Stretching 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) along Ireland's western seaboard, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world's longest defined coastal routes and arguably the most spectacular. From the windswept Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to the charming town of Kinsale in County Cork, this epic journey takes you through nine counties and three provinces, passing breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and picturesque villages along the way.
Planning Your Wild Atlantic Way Adventure
The full Wild Atlantic Way route would take at least two weeks to complete if you want to explore it properly, but many travelers choose to focus on specific sections. Whether you have three days or three weeks, here's how to make the most of your Wild Atlantic Way adventure.
When to Go
The Wild Atlantic Way can be traveled year-round, but each season offers a different experience:
- Summer (June-August): The most popular time with the longest daylight hours (up to 18 hours) and warmest temperatures (15-20°C/59-68°F). Attractions and restaurants are fully operational, but expect more crowds and higher prices.
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October): Shoulder seasons offer a great balance of reasonable weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn delivers spectacular foliage.
- Winter (November-February): For the brave! Dramatic stormy seas and moody skies make for incredible photos. Many coastal attractions have limited hours or are closed, but you'll have the stunning landscapes almost to yourself.
Getting Around
Self-driving is the most popular and flexible way to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. A car allows you to set your own pace and detour to hidden gems off the main route. Ireland drives on the left, and while main roads are excellent, many of the most scenic routes involve narrow, winding country roads that require careful driving.
For those who prefer not to drive, there are coach tours covering sections of the route, or you can join one of our guided Wild Atlantic Explorer tours, where we handle all the logistics while you focus on enjoying the journey.
Must-Visit Highlights by Region
The Wild Atlantic Way is divided into six regions, each with its own distinctive character and highlights. Here's a breakdown of the unmissable experiences in each area:
1. Northern Headlands (Donegal)
The northernmost section offers rugged, untamed landscapes and some of the route's most dramatic coastal scenery.
- Malin Head: Ireland's northernmost point, with spectacular panoramic views and Star Wars filming locations.
- Fanad Head Lighthouse: One of Ireland's most photographed lighthouses, perched dramatically between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay.
- Slieve League Cliffs: Among Europe's highest sea cliffs at 1,998 feet, offering breathtaking vistas over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Glenveagh National Park: A short detour inland takes you to this stunning park with castles, gardens, and mountains.
2. The Surf Coast (Donegal and Sligo)
As the name suggests, this region is renowned for its world-class surfing beaches and rolling waves.
- Mullaghmore Head: Watch (or ride, if you're experienced) some of Europe's biggest waves at this renowned surfing spot.
- Streedagh Beach: A beautiful stretch of sand with three Spanish Armada shipwrecks and views of classically-shaped Benbulben mountain.
- Downpatrick Head: Marvel at the 45-meter sea stack Dún Briste ("broken fort") and the fascinating blowholes.
- Sligo Town: Explore the hometown of poet W.B. Yeats with its vibrant arts scene and excellent seafood restaurants.
3. The Bay Coast (Mayo and Galway)
This section features numerous bays, inlets, and islands, creating a constantly changing coastal landscape.
- Achill Island: Connected to the mainland by bridge, this island boasts five Blue Flag beaches and the stunning Atlantic Drive.
- Keem Bay: A perfect horseshoe-shaped beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters, often rated among Europe's best beaches.
- Connemara National Park: Explore 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, and woodlands with spectacular hiking trails.
- Galway City: The perfect urban break with its colorful streets, traditional music pubs, and excellent food scene.
4. The Cliff Coast (Galway and Clare)
Home to some of Ireland's most iconic and photographed landscapes.
- The Burren: A unique lunar-like limestone landscape with rare flora and prehistoric monuments.
- Cliffs of Moher: Ireland's most visited natural attraction, with 700-foot cliffs stretching for 8km along the Atlantic.
- Loop Head Peninsula: A quieter alternative to the Cliffs of Moher, with dramatic cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and dolphin-watching opportunities.
- Doolin: The traditional music capital of Ireland, perfect for experiencing authentic Irish pub sessions.
5. The Southern Peninsulas (Kerry and West Cork)
A series of dramatically beautiful peninsulas jutting out into the Atlantic, each with its own character.
- Dingle Peninsula: Explore ancient archaeological sites, the colorful Dingle town, and meet Fungie the dolphin (if you're lucky).
- Slea Head Drive: A circular route with breathtaking ocean views, prehistoric stone forts, and distant Blasket Islands.
- Ring of Kerry: The famous 179km circular route taking in rugged coastline, mountains, lakes, and charming villages.
- Skellig Michael: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars filming location, this remote 6th-century monastic island is reached by boat tour (weather permitting and advance booking essential).
6. The Haven Coast (Cork)
The final southern stretch offers gentler landscapes with colorful fishing villages and historic ports.
- Mizen Head: Ireland's most southwesterly point, with a dramatic bridge to a signal station and visitor center.
- Baltimore: A picturesque sailing village with ferries to nearby islands and excellent seafood restaurants.
- Kinsale: The southern end of the Wild Atlantic Way, known for its gourmet restaurants, narrow streets, and historic harbor.
- Charles Fort: A 17th-century star-shaped fort offering excellent views over Kinsale harbor.
Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
While the highlights above are deservedly popular, part of the Wild Atlantic Way's magic lies in discovering lesser-known spots along the route:
- Arranmore Island, Donegal: Experience authentic island life with spectacular views and traditional music in local pubs.
- Cnoc Suain, Galway: A restored 17th-century hill-village offering cultural experiences in the heart of Connemara.
- Dursey Island, Cork: Reach this remote island via Ireland's only cable car, which crosses the turbulent Dursey Sound.
- Great Blasket Island, Kerry: Abandoned in the 1950s, this island offers insights into traditional Irish life through its preserved village.
- Garnish Island, Cork: A hidden garden paradise with Italian and Japanese influences, reached by boat from Glengarriff.
Practical Tips for Your Wild Atlantic Way Adventure
- Take your time: The joy of the Wild Atlantic Way is in the journey, not just the destinations. Build in time for unexpected discoveries.
- Be weather-prepared: The Irish weather can change rapidly, especially on the coast. Pack layers and waterproof gear regardless of the season.
- Book accommodation in advance: During summer and for popular towns like Dingle and Kinsale, accommodation can fill up quickly.
- Follow the signs: Look for the distinctive blue Wave logo that marks the official Wild Atlantic Way route.
- Download offline maps: Mobile coverage can be patchy in remote coastal areas.
- Try local seafood: Coastal communities along the route offer incredibly fresh seafood, from Donegal crab to Galway Bay oysters.
- Respect the environment: Many areas along the route are protected habitats. Stay on designated paths and take your litter with you.
Sample Itineraries
Here are some suggested itineraries depending on your available time:
3-Day Southern Highlights (Cork and Kerry)
Day 1: Kinsale to Kenmare via Bantry and Glengarriff
Day 2: Ring of Kerry, focusing on the coastal section
Day 3: Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive
5-Day Cliff Coast and Bay Coast (Clare and Galway)
Day 1: Ennis to Doolin, exploring the Burren
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands day trip
Day 3: Galway City exploration
Day 4: Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey
Day 5: Achill Island and Atlantic Drive
7-Day Northern Discovery (Donegal, Sligo, and Mayo)
Day 1: Derry/Londonderry to Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head
Day 2: Fanad Peninsula and Glenveagh National Park
Day 3: Slieve League Cliffs and Donegal Town
Day 4: Mullaghmore and Sligo Town
Day 5: Downpatrick Head and Céide Fields
Day 6: Achill Island
Day 7: Westport and Croagh Patrick
14-Day Complete Journey (North to South)
For the full experience, start at Malin Head and work your way south to Kinsale, spending 1-2 nights in each key area: Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry, and Cork. This allows enough time to explore both the highlights and some off-the-beaten-path locations without feeling rushed.
The Wild Atlantic Way offers a journey through the very soul of Ireland—its history, culture, landscapes, and people. No matter which section you choose to explore, you'll be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and scenery that will stay with you long after your trip ends. At Emerald Journeys, our Wild Atlantic Explorer tour covers many of these highlights with expert local guides who bring the stories of this remarkable coastline to life.
