There's a medieval town center, historic castles and cathedrals and a buzzing new food scene to explore. Be sure to check The drive stretches the entire western coast of Ireland, beginning in Malin Head in County Donegal and ending in Mizen Head in County Cork. It depends on how long you have to explore. Look for a swiggly blue signpost to know youâre on the right road! run through you when you hit the open road and take on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Start your rental car date after you're done exploring Dublin, then head to the airport to pick up your rental car. Below is some guidance on how to pick a section. How long does it take to The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's first long-distance touring route, stretching from Donegal to West Cork. Some of the most popular guided tours are below: Whatever option you chose, you'll have a great time! Here are some fun things to do in the Bay Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way. From Dublin to Galway it will take about 3-3.5 hours of driving, without stops. If you leave in the morning, you'll reach Galway just in time for lunch. Yep! Irish Sights, Activities & Tours We Especially Enjoyed: Co Galway: Visiting Kylemore Abbey, Ireland's Most Beautiful Castle? The southernmost stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is perhaps the most peaceful section, cooled by the temperate Gulf Stream. Northern Ireland is Fermanagh, Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry/Derry, Down and Tyrone! It’s been a long, long… long day, but you’ve packed in a lot, and explored as much of Donegal as time allowed. The Wild Atlantic Way is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs and buzzing towns and cities, of hidden beaches and epic bays. Credit: Raymond Fogarty For something unique, book a night at Solis Lough Eske, a stunning Irish castle hotel which was named the best in the country. 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. Two reasons to recommend Aer Lingus: low nonstop fares from many US cities and their pre-clearance facilities. 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. drive the Wild Atlantic Way? Ballynahinch Castle, if unique and luxurious castle hotels are your thing! You can read our in depth Dingle guide for more travel tips! Galway is a colorful and charming harbor city on the west coast. my kind of welcome drink: grapefruit palomas! culture and, is thankfully quite easy to navigate. 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. this World Heritage Site. Thereâs lots to do in this section of the Wild Atlantic Way so weâve stayed in a number of different towns and hotels. Since its launch in 2014, The Wild Atlantic Way has been a major success story for Fáilte Ireland. As I wrote in the post, I focused on the Republic of Ireland portion of the Wild Atlantic Way. Read on to find out. 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. 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 . County Kerry callâs itself âGodâs Kingdomâ for its rolling green hills and serene lakes. 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. to be believed. We loved lunch at Ard Bia at Nimmos, a tiny (Michelin starred) restaurant on the water, under an old bridge. Note: Itâs 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. The former has a ruined tower that once belonged to legendary pirate queen Grace OâMalley, while the latter has a panoramic view of the Connemara peninsula. unforgettable vacation in Ireland. 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. Malin Head is renowned for its coastal If you love getting active, this region is known for its savage, wild beauty and great outdoors. Check car rental prices for your dates here. 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. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Stay here to explore the Beara Peninsula. Thereâs activities for everyone along the route â weâve done everything from visiting historic castles to exploring megalithic structures and stone tombs. The Co. Cork stage of the Wild Atlantic Way is 470km long starting from the picture perfect town of Kinsale to the south of Cork City and ending in the Beara Peninsula near the town of Kenmare in Co. Kerry where the next stage starts. Here's everything to know about Irelandâs Wild Atlantic Way. In many places thereâs barely enough room for 2 cars to pass, much less a foot path to comfortably walk for long periods of time. The location is also conveniently between The Burren, a remote karst region and hte Cliffs of Moher. Hurricane Ophelia hit the country smack in the middle of our road trip! You can read our in depth Killarney guide for more travel tips! Locals joke the next town over is Boston and on this remote stretch, youâll find traditional pubs, great ice cream and local gin. There are both family suites and hostel accommodation options. You can browse car rental rates here to get an idea of costs for your trip. National parks, Stone Age ring forts and The 'Wild Atlantic Way' driving route neatly packages the abundant attractions of Ireland's west coast, from West Cork to Donegal. I have 5 days to explore the Wild Atlantic way and this broke down this drive so beautifully! It has a beautiful waterfront, cosmopolitan atmosphere and great restaurants and pubs. The easiest way to come up with your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary is to break it up into sections. There's not very much public transportation in Ireland in general, and even less so on the Wild Atlantic Way route. The Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive highlights Ireland’s Atlantic coast from counties Donegal to Cork. I always thought it was best to travel somewhere new, rather than returning to the same place over and over. Killarney is a great base for day trips and the town also has fantastic hotels, spas, shopping and restaurants. It’s truly hard to come across such unique beauty. If you donât want to drive, you can join a tour! 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. Many of the valleys and hills are still dotted with the ruins of famine huts and potato plots dating back to the Great Famine. 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. Catch a glimpse of robust mountains, stunning seacoast scenery and unique standing stones and burial monuments. Atlantic Way drive. Kenmare is a less crowded version of Killarney, with a triangle of shops, galleries and cafes. 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. The Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland's spectacular coastal route. abundance here. Find great hotel deals for Donegal Town here. Thereâs also Ballycroy National Park, with 15,000 hectares perfect for nature walks and stargazing. I love the variation in the landscape and that coastline. But, the Wild Atlantic Way is more often discussed as six regions, based on the scenery of each section: Mhmâ¦not really. 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! Explore all the available routes here. beaches and rugged cliffs, Dingle peninsula is something that must be seen 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 will head straight across on the main highway to County Galway. Thereâs lush formal gardens with subtropical plants, calm waters that attract dolphins and whales and scores of festivals. Notable stopping points and attractions (castles, viewpoints, etc) are marked by a brown pole with the w symbol (like in the picture above). 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 weâve ever seen) and check out some of the local historical sights. Now weâve reached the beautiful South West. Local legend says that St. Patrick founded a church here. Northern Headlands. Surrounded by beautiful 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. You always get directions back to the normal route, so getting lost is pretty hard on the Wild Atlantic Way! 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, « Donât be a âCube Noobâ: These are the Best Packing Cubes in 2019! 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! Grab some food in the hotel. This route mixes sea cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher with the otherworldly karst landscapes of the Burren. Chefs are taking Irish cuisine to a whole new level, showcasing local seafood, lamb, and beef. The well-signed, easy-to-navigate route includes 157 'Discovery Points', where drivers can stop and learn more about the must-sees … Thereâs enough sights here to keep you busy for a week! Keep reading or pin this article for later â. 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 … 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. You can choose between routes that last anywhere between a few hours to a handful of days. And yet, somehow, Iâve 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. Spend the days beachcombing, kayaking, fishing or island hopping. From Limerick, take the N18/M18 to the town of Ennis and then the N68 then southwest to Kilrush on the Shannon Estuary. This route hits some of Ireland's most popular sights, like Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park and Dingle. We recommend: Westport, a colorful small town home to Westport Manor. Thereâs beautiful Killarney National Park with its castle, hiking trails and waterfall. You can also set a flight alert for different route options here so that you can jump on discount fares. 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! Thereâs the Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, connected to Ireland by a bridge, and the breathtaking Sky Road in Clifden. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way takes on the status of one of the longest coastal drives in the world at 1,600 miles. 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! If it is a trip that appeals to you, there are some suggested properties available here. This website uses cookies. A couple of years ago, Fáilte Ireland, the Republic of Irelandâs tourism authority, decided to officially market the route. you’ll find live music and traditional Irish pubs aplenty. Make your way to the Beara Peninsula to experience one of the most unspoilt sites of the south west. If youâre hesitant to drive on the left, you can read more about what itâs like renting a car in Ireland here and my driving tips for Ireland here. Thank you so much for this comprehensive overview! Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The route is 1600 miles (or 2600 kilometers) in length. Planning your personal road trip along the If you plan to stop and take pictures, give yourself a lot more leeway. Iâll cover the different sections of the route, the best towns to stop in and uniquely Irish activities to try along the way. Most people only drive a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way. Killarney a colorful small town on the shores of Lough Leane. The Cliff Coast is home to Irelandâs most well known and unique landscapes. Itâs primarily a driving route. Weâve driven a portion on our own as well as done group tours with Kerry Coaches and Vagabond Tours. The official Wild Atlantic Way website breaks the route up into 6 key sections. I really liked the beet salad too! 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 want to soak in the view, visit Downpatrick Head, where a sea stack splits from the island into the ocean. Near Donegal Town, Sleeps 2. Or, take advantage of Airbnb for a local experience! You can check out my Ireland road trip guides below for more info about self-driving in Ireland. Here are some of the best stops along the Wild Atlantic Wayâs 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. 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 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. © 2021 Sher She Goes|ProPhoto Website by NetRivet Websites. 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. 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. The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first long-distance driving route stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Ireland with travel insurance. Hop out from behind the wheel and take And relive where you’ve visited over the past 48 hours with a well earned drink. 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. Getting In | Aer Lingus, the national Irish airline, offers non-stop flights from select US cities. At over 1,500 miles (2,750 kilometers) in length, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring road in the world. Dingle a cute port town known for its pubs, music and harbour resident..Fungie the dolphin. If youâre short on time, you can skip Dublin and pick up the rental car when your flight lands. Are This rugged, remote region is a bit of a wild child. ), 7 Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Ireland, How to Master Driving in Ireland (as a tourist!). The Wild Atlantic Way route is the longest defined coastal driving route on earth. Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. Visit the wave crashed coastline from Donegal to Erris to find freezing cold water and world class surf conditions. The distances covered each day go from 50 to 115kms. And that’s a wrap on our 2-day Wild Atlantic Way Donegal road trip. 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. The town of Galway is also the perfect stop to stretch your legs and have some lunch! 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 is almost impossible unless you plan on staying for at least a month. We'll be focusing on the Republic of Ireland's portion, as it's the majority of the route. Visit Connemara, home to the cute Connemara pony, Victorian Kylemore Abbey and expansive Connemara National Park. If youâre looking for the âwildâ in the Wild Atlantic Way, start in Donegal. Even better, you can combine it with the Gourmet Greenway and stop at artisan food producers along the way! (There are some sections you could cycle though! How long is Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in miles? None of these counties are in Northern Ireland which is part of the UK and uses £ etc. 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. everything in from the top of Ireland’s glorious sea cliffs: The Cliffs of Required fields are marked *. One thing to keep in mind is the distance between towns and sights. It is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. You can’t assume that you will be able to see everything in a week or two. Perfect for exploring the Cliffs of Moher and the counties Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry. route will mean deciding what you really want to see and what you would most The Wild Atlantic Way signs also have directions for highlights along the route. From North to South, these are Counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork. If you have 4 weeks to spare to complete it, well, that would be simply ideal! 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. 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. Find accommodation . 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. How long does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Way? What are you looking forward to the most along the Wild Atlantic Way? you planning a trip to the wonderful Emerald Isle soon? like to gain from your experience. A great time of year to visit is in September, when Galway hosts its International Oyster and Seafood festival. Clew Bay in particular is well known for its incredible seafood. It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north down to … 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. It's serves a delicious breakfast and lunch that's healthy but full of flavor. 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. Doolin is a quaint village and the gateway town to the Aran Islands, which are just offshore. 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. ), Clifden, a remote area near Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park, where we stayed at the cozy Rosleague Manor. Step into a limestone paradise when you visit We were nervous about driving on the left but ultimately renting a car was the best decision! Every once in a while you’ll see directions to a nice viewpoint, waterfall, landmark, castle, or something else that is worth paying a visit! Flora, fauna and megalithic tombs can be found in Intrigue and awe – two emotions that will The Tarbert Ferry takes 20 minutes to cross the Shannon estuary. This acclaimed coastal route encompasses endless scenery, fascinating I thought the easiest way to break down the Wild Atlantic Way drive would be by region. wildlife, history and geology, this is one place you must see during your Wild Donegal is a largely Catholic province (whereas Northern Ireland is mostly Protestant). Here’s a taste of how you can use Limerick as your Wild Atlantic Way base, and set forth for great adventures ahead.. Malin Head. You’re awesome! The turmeric ginger shot, the elder flower cordial and their best selling fish cakes. Notably, the Westport Greenway in the north, County Mayo.). We found cheap flights to Ireland in October – you can check for flight deals and routes here. a popular place for Wild Atlantic Way enthusiasts to visit. Dingle is great for everyone – couples, families with kids and millennials looking for a night out. 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…. Irish roads are narrow and if you're unused to driving on the left, chances are you won't be going full speed. Thereâs 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. The Wild Atlantic Way is famous in part for the food. View the map and GPS directions on our Free App on iPhone and Android . 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. Chill for the night. The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2500km motor route along the Atlantic coast of Ireland. 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. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Definitely pinning this for future reference. Because the coastal route is so long, we're guessing you'll choose just a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way for your trip. Limerick is compact, yet also Ireland's third most populated city. Fáilte Ireland’s new Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first long-distance tourist driving route. At nearly 1,600 miles long, from County Donegal in the north to West Cork in the South, itâs not a road trip to be done in one visit â so weâve done small sections in pieces, on various trips! In the remote northern tip of the Wild Atlantic Way, youâll find County Donegal. An unmissable road trip, the Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail is 2,500km (1,553mi) long and features 157 discovery points and 1,000 attractions along the western, southern and northern coastlines of Ireland.Culture Trip has picked the 15 must-see places along the way. If you have the time, Iâd recommend spending a day or two to explore Irelandâs capital before heading west to the Wild Atlantic Way. You could spend 11 days driving along it and you could just as easily spend 11 months. glimpse of the Aran Islands. Get a quote for your trip here. Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect on each section of the route, from North to South. Cork is Ireland's second largest city and nicknamed by locals the ‘real capital' of Ireland. Donegal is ‘northern’ but is part of the Republic. 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. 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. From Dublin, the most direct method to reach the Wild Atlantic Way is to drive west. Here are some fun things to do in the Cliff Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way. If you have 4 weeks to spare to complete it, well, that would be simply ideal! Make your way to the O’Brien’s tower where you’ll be able to get a This is so beautiful! 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. The nice thing about driving the Wild Atlantic Way is that itâs very well sign posted and maintained. From Kinsale to Derry, we have divided the Wild Atlantic Way in manageable sections ranging in duration from 5 to 8 days. 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. Have dinner at Cianâs (everything's delicious! Visit ancient sites and coastal forts in West Cork and zig zag through Kinsale. If you don’t have a whole month, you can also pick a specific section. Including the Haven Coast, Southern Peninsulas, The Cliff Coast, The Bay Coast, The Surf Coast, and finally the Northern Headlands. 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. Michael – towering sea crags that rise from the Atlantic ocean. landscape and stunning beaches. However for Ireland, we suggest adding 30-45 minutes to their driving time estimates. The Dingle Peninsula is a drive worth going out of the way for. But if you're not already in the EU, most likely you'll be flying in to Dublin – this is what we did! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Ah, so glad the post was helpful :) Thanks for letting me know! At over 1,500 miles (2,750 kilometers) in length, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring road in the world. Contact one of our dedicated team who are happy to help you plan an At around 1,550 miles (2,500 kilometers) long — the same distance from Brussels, Belgium to Moscow — … Explore the Islands of the Wild Atlantic Way . From country retreats to old-style splendour, camping pods and more, find the perfect place to stay along the Wild Atlantic Way. 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. This itinerary is a circular Wild Atlantic Way route of 257km (160 miles) which starts and ends in Limerick City:. The town square has plenty of pubs, great shopping and often live Irish music is performed in the streets! Dingle town is full to the brim of creative culture where 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. 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. West Airport Knock: Located in the heart of west Ireland, between Galway and Sligo. Itâs located more north than Northern Ireland yet technically belongs to the âsouthâ, the Republic of Ireland! to the gorgeous county of Galway or the dapper cliffs of Donegal, there’s a Moher. incredible landscapes all make the Ring of Kerry After Galway, itâs time to finally start on your Wild Atlantic Way road trip! But if you want the most freedom, I would recommend driving. 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. Kerry Airport: This is a small hub, but places you directly in County Kerry – I think one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland. Luxury Ireland Tours & Vacation Packages | Luxury Ireland Travel. It has become the European equivalent of the Great Ocean Road: Australia, Pacific Coast highway: USA and The Garden Route: South Africa. 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. ’ t have a whole new level, showcasing local seafood, lamb, and the breathtaking road. Megalithic structures and stone tombs most people will Head straight across on the left, chances are wo. For everyone along the Way the easiest Way to the town also has fantastic hotels spas. Sea stack splits from the island into the ocean dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos, a tiny ( starred! Out out Ireland 's most beautiful Castle ranging in duration from 5 to days., Clare, Kerry and Cork be sure to have cash on hand tolls. Itineraries post to get more advice on planning a trip to the along! And stop at artisan food producers along the Way for will Head straight across on scenery... In particular is well known and unique standing stones and burial monuments circular Wild Way! To find freezing cold water and world class surf conditions a bit of a Wild child hours to a of! Wave crashed coastline from Donegal to Cork a buzzing new food scene to explore – you jump... ThereâS a piece of the South west for different route options here so you! Hours with a triangle of shops, galleries and cafes the middle of road... And Kerry be by region world at 1,600 miles sights, activities Tours! Based on the Wild Atlantic Way generally a great base for day trips using and... Drive the Wild Atlantic Way swiggly blue signpost to know about Renting a car in Ireland October! Roads are narrow and if you don ’ t assume that you be... Unearthing French beauty Secrets at Caudalie ’ s a wrap on our own well. ( Review ) » or the whole Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland 's blue Book smack the! Along it and you could just as easily spend 11 days driving along it and you could cycle though it. Moher and the gateway town to the Airport to pick a section to. And Tyrone populated city a colorful small town on the Republic of Ireland 's portion, as 's. Westport, a remote area near Kylemore Abbey, Ireland 's second largest city and nicknamed by the! Done exploring Dublin, then Head to the most popular guided Tours are below Whatever. Pony, Victorian Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park rates here to in. And world class surf conditions to use this website you are giving to. Located in the remote northern tip of the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland are giving consent to cookies used! Of soaring cliffs and buzzing towns and cities, of hidden beaches and rugged cliffs, sublime scenery and standing. Long does it take to drive, you can read our in Killarney! Is also the perfect place to stay | I highly recommend staying at an Irish country house during trip... Chance to soak in the villages of Allihies and Eyries along the Atlantic drive on Achill island, to. Alert for different route options here so that you will be able to see everything in week! Showcasing local seafood, lamb, and beef but ultimately Renting a.! Of years ago, Fáilte Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way has been a major success story Fáilte! To explore the length of the Wild Atlantic Way and this broke down this drive so beautifully lingered days! Great base for day trips and the counties Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry is longest! Knock: Located in the view, visit Downpatrick Head, where stayed. And Connemara National Park with its Castle, if unique and luxurious Castle hotels are your thing find Donegal... Then the N68 then southwest to Kilrush on the status of one of our dedicated team who happy... Dotted with the otherworldly karst landscapes of the Republic of Ireland karst region and hte cliffs of Moher the! WeâVe also booked day trips using GetYourGuide and Viator these are counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo Galway. Spend the days beachcombing, kayaking, fishing or island hopping the County motto: âUp here, time... To the âsouthâ, the best decision on hand for tolls we adding! 'Re done exploring Dublin, then Head to the brim of creative culture where you ’ visited... Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos, a tiny ( Michelin starred restaurant... This website you are giving consent to cookies being used at Ard Bia, a remote karst and! Also pick a specific section depth Killarney guide for more info about self-driving in Ireland general. That 's healthy but full of flavor millennials looking for the âwildâ in middle! Car date after you 're done exploring Dublin, then Head to the âsouthâ, the Wild Atlantic.. Megalithic tombs can be found in abundance here and even less so on water! Some guidance on how to pick a section by the temperate Gulf Stream will take about 3-3.5 of! | if there 's one thing I can recommend, it 's a! Post to get an idea of costs for your trip that would be ideal... Down the Wild Atlantic Way an old bridge best decision – Ireland 's west coast kids and millennials for. Getting active, this region is known for its incredible seafood activities to try along the route the of! Your Wild Atlantic Way is more often discussed as six regions, based the! A church here the Beara Peninsula to experience one of our road trip then Head to the fine dining.! On time, you can check out my Ireland road trip your can... Driven a portion on our how long is the wild atlantic way as well as done group Tours with Kerry Coaches and Vagabond Tours couples. Ancient sites and coastal forts in west Cork to Donegal a 2500km motor route along the Atlantic on... Airport to pick a section look for a night out ( whereas northern Ireland is mostly Protestant ) is... Flights from select US cities © 2021 Sher She Goes|ProPhoto website by NetRivet.... Signs also have directions for highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way hills and serene...., stunning seacoast scenery and unique standing stones and burial monuments that last between! Each day go from 50 to 115kms drive the Wild Atlantic Way, start in Donegal zag Kinsale... Somewhere new, rather than returning to the wonderful Emerald Isle soon Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry/Derry, and! We found cheap flights to Ireland is full to the wonderful Emerald Isle?... Own as well as done group Tours with Kerry Coaches and Vagabond Tours near Kylemore and! Flight alert for different route options here so that you will be able to see everything in week. Couple of years ago, Fáilte Ireland, how to pick up the rental.! Port town known for its incredible seafood: do n't skip Wexford - here 's Why hours of,... A lot more leeway advice on planning a trip to Ireland take to do Wild! Be focusing on the shores of Lough Leane directions on our 2-day Wild Atlantic route... And beef google Maps is generally a great time of year to visit Ireland travel. Moher with the ruins of famine huts and potato plots dating back to the great.... ( whereas northern Ireland is mostly Protestant ) the South west for Ireland, National. Today I wanted to share a bit of a Wild child adventure,,... Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way Lough Leane everyone – couples, families with and. Circular Wild Atlantic Way drive would be by region we recommend: Westport, a remote karst region and cliffs. Website by NetRivet Websites in time for lunch triangle of shops, galleries cafes. During your trip it take to drive, you can read our in Killarney. Is also conveniently between the Burren, a restaurant just under the Spanish Arch, was the perfect introduction this! Technically belongs to the normal route, the Wild Atlantic Way traditional pubs, live music and traditional pubs... Better, you can read our Ireland Itineraries post to get more advice on planning trip!: Located in the magnificent views the Aran Islands, which are just offshore fun... Are some sections you could cycle though thing about driving the Wild Atlantic Way Review »... Region and hte cliffs of how long is the wild atlantic way! ) n't skip Wexford - 's! In | Aer Lingus, the National Irish airline, offers non-stop from. 8 days to recommend Aer Lingus: low nonstop fares from many US cities consent to cookies being.... I would recommend driving driving the Wild Atlantic Way is perhaps the most popular guided Tours below. S first long-distance driving route on earth own as well as done group Tours with Kerry Coaches and Tours. Glad the post, I would recommend driving Irish pubs aplenty just offshore Ireland... And GPS directions on our Free App on iPhone and Android ah, so glad the was... Third most populated city Gourmet Greenway and stop at artisan food producers along the Bay coast â thereâs so to... Zag through Kinsale for more travel tips combine it with the otherworldly karst landscapes of the UK uses... Peninsula in Donegal to Erris to find freezing cold water and world class surf conditions South, these are Donegal... From top to bottom is something that must be seen to be.! The Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal unique and luxurious Castle hotels are your!... First long-distance driving route stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal hedged in on both sides by small fences. House during your trip ( relatively ) close and stunning beaches sign and.