The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic driving route along Ireland's west coast.

Understand

With inlets and peninsulas, the Wild Atlantic Way covers more than 2,500 km (1,553 miles), stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in Cork. At the Northern end, the route adjoins the Causeway Coast tourism route in Northern Ireland. Along the route there are places and attractions which have been designated as points of interest for travelers.

Prepare

See also: Tips for road trips

Get in

You can start from either end of the route, or from many points along its length. To the south, Cork is a regional gateway, and to the north Derry and Belfast both have many transport options. You can hire a car from several points along the route.

Drive

The Wild Atlantic Way passes through many counties, each with many places of interest to stop at. The following highlights significant towns from north to south to stop at along the way. There are loads more villages and isolated spots with accommodation if you want to get away from it all, though.

County Donegal

• 1 Letterkenny. 
• 2 Donegal. 

County Sligo

• 3 Sligo. 

County Mayo

• 4 Ballina. 
• 5 Westport. 

County Galway

• 6 Clifden. The heart of Connemara 
• 7 Galway. 

County Clare

• 8 Lisdoonvarna. 
• 9 Kilkee. 

County Kerry

• 10 Tralee. 
• 11 Dingle. 
• 12 Caherciveen. 
• 13 Kenmare. 

County Cork

• 14 Bantry. 
• 15 Clonakilty. 
• 16 Kinsale. 

Stay safe

As with many country roads in Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way is often narrow and replete with blind turns and hills. Expect the unexpected. It is not uncommon to round a curve and be facing a lorry (truck), sheep, or other obstacle. Slow down and enjoy the scenery.