In Ireland's beautiful south-west, five great peninsulas – Dingle, Iveragh, Beara, Sheep's Head and Mizen – stretch miles out into the ocean. Breathtaking views unfold at every turn here, and there's a distinctly edge-of-the-world feel to these Southern Peninsulas. Make friends with whales and dolphins, take a cable car over a crashing ocean, or stargaze under Ireland's darkest skies. Whatever you do, you will leave the ordinary far behind. Blaskets View Just a boat ride away from the Dingle Peninsula you’ll discover the Blasket Islands, a group of islands rich in history. Emigration and isolating seas led to their evacuation in 1953. However, reminders of the life left by the farmers and fishermen remain. With a little digging you’ll uncover a rich and celebrated literary history. The islanders published many books during the 1920s and 1930s that are considered classics today. Captured in Clay Visit Louis Mulcahy, one of Ireland’s leading potters, with a studio, factory, shop, and café at the far end of the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Beaches by Horseback Imagine galloping along seven miles of golden sands at Rossbeigh Beach. An enriching experience that riders of all levels can cherish. Fish for Your Supper Get out those rods for shore and rock fishing off the Dingle Peninsula, or just head to Dingle where they serve up mouthwatering, fresh seafood! Skellig Michael Jutting up out of the ocean across from the Iveragh Peninsula, the stark beauty of Skellig Michael – 6th century monastic settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site – becomes clear. Accessible only by boat, Skellig Michael and its sister island, Little Skellig, are lashed by the elements and inhabited almost solely by seabirds. It has been aptly described by playwright George Bernard Shaw as an "incredible, impossible, mad place... a part of our dream world." Maybe that's why it was chosen as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens... Take in the View Visit the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve for unspoiled skies and otherworldly views. On a clear night, you may even see the Milky Way in all its glory. Feathered Friends With so many seabirds around the Skellig coast there are plenty of breeds to spot, from Arctic terns and razorbills to the 70,000 gannets living on Little Skellig. Swing into Action The contours of the Wild Atlantic Way make for spectacular links golf courses. Tee off at Dingle, Tralee or Ballybunion, and marvel at the wonderful views between shots. Dursey Island It’s a dramatic drive along the northern edge of the Beara Peninsula to Dursey Sound. Here, you’ll find Ireland’s only cable car, sitting high above the sea. It's the only way to cross to Dursey Island. A short ride will carry you over the waves to the secluded island. There’s a lighthouse, castle ruins, a signal tower, standing stones and breathtaking sunsets. It's blissful – but please take note when using the cable car: residents of this tiny island have priority over visitors when queuing for the crossing. Beautiful Bantry Bantry House was built around 1700 on the south side of Bantry Bay, County Cork. Today it is a stunning stately home offering guests an exquisite peek into history. Barley Cove Narrow country roads lead you to a golden cove surrounded by high sand dunes. This is Barley Cove – thought to have been formed as a result of a tsunami in 1755! Cape Clear Island Cape Clear Island is not only beautiful, but its annual storytelling festival has given it a reputation for fantastic fables and attracts visitors from far and wide. Mizen Head Packed with dramatic views, climb down the steps at the very end of the Mizen Head peninsula and onto the high, arched suspension bridge – and you have arrived. You’ll find an old signalling station (now a museum) and a weather station. If you peer out to the horizon, look for signs of the imposing Fastnet Lighthouse perched at the top of the Fastnet Rock. Known as ‘The Teardrop of Ireland’, this was the last glimpse of home for many before they emigrated to foreign shores. Green Fingers Learn all about the abundant flora of West Cork, one of the world’s favourite garden spots and enjoy a few hours in the gardens of Garinish Island. Under the Hills Daphne du Maurier based her book "Hungry Hill" on former Allihies Copper Mine owners, and the story of the real people is no less fascinating. Slea Head Drive A picturesque circular route around County Kerry, Slea Head Drive shows off some of the best views of the Mizen Peninsula in stunning fashion. Download our Wild Atlantic Way map. Continue your Wild Atlantic Way journey.
