Explore the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

How does one summarise the Wild Atlantic Way in just a few words? It’s extremely difficult to do. It’s a vast playground of coastal wonders stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north all the way down to the harbour town of Kinsale in County Cork, Southern Ireland.

By allocating a few words to each section, we’ve done our best to encapsulate what makes each fragment and every bend of this coastal route so special. The Atlantic Ocean has been buffeting and moulding the west coast for aeons, and this marriage of power and stubborn resistance has borne a wild terrain of soaring cliffs, mesmerising bays and ancient islands.

If you’re wondering how to get to Ireland, you can read our blog. If you’ve got that part covered and you’re ready to see some of the most beautiful places in Ireland, click the button below to get searching for your perfect self-catering cottage on the Emerald Isle.

Explore our Ireland cottages

Skip to:

• Northern Headlands and Surf Coast
• Bay Coast and Cliff Coast
• Southern Peninsulas and Haven Coast
• Map of the Wild Atlantic Way

Northern Headlands and Surf Coast

Comprising the counties of Donegal, Sligo and the north of County Mayo, this region is rugged and remote, playing host to Ireland’s surf capital, Bundoran, and, at times when the conditions are right, the Northern Lights.

Inishowen Peninsula – Derry to Letterkenny

Starting in the north, right by the border with Northern Ireland, this section of the renowned Wild Atlantic Way covers over 122 miles and comprises much of the scenic Inishowen 100 route. Ireland’s largest peninsula has much to offer including sublime beaches and bays such as Culdaff Beach, Five Fingers Strand and Tullagh Bay. If Irish history interests you, check out Bocan Stone Circle and the castles of Carrickabraghy, Burt, and Northburgh. Unquestionably, the walking here is out of this world too, with Inishowen Head, Glenevin Waterfall and the Gap of Mamore offering just a taste of the sights available to the intrepid explorer.

Fanad Head – Letterkenny to Bunbeg

A mere 101 miles (!), this section of the route leaves the city and heads into the remote wonderland of County Donegal. Trace the shores of Lough Swilly, a glacial fjord that separates the peninsulas of Fanad and Inishowen, and explore the varied coast that presents itself. On the western side of the lough, the sweeping sands of Ballymastocker Bay await your praise, whilst equally, the rustic beauty of the Great Pollet Arch will attract your attention and hold it. Practise your Gaelic in Bloody Foreland on the north-western shores of County Donegal, where the historic tongue is still the leading language.

Slieve League Coast – Bunbeg to Donegal Town

Starting in the small river village of Bunbeg, the Slieve League Coast winds its way south, past all manner of islands and inlets, peninsulas and precipices, all the way to Donegal Town. Some of the islands on this 105-mile section can even be reached on foot at low tide; one such mass is Fall Island which is only 300 metres long. The Rosses, where this island is found, is also full of a myriad of lakes (130 in total) including Loughanure Lake, which is the largest, and the spectacular sight of a lake under a lake at Owey Island.

Donegal Bay and Sligo – Donegal Town to Ballina

Beginning where we left the last section in Donegal Town, this 119-mile itinerary meanders along rugged coastline that’s fully exposed to the powerful Atlantic. It ends in the town of Ballina, on the banks of the River Moy; you can spend some time at the end of your journey exploring Belleek Forest Park and Belleek Castle. Don’t wish your time away though; there’s plenty to see. The pristine shores of Rossnowlagh Beach and Tullan Strand are great for a dip or a stroll, and once you’ve had your fill of beachy fun, head to Carrowmore to see the biggest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, with one grave dating back over 5,000 years.

Erris – Ballina to Belmullet

Finishing our Northern Headlands and Surf Coast section of the Wild Atlantic Way is a huge 132-mile segment of coastline, so big thanks to the lengthy perimeter of the Mullet Peninsula. Many of the area highlights can be found on this promontory which is only connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Places like Doonamo Point truly show the wild side of this part of Ireland, with unruly waves crashing against craggy cliffs. Similarly, Annagh Head is like a peninsula on a peninsula and is forever exposed to the power of the ocean. Away from this headland, Downpatrick Head rewards visitors with a view of Dún Briste, a gigantic sea stack, 50 metres high, that has so far resisted the authority of the waves.

Bay Coast and Cliff Coast

Discover Ireland’s open-air playground and relish the salty kayaking, kitesurfing, paragliding, swimming and diving opportunities available to you. Those who prefer dry land can traverse the Great Western Greenway, one of the world’s most scenic cycleways, or visit Galway City, a vibrant, cultural hub.

Achill Island and Clew Bay – Belmullet to Westport

For all those buccaneers interested in swashbucklin’ and bounties, this coffer of a section will have you saying, ‘Blow me down!’ in no time. Known as ‘Pirate Country’, these shores were the home of the pirate queen Granuaile, also known as Grace O'Malley. Visit two of the infamous Seadog’s tower houses at Carraigahowley Castle and Kildavnet Castle on Achill Island, but remember, no plundering, savvy? Fear not if you’re a landlubber, there’s plenty to see on this 148-mile stretch. Wend your way down Atlantic Drive and see the panoramas of this stunning coast from the comfort of the front seat. Or scale the peaks of Minaun Heights and Slievemore to see some unbeatable sights.

Killary Harbour – Westport to Clifden

The headland between Clew Bay and Killary Harbour is an area ruled by mountainous terrain. Not far from Westport lies Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, where none other than Saint Patrick, Ireland’s national saint, fasted on the slopes for 40 days and 40 nights. It is also said that it is from here that he banished snakes from Ireland forever. There’s ample opportunity to soak up some more history at Kylemore Abbey, the National Famine Memorial, and Knockbrack Megalithic Tomb. If you desire natural beauty during your 103-mile journey, make a pit stop at Aasleagh Falls, the Doolough Valley, and Silver Strand Beach.

Connemara – Clifden to Galway

In a land of huge, wild spaces, Connemara takes things to a different level. A place of sublime landscapes, it’s little wonder that artists and poets venture here to find inspiration. Glistening grey-blue lakes share the terrain with deep-red bogs where undulating hills are criss-crossed by old dry-stone walls. Closer to the coast, you’ll find quaint harbours and coral beaches where the locals will welcome you, especially if you can greet them in their native tongue; the beloved Irish language is revered by the people here. It’s here, in the wild heart of Ireland, that you can also visit fantastic hot spots such as the Twelve Bens (also known as the Twelve Pins) and, to the east of this, the Maumturk Mountains.

Burren and West Clare – Galway to Kilkee

When visitors mention that Ireland is out of this world, it might be because they have travelled to Burren in County Clare. The Emerald Isle is rightly known for its shades of green, but here, the karst landscape gives off a moon-like quality not found very often throughout the rest of the island. The brittle limestone topography is dotted with cracks and crevices that create sinkholes and caves, resulting in some of the cool grey rocks tumbling into the ocean. You may not think it from the sounds of it, but there is a unique beauty in this rocky place, with painters, poets and writers visiting when the arctic and alpine flowers begin to flourish.

The Shannon Estuary – Kilkee to Tralee

Located at the point where County Clare meets both County Kerry and County Limerick, the Shannon Estuary is a delightful riverside destination that widens and narrows as it passes numerous islands and promontories on its way to Limerick. As it meanders somewhat inland, the looped drive along Ireland's longest river, the Serene Shannon, is nearly 135 miles long and offers so much to those looking for pretty towns and villages as well as remarkable natural beauty. If you love dolphins, take a ferry ride between Killimer and Tarbert where dolphins are known to give birth to their calves.

Southern Peninsulas and Haven Coast

Set out from Tralee and discover the five peninsulas of the southern coast, each with its own distinct personality. There’s a real edge-of-the-world atmosphere as you traverse this unsullied coastline, with tumultuous waves, jaw-dropping cliffs and ancient routes of transportation.

Dingle Peninsula – Tralee to Castlemaine

The first of the peninsulas will see you travel 93 miles from Tralee to Castlemaine, around a headland that is the most westerly point in Ireland; all that stands between you and America are the Blasket Islands. You can’t navigate this cape without stopping at some of the gorgeous beaches, with Inch Beach being one of the most popular. Near Brandon Bay, you’ll be able to spot Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest peaks. It’s truly bucolic in this area, with just the heather-covered highlands, the rolling waves and a few small villages for company. If you relish town life, stop in Dingle, the beating heart of the peninsula.

Ring of Kerry – Castlemaine to Kenmare

The southern peninsulas have arguably more tourist hot spots per mile than anywhere else along the Wild Atlantic Way. The 109-mile loop around the Iveragh Peninsula showcases no less than eight antiquities and prehistoric sites (including Cahergal Stone Fort and the Valentia Island Tetrapod Footprints), four castles and historic houses, at least 12 sandy beaches and a couple of stunning islands. The most famous part of the peninsula is understandably the Ring of Kerry. As the most travelled tourist route in Ireland, the Ring showcases the isle at its most picturesque, garnering widespread acclaim for its natural beauty – you’ll find green valleys, pristine lakes and rugged clifftops here.

Beara and Sheep’s Head – Kenmare to Durrus

Combining two of the five peninsulas, this 130-mile proposition takes you around the Ring of Beara, a lesser-known version of its brother above. Considerably quieter than its counterpart, the narrow roads here still offer the exquisite splendour that comes from a coastline that is directly exposed to the coastline year-in, year-out. Visit Dursey Island via Ireland’s only cable car, which can carry six people at a time or one cow or a dozen sheep! Another jewel of this coastline is Garinish Island, just inside the County Cork border, where the Italianate gardens will transport you to another land. Sheep’s Head, the smallest of the five peninsulas, has plenty of character, summarised by the lush greenery of Ahakista, where the woodland meets the sea.

West Cork – Durrus to Kinsale

Incorporating the Mizen Peninsula (the most southerly of the southern peninsulas) and the roaming coastline of West and South Cork, this final section of the Wild Atlantic Way takes you on a charming journey that is quintessentially coastal-Irish. Journey to Mizen Head across the Mizen Head Bridge, beneath which the waves become quite hypnotic. From here, you can see Fastnet Rock, nicknamed ‘Ireland’s Teardrop’, as it was the last part of Ireland emigrants saw before venturing to start their new lives. As Ireland’s largest county and as one of the top places to stay in Ireland, Cork has countless sights and activities to indulge in, such as photogenic towns like Cobh and Kinsale, unimaginable natural beauty like Lough Hyne and Barley Cove, and a taste of ancient history courtesy of Drombeg Stone Circle and Altar Wedge Tomb.

Map of the Wild Atlantic Way

We've added all of our Wild Atlantic Way highlights to the map below so you can easily find them.

Self-catering holiday cottages in Ireland

We hope we’ve given you food for thought when planning your Wild Atlantic Way road trip – all you need to do now is decide which segments of the 1,600-mile route you wish to explore. Unless you want to see it all, that is!

We have cottages up and down the coast of Ireland including those with wood burners, some with hot tubs and many with enclosed gardens, so you can bring your pet along. Click the button below to explore all our holiday homes on the Emerald Isle.

Explore our Ireland cottages