Greencastle, County Donegal, Northern Headlands

Once home to the acclaimed Irish playwright Brian Friel, who lived here from 1960 until his death in 2015, Greencastle rests on the edge of Lough Foyle in County Donegal. With a lively port and pleasant beach, the village takes its name from an early 14th century castle, the ruins of which loom over the entrance to the lough. As well as being perfect for enjoying the natural wonders of the stunning Inishowen Peninsula, the village is also home to the popular family-run Kealy’s Seafood Bar, which overlooks the pretty harbour.

Westport, County Mayo, Bay Coast

Pirate queens, traditional music, leafy river walks and genteel 18th century elegance make Westport one of the most enjoyable towns on the Wild Atlantic Way. This is one town where you’ll never be short of things to do, from cycling the Great Western Greenway out to Achill Island, to climbing Croagh Patrick, to visiting the islands that dot Clew Bay. And after a day’s sightseeing, Westport will welcome you back with characterful pubs such as Matt Molloy’s, great restaurants such as The Idle Wall and great places to stay such as Ardmore Country House.

Clifden, County Galway, Bay Coast

Nestled at the edge of where the Owenglin River flows into a bay, Clifden is known as the “capital of Connemara” for good reason. This lively town is a hub for the epic surrounding landscape and is an enjoyable mix of shops, traditional pubs and great seafood restaurant such as Mitchell’s. On days out of town, you can explore the nearby coral beaches at Mannin Bay, go horseriding on the beach at the village of Cleggan, spend an afternoon at the picturesque Kylemore Abbey or walk the trails of the Connemara National Park.

Doolin, County Clare, Cliff Coast

Thatched-roofed cottages, friendly music pubs, and a perfect setting in the heart of County Clare has made Doolin one of the most popular destinations on Ireland’s west coast. From the village, you can take a walk on the wild side on the Cliffs of Moher Cliff Path, which hugs the coast closely all the way to the cliffs themselves or reach out into the Burren, a dramatic karst limestone plateau with its remarkable flora and fauna. After dark, soak up the cracking traditional music scene that Doolin is famous for in pubs such as Gus O’Connor’s and McGann’s.

Dingle, County Kerry, Southern Peninsulas

With bright, colourful shop fronts and cafés, and a row of fishing boats moored along the quay, Dingle in County Kerry is the very epitome of wild Atlantic charm. Bohemian and cultured, buzzing with festivals and fun nights out, Dingle celebrates its seafood heritage in restaurants such as Doyles and Out of the Blue, and turns on the traditional charm in some of the best pubs in the world, where you can enjoy a Dingle Gin or a pint of local Tom Crean’s beer. Take a trip out on the water to meet the town’s most famous resident, Fungie the dolphin, or get an ice cream fix at Murphy’s.

Eyeries, West Cork, Southern Peninsula

Travelling the quiet country roads that wind through the scraggy, rust-coloured hills of the Beara Peninsula is an experience to cherish. In this stunning West Cork wilderness, it’s easy to feel utterly alone, apart from the inquistive sheep who scamper skittishly over the landscape. But amidst this seeming isolation are warm, lively villages such as the little gem of Eyeries. Set on a headland overlooking the Coulagh Bay, the village is typical of the area with its terrace of colourful houses and neat main street. It’s a beauty.

Explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way

With so much to see and do along the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s up to you to decide how you want to take it all in!

Wild Atlantic Way trip ideas

We have a range of magical trip ideas to help you see more of the wonders and stunning scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Star Wars connection

From Jedi retreats on Skellig Michael to lightsabre battles on Loop Head, County Clare, the Wild Atlantic Way is a Star Wars haven

More to explore

6 charming towns and villages of the Wild Atlantic Way

Greencastle, County Donegal, Northern Headlands

Westport, County Mayo, Bay Coast

Clifden, County Galway, Bay Coast

Doolin, County Clare, Cliff Coast

Dingle, County Kerry, Southern Peninsulas

Eyeries, West Cork, Southern Peninsula

Explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way trip ideas

Star Wars connection

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Getting here

Places to stay

Offers

Enjoy the west of Ireland with The Wild Atlantic Way (9-13 Days Tour Package) from Go Irish Tours from €1845

Enjoy a 2 nights Dinner B&B Offer on selected dates in March at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney from €115 pps

Don't 'Go Home'... Stay Longer at The Residence Hotel, Galway & Save up to 20%

Indulge in a luxury B&B stay with the Your Carriage Awaits offer from Dromoland Castle Hotel, Co Clare from €370 per room

Explore Ireland's Wild South Coast with a 4-day Wildlife and Bird Watching Holiday with Ireland's Wildlife Tours for €699pp

Test yourself at the Quadrathon International Festival, Warrior Race with Extreme North, Co Donegal - 20% off race entry reducing cost from €245 to €196 pp

Surf the Wild Atlantic Waves at Doolin Inn, County Clare with a 2 night stay from €285

Experience the Skellig Coast & Killarney Lakelands 8 day guided walking and cultural activity tour with Go Visit Ireland, Co Kerry from €1520 pps

Spring in the Burren - 2 Night Stay at Gregans Castle, Co. Clare from €538 total stay

Family Adventure Break at the Doolin Inn, Co. Clare - Explore the Burren & Cliffs of Moher from €490

Give yourself some peace and quiet with 3 Nights B&B with 2 Dinners in Connemara in the Beautiful Cashel House Hotel from €380 p.p.

Wild Atlantic ‘Catch & Cook’ with the Dingle Cookery School from €85.50 p.p.

Don't miss out

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