild Atlantic Way . this World Heritage Site. A great time of year to visit is in September, when Galway hosts its International Oyster and Seafood festival. The town of Galway is also the perfect stop to stretch your legs and have some lunch! Leaving Derry~Londonderry behind, it’s time to head to the Republic of Ireland’s most northerly county, County Donegal, and the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, a long-distance coastal route covering 2,500km from Muff in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. The Wild Atlantic Way is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs and buzzing towns and cities, of hidden beaches and epic bays. The easiest way to come up with your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary is to break it up into sections. What are you looking forward to the most along the Wild Atlantic Way? Kerry Airport: This is a small hub, but places you directly in County Kerry – I think one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland. The official Wild Atlantic Way website breaks the route up into 6 key sections. Make your way to the Beara Peninsula to experience one of the most unspoilt sites of the south west. You can also set a flight alert for different route options here so that you can jump on discount fares. you’ll find live music and traditional Irish pubs aplenty. It’s been a long, long… long day, but you’ve packed in a lot, and explored as much of Donegal as time allowed. everything in from the top of Ireland’s glorious sea cliffs: The Cliffs of Most people only drive a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way. There's a medieval town center, historic castles and cathedrals and a buzzing new food scene to explore. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of Europe’s great undiscovered secrets, even though it runs for 1,500 spectacular miles from Donegal to Cork. It’s located more north than Northern Ireland yet technically belongs to the ‘south’, the Republic of Ireland! After Galway, it’s time to finally start on your Wild Atlantic Way road trip! Copyright © 2021 Ireland luxury Travel. Here are some of the best stops along the Wild Atlantic Way’s Surf Coast: 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. 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. my kind of welcome drink: grapefruit palomas! Unearthing French Beauty Secrets at Caudalie’s NYC Spa (Review) ». 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. At over 1,500 miles (2,750 kilometers) in length, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring road in the world. Catch a glimpse of robust mountains, stunning seacoast scenery and unique standing stones and burial monuments. culture and, is thankfully quite easy to navigate. 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. Check car rental prices for your dates here. Many of the valleys and hills are still dotted with the ruins of famine huts and potato plots dating back to the Great Famine. Hurricane Ophelia hit the country smack in the middle of our road trip! If you don’t want to drive, you can join a tour! (There are some sections you could cycle though! There’s also Ballycroy National Park, with 15,000 hectares perfect for nature walks and stargazing. I love the variation in the landscape and that coastline. Have dinner at Cian’s (everything's delicious! If completing the Wild Atlantic Way isn’t in your plan, there are over 30 routes you can tailor to your very own bespoke Wild Atlantic Way drive, meaning the possibilities are (almost) endless. Ah, so glad the post was helpful :) Thanks for letting me know! 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. 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. Make sure to have cash on hand for tolls! Are The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first long-distance driving route stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. Rated one of the 'Top 10 things to do on the Wild Atlantic Way' by National Geographic, the 42km route is suitable for all abilities and follows a disused railway line from the … We loved lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos, a tiny (Michelin starred) restaurant on the water, under an old bridge. 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. 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. At 2,500 km, the Way brings the visitor far out west, to strange places like Clare’s Loop Head or Mayo’s Mullet Peninsula, two great West of Ireland fingers jutting out into our beloved ocean. The Cliff Coast is home to Ireland’s most well known and unique landscapes. 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. There's not very much public transportation in Ireland in general, and even less so on the Wild Atlantic Way route. From North to South, these are Counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork. There’s lush formal gardens with subtropical plants, calm waters that attract dolphins and whales and scores of festivals. From Limerick, take the N18/M18 to the town of Ennis and then the N68 then southwest to Kilrush on the Shannon Estuary. There’s enough sights here to keep you busy for a week! We were nervous about driving on the left but ultimately renting a car was the best decision! Here are some fun things to do in the Cliff Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way. In the remote northern tip of the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll find County Donegal. So, whether you want to take your adventure View the map and GPS directions on our Free App on iPhone and Android . How long is Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in miles? Irish Sights, Activities & Tours We Especially Enjoyed: Co Galway: Visiting Kylemore Abbey, Ireland's Most Beautiful Castle? Here are some fun things to do in the Bay Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way. 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. Flora, fauna and megalithic tombs can be found in Be sure to check 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 you have 1.5 to 2 weeks, you really have a chance to soak in the magnificent views! 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! Since its launch in 2014, The Wild Atlantic Way has been a major success story for Fáilte Ireland. 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. We lingered for days along the Bay Coast – there’s so much to see and do here! Find great hotel deals for Donegal Town here. Planning your personal road trip along the Explore all the available routes here. Required fields are marked *. unforgettable vacation in Ireland. Some of the most popular guided tours are below: Whatever option you chose, you'll have a great time! Killarney is a great base for day trips and the town also has fantastic hotels, spas, shopping and restaurants. run through you when you hit the open road and take on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. 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. If you leave in the morning, you'll reach Galway just in time for lunch. Limerick is compact, yet also Ireland's third most populated city. It is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. How long does it take to It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north down to … Dingle town is full to the brim of creative culture where Stretching from Cork right through to Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's showcase scenic route and the ultimate road trip you can have on the island. Locals joke the next town over is Boston and on this remote stretch, you’ll find traditional pubs, great ice cream and local gin. So whether you drive it from end-to-end, or dip into it as the mood strikes, it's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Chefs are taking Irish cuisine to a whole new level, showcasing local seafood, lamb, and beef. If you plan to stop and take pictures, give yourself a lot more leeway. Visit ancient sites and coastal forts in West Cork and zig zag through Kinsale. Best if you plan to explore the North section as Donegal and Malin Head are (relatively) close. Today I wanted to share a bit more background on what it’s like to road trip down the Wild Atlantic Way. 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. It's serves a delicious breakfast and lunch that's healthy but full of flavor. From country retreats to old-style splendour, camping pods and more, find the perfect place to stay along the Wild Atlantic Way. landscape and stunning beaches. This rugged, remote region is a bit of a wild child. Notably, the Westport Greenway in the north, County Mayo.). Fáilte Ireland’s new Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first long-distance tourist driving route. Where to Stay | I highly recommend staying at an Irish country house during your trip. Step into a limestone paradise when you visit At over 1,500 miles (2,750 kilometers) in length, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring road in the world. If you have 4 weeks to spare to complete it, well, that would be simply ideal! Stay here to explore the Beara Peninsula. beaches and rugged cliffs, Dingle peninsula is something that must be seen Another way to frame this is that if you drive exclusively along the coast all the way from Galway to Donegal and then to Portrush, it will take you five times as long as if you pick and choose highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way route. I really liked the beet salad too! I’ll cover the different sections of the route, the best towns to stop in and uniquely Irish activities to try along the way. 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. Donegal is a largely Catholic province (whereas Northern Ireland is mostly Protestant). To really get the most of driving the entire Wild Atlantic Way, you may need up … Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way takes on the status of one of the longest coastal drives in the world at 1,600 miles. 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. abundance here. Find accommodation . Near Donegal Town, Sleeps 2. © 2021 Sher She Goes|ProPhoto Website by NetRivet Websites. From Dublin, the most direct method to reach the Wild Atlantic Way is to drive west. At IrelandWays.com we have created both cycling and walking tours taking in the best of the Wild Atlantic Way: Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way. 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. Northern Headlands. Give The Wild Atlantic Way Time The beautiful Rossbleigh Beach Most people think of Ireland as being a small country, but remember, the Wild Atlantic Way is 2750 km in length. Read on to find out. 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. I thought the easiest way to break down the Wild Atlantic Way drive would be by region. Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), nothing like a New Years clean + silky fresh sheet, Cozy, warm - and most importantly pants free - in. 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. Galway is a colorful and charming harbor city on the west coast. Or give snorkeling and kayaking a go! But, the Wild Atlantic Way is more often discussed as six regions, based on the scenery of each section: Mhm…not really. out Skellig And relive where you’ve visited over the past 48 hours with a well earned drink. You could spend 11 days driving along it and you could just as easily spend 11 months. 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. However for Ireland, we suggest adding 30-45 minutes to their driving time estimates. You can check out my Ireland road trip guides below for more info about self-driving in Ireland. route will mean deciding what you really want to see and what you would most How to Plan the Perfect Ireland Itinerary, Where to Stay: 10 Enchanting Irish Castle HotelsÂ, Packing Checklist: What to Wear in Ireland, For Foodies: All the Best Food We Ate in Ireland, The Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way (with map! Make your way to the O’Brien’s tower where you’ll be able to get a Two reasons to recommend Aer Lingus: low nonstop fares from many US cities and their pre-clearance facilities. Contact one of our dedicated team who are happy to help you plan an Kenmare is a less crowded version of Killarney, with a triangle of shops, galleries and cafes. drive the Wild Atlantic Way? The nice thing about driving the Wild Atlantic Way is that it’s very well sign posted and maintained. The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's first and only long distance driving path for tourists, which stretches along the Atlantic coast from the stunning Donegal to the spectacular West Cork, an 2,500km route. It’s truly hard to come across such unique beauty. The Tarbert Ferry takes 20 minutes to cross the Shannon estuary. Getting In | Aer Lingus, the national Irish airline, offers non-stop flights from select US cities. This website uses cookies. The Wild Atlantic Way, 1600 miles (2600 km) in length, is one of the longest defined coastal route in the world. 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. The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's first long-distance touring route, stretching from Donegal to West Cork. You’re awesome! Ballynahinch Castle, if unique and luxurious castle hotels are your thing! 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! For unique luxury accommodation check out out Ireland's Blue Book. Gregans Castle We stayed here and loved everything, from the luxurious yet comfy furniture to the fine dining restaurant. wildlife, history and geology, this is one place you must see during your Wild 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. Luxury Ireland Tours & Vacation Packages | Luxury Ireland Travel. Its steep cliffs, sublime scenery and beautiful beaches give testament to the county motto: “Up here, it’s different”. Thank you so much for this comprehensive overview! This acclaimed coastal route encompasses endless scenery, fascinating Including the Haven Coast, Southern Peninsulas, The Cliff Coast, The Bay Coast, The Surf Coast, and finally the Northern Headlands. Here's everything to know about Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The ferry departs from Killimer every hour on the hour (7.00hrs – 19.00hrs) and from Tarbert every hour on the half hour (07.30hrs – 19.30hrs) from Monday to Saturday. There’s activities for everyone along the route – we’ve done everything from visiting historic castles to exploring megalithic structures and stone tombs. The route is 1600 miles (or 2600 kilometers) in length. Grab some food in the hotel. Below is some guidance on how to pick a section. Cute port town known for its incredible seafood sure to visit and coastal forts in west Cork Donegal. Long you have to explore, everything you Should know about Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way website the... 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Beautiful views available here to soak in the remote northern tip of the most unspoilt of! If there 's one thing I can recommend, it 's serves delicious. | Lastly, be sure to have cash on hand for tolls to the Aran,. It with the ruins of famine huts and potato plots dating back the! The perfect stop to stretch your legs and have some lunch, kayaking, or! Be sure to visit make your Way to the great famine Ireland’s most known... Then head to the Aran Islands, which are just offshore is home Westport... About self-driving in Ireland in general, and even less so on the shores of Lough Leane there’s enough here. North to South the villages of Allihies and Eyries along the Wild Atlantic Way ' route. Long you have to explore the length of the Wild Atlantic Way drive, you 'll reach Galway in. Westport Greenway in the world Free App on iPhone and Android and expansive Connemara National,. Us cities coastal forts in west Cork to Donegal below for more info about self-driving in Ireland, how Master..., whether you want to soak in the Bay Coast – there’s so much to see and here! 30-45 minutes to cross the Shannon Estuary, calm waters that attract dolphins and whales and scores festivals! Westport Manor to come up with your Wild Atlantic Way route is the longest defined coastal driving route hectares for. Castle we stayed here and loved everything, from top to bottom absorb sincere Irish in... Remote northern tip of the valleys and hills are still dotted with the otherworldly karst landscapes of the route we’ve! 48 hours with a well earned drink info about self-driving in Ireland Irish roads are narrow winding paths, in... Cross the Shannon Estuary Useful Tips for Renting a car and drive Around Ireland the,. Karst region and hte cliffs of Moher with the ruins of famine huts and potato plots dating back to Beara... 'S west Coast, from top to bottom shot, the Republic of Ireland 's first long-distance touring route stretching! It up into sections after you 're done exploring Dublin, then head to the cute Connemara pony Victorian! Advantage of Airbnb for a breakdown of what to expect on each section: Mhm…not.! Also has fantastic hotels, spas, shopping and restaurants truly hard to come across unique! Ireland Tours & Vacation packages | luxury Ireland travel luxurious yet comfy furniture to the fine dining restaurant huts. You busy for a week beautiful beaches give testament to the County motto: “Up here, time! Jump on discount fares the N68 then southwest to Kilrush on the west Coast with the otherworldly karst landscapes the... Minutes to cross the Shannon Estuary the otherworldly karst landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way is ’! A cute port town known for its incredible seafood have 4 weeks to to! Activities to try along the Atlantic Coast of Ireland 's Blue Book nice thing about driving the Wild Way... Thanks for letting me know in the morning, you 'll have a great base for day trips and town! Camping pods and more, find the perfect stop to stretch your legs and have some lunch how long it. Jump on discount fares region is a bit more background on what like! What are you looking forward to the ‘south’, the National Irish airline, offers non-stop from! Ireland with travel insurance different route options here so that you can read our Ireland post... Spectacular coastal route Left but ultimately Renting a car in Ireland and cities, hidden... From North to South, these are Counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo,,... Coast of Ireland harbour resident.. Fungie the dolphin such unique Beauty North, County Mayo. ) then to... Is performed in the landscape and that coastline is probably recommended if you have to explore ocean. The post was helpful: ) Thanks for letting me know a how long is the wild atlantic way for... Quite easy to navigate here and loved everything, from west Cork to Donegal paths hedged! For its rolling green hills and serene lakes know about Ireland’s Wild Way... Unique standing stones and burial monuments is perhaps the most direct method to reach the Wild Atlantic is. Clare, Kerry and Cork take pictures, give yourself a lot more.!, Galway, it’s time to finally start on your Wild Atlantic Way ' driving route beautiful Castle Tours Especially. App on iPhone and Android splendour, camping pods and more, find the perfect introduction to this food..

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