Journey the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal touring routes in the world. It spans around 2,500km, or just over 1,550 miles and covers nine counties on the west coast of Ireland:

• Donegal
• Sligo
• Leitrim
• Mayo
• Galway
• Clare
• Limerick
• Kerry
• Cork

Given that it’s 2,500km long, the Wild Atlantic Way is not designed to be driven in one go – it’s a route that invites slower discovery. We would recommend spending at least 10 days exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, although 14 or more will give the best experience. It’s worth remembering that the Wild Atlantic Way can also be enjoyed in sections, so you don’t have to do it all on one trip. The route also offers some great cycling sections for more adventurous travellers, including the Great Western Greenway and the Connemara Ring.

The best way to plan a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is to choose great towns and villages to stop off at or to base yourself in along the route, including Letterkenny, Sligo, Westport, Clifden, Doolin, Dingle and Kinsale. We’ve got a great range of trip ideas that help you plan all kinds of journeys from walking adventures to specific routes, such as the cliffs and coves of Limerick and Clare.

Yes, driving around the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll find many distinctive signs featuring a W logo that resembles a wave. It makes it easy to stay on track and will help you know whether you’re going in a northerly direction (towards Donegal) or south (towards Cork).

Where the Wild Atlantic Way starts depends on the direction you are travelling, whether from north to south or the other way around. However, officially the Wild Atlantic Way begins in Muff in County Donegal and ends in Kinsale in County Cork. If you want a longer journey, travel from south to north and continue on to the Causeway Coastal Route along the coast of Northern Ireland.

There are so many great places to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way, that you’ll be spoiled for choice with accommodation to suit every budget. Choose from unusual and unique hideaways to grand country houses and luxurious castles. We’ve got everything you need to plan your trip.

Summer is the best time to travel the Wild Atlantic Way as you’ll get the mildest temperatures and most reliable conditions, making it great for sea swimming, island travel and boat trips. However, it can also be the busiest season. Many who travel this route say that the bright days of spring and the burnished tones of autumn are also beautiful times to visit. In winter, there can be storms along the west coast and the weather is unpredictable, but it also brings its charm with empty beaches, cosy pubs and dramatic waves.

There are many activities along the Wild Atlantic Way to suit every kind of traveller. As well as sea swimming, you can try your hand at surfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, canoeing, kayaking and scuba-diving. On land, you can enjoy cycling, walking, horse riding and seaweed foraging. Want to take it up a notch? Adventurers can opt for mountaineering, caving, rock climbing and more.

Every part of the Wild Atlantic Way has its own charm, from the quiet coves of County Galway to the pale sands of Donegal’s famously beautiful beaches. But there are some iconic places you may not want to miss, including the 6th century monastic site of Skellig Michael, the Ring of Kerry driving route, and the lively town of Dingle. We’d also recommend going off the beaten track and exploring the small but stunning stretch of Leitrim coastline, County Sligo’s magnetic Ben Bulben, and the offshore islands of Cape Clear, Great Blasket and Arranmore.