Words Kate Robertson
Words Kate Robertson
Spanning a jaw-dropping 2,500km of Ireland’s untamed west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is the coastal road trip to end all road trips.
From the rugged cliffs of Donegal in the north to the chilled-out vibes of Kinsale in the south, this route’s got it all. We’re talking epic cliffs, sandy beaches, quirky villages, bizarre festivals, and locals who’ve perfected the art of having a good time.
Every twist and turn serves up fresh surprises. Ready for a sneak peek? Here are 12 incredible highlights.
HIT PLAY. GO ON.
Ireland's WILD ATLANTIC WAY
A 10-year anniversary and a ‘longest-driving coastal route in the world’ title? Now’s the time to floor it.
Ireland's WILD ATLANTIC WAY
A 10-year anniversary and a ‘longest-driving coastal route in the world’ title? Now’s the time to floor it.
1. SURF'S UP
When you think of international surf spots, Ireland may not be top of mind.
But it should be. Where the Atlantic Ocean butts up against the coast of County Sligo, it creates big and consistent waves that attract surfers from around the world. Mullaghmore is famous for its monster waves, drawing brave souls looking for a hectic ride. Strandhill offers consistent breaks and a laid-back beach town atmosphere that appeals to newbies and is home to Rebelle Surf – the only female owned and led surf school in Ireland.
The local culture is infectious, and after a day of chasing waves, you’ll find yourself swapping stories with fellow wave riders as you watch the sun dip into the ocean that made it all possible.
2. DETOX
Move over the standard bubble bath – in Ireland they prefer to soak in water filled with hot seawater and seaweed.
An old-school Irish tradition, the green stuff is celebrated for its therapeutic mojo; detoxifying and nourishing your skin like a natural spa.
The seaweed releases a silky gel rich in vitamins and minerals, leaving your skin baby-soft and rejuvenated. Plus, some have the option of sharing a twin bath room with a mate and what can be more fun than throwing seaweed at a friend?
3. GONE FISHING
Keem Bay on Achill Island is as close to paradise as it gets – turquoise waters, golden sands, and scenery that’ll knock your socks off.
The bay is sheltered by steep cliffs, creating a secluded, tranquil spot perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views. You’ll think you're in the tropics – minus the overpriced cocktails.
Once a fishing spot, now it's your ultimate escape. Dive into the bracing waters or snorkel if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, nearby, Colm’s cottage from The Banshees of Inisherin adds a touch of movie magic. Add the Wild Atlantic Way’s epic scenery and it’s pure, unspoiled bliss.
3. GONE FISHING
Keem Bay on Achill Island is as close to paradise as it gets – turquoise waters, golden sands, and scenery that’ll knock your socks off.
The bay is sheltered by steep cliffs, creating a secluded, tranquil spot perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views. You’ll think you're in the tropics – minus the overpriced cocktails.
Once a fishing spot, now it's your ultimate escape. Dive into the bracing waters or snorkel if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, nearby, Colm’s cottage from The Banshees of Inisherin adds a touch of movie magic. Add the Wild Atlantic Way’s epic scenery and it’s pure, unspoiled bliss.
4. GO UPSTAIRS OR DOWNSTAIRS
If your falconry, archery, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting skills are getting a bit rusty, a stay at Ashford Castle will get you up to speed in no time.
A stay at the 800-year-old castle, set on 350 acres of manicured grounds is like stepping back in time – or into a Netflix period drama.
The staff are impeccably kitted out, you can cast your line in the private lake, play a round of golf without leaving the grounds, play billiards and select an aged drop from the Wine Cave. Don’t get too rowdy though, their casual dining is at the Dungeon Bar.
4. GO UPSTAIRS OR DOWNSTAIRS
If your falconry, archery, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting skills are getting a bit rusty, a stay at Ashford Castle will get you up to speed in no time.
A stay at the 800-year-old castle, set on 350 acres of manicured grounds is like stepping back in time – or into a Netflix period drama.
The staff are impeccably kitted out, you can cast your line in the private lake, play a round of golf without leaving the grounds, play billiards and select an aged drop from the Wine Cave. Don’t get too rowdy though, their casual dining is at the Dungeon Bar.
5. Coasteering in galway
Would you jump off a cliff if someone told you to?
If the answer is yes, you'd love ‘coasteering’, a truly thrilling sport that involves scrambling over rugged cliffs, leaping off jagged rocks into the freezing waters of the Atlantic, and swimming through frothy waves to clamber up the next rock to do it all again.
There’re secret sea caves to explore, and your own personal boundaries to test. Exhilarating and ridiculous, the Irish call this sport and Galway's wild coastline is the perfect place to experience it.
5. Coasteering in galway
Would you jump off a cliff if someone told you to?
If the answer is yes, you'd love ‘coasteering’, a truly thrilling sport that involves scrambling over rugged cliffs, leaping off jagged rocks into the freezing waters of the Atlantic, and swimming through frothy waves to clamber up the next rock to do it all again.
There’re secret sea caves to explore, and your own personal boundaries to test. Exhilarating and ridiculous, the Irish call this sport and Galway's wild coastline is the perfect place to experience it.
6. The Wormhole, Inis Mór
Inis Mór’s Wormhole (or Poll na bPéist if you’re at one with the native tongue) is a natural wonder that’ll make your jaw drop.
The Atlantic waves crash into the Wormhole pool with a force that’s both mesmerizing and intimidating as you stand at the edge, looking down into the churning water. Which makes it more insane that it has twice hosted The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series that saw divers from around the world spear into the water from a height of 27m.
6. The Wormhole, Inis Mór
Inis Mór’s Wormhole (or Poll na bPéist if you’re at one with the native tongue) is a natural wonder that’ll make your jaw drop.
The Atlantic waves crash into the Wormhole pool with a force that’s both mesmerizing and intimidating as you stand at the edge, looking down into the churning water. Which makes it more insane that it has twice hosted The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series that saw divers from around the world spear into the water from a height of 27m.
7. Swipe right
Before Tinder was a twinkle in a developer’s eye, there was Lisdoonvarna’s Matchmaking Festival.
This 165-year-old event is the pinnacle of Ireland’s OG dating scene, complete with Irish music, dancing and traditional matchmaking.
Willie Daly’s family has been setting people up for generations. Legend has it that if you touch his ‘love ledger’, you’ll be married within six months. The festival started in 1857 and is now the biggest (offline) singles festival in Europe. But you don't have to be single to join in the fun. Just slap on a ‘taken’ sticker and enjoy the craic.
“Love is waiting there for everyone, it’s there just waiting to be found. When it is, it’s a lovely feeling.”
7. swipe right
Before Tinder was a twinkle in a developer’s eye, there was Lisdoonvarna’s Matchmaking Festival.
This 165-year-old event is the pinnacle of Ireland’s OG dating scene, complete with Irish music, dancing and traditional matchmaking.
Willie Daly’s family has been setting people up for generations. Legend has it that if you touch his ‘love ledger’, you’ll be married within six months. The festival started in 1857 and is now the biggest (offline) singles festival in Europe. But you don't have to be single to join in the fun. Just slap on a ‘taken’ sticker and enjoy the craic.
“Love is waiting there for everyone, it’s there just waiting to be found. When it is, it’s a lovely feeling.”
8. ON YER BIKE
Pedal the iconic Ring of Kerry, where jaw-dropping coastal views and lush valleys await, seemingly around every corner.
This 216-kilometre loop is a cyclist’s dream – ride winding roads that will see you happen upon ancient ruins and iconic spots like the stunning Gap of Dunloe.
The Ring is also dotted with cosy pubs if you need a mid-ride pit stop. Not only will you find a pint or two of the dark stuff, but you'll hear plenty of songs and connect with yarn-ready locals. Every village has its own unique charm, with colourful houses, lively markets, and warm welcomes.
8. ON YER BIKE
Pedal the iconic Ring of Kerry, where jaw-dropping coastal views and lush valleys await, seemingly around every corner.
This 216-kilometre loop is a cyclist’s dream – ride winding roads that will see you happen upon ancient ruins and iconic spots like the stunning Gap of Dunloe.
The Ring is also dotted with cosy pubs if you need a mid-ride pit stop. Not only will you find a pint or two of the dark stuff, but you'll hear plenty of songs and connect with yarn-ready locals. Every village has its own unique charm, with colourful houses, lively markets, and warm welcomes.
9. do or do not, there is no try
The monks must have had the Force with them as they made the schlep from mainland Ireland to Skellig Michael back in the 6th Century.
Skellig means "small or steep area of rock" in Irish, which is an apt name for the harsh islet. The adventure begins well before you set foot on land, with a 50-minute boat ride across the choppy water. Once you reach the narrow stone steps, you’ve got a steep ascent to reach the ancient monastery’s beehive shaped cells, over 180 metres above sea level.
The hardy monks must have thought the spectacular landscape was worth the effort. As did the crew from Star Wars who twice filmed on location there. Even if you’re not a fan of monks or sci-fi, the trip is worth it. And if you do happen to be a sci-fi loving monk, boy are you in for a treat.
9. do or do not, there is no try
The monks must have had the Force with them as they made the schlep from mainland Ireland to Skellig Michael back in the 6th Century.
Skellig means "small or steep area of rock" in Irish, which is an apt name for the harsh islet. The adventure begins well before you set foot on land, with a 50-minute boat ride across the choppy water. Once you reach the narrow stone steps, you’ve got a steep ascent to reach the ancient monastery’s beehive shaped cells, over 180 metres above sea level.
The hardy monks must have thought the spectacular landscape was worth the effort. As did the crew from Star Wars who twice filmed on location there. Even if you’re not a fan of monks or sci-fi, the trip is worth it. And if you do happen to be a sci-fi loving monk, boy are you in for a treat.
10. Take to the skies
Dursey is a charming little island off the southwest coast of Ireland… but it’s completely separated from the mainland.
The only way to get there is by cable car, Ireland’s only cable car. Operating for over 50 years, this scenic sky tram is the preferred way to travel across the turbulent waters of Dursey Sound and promises spectacular island views for seven whole minutes. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a pod of dolphins or a breaching whale in the waters below to make your aerial adventure one for the highlight reel.
11. SALTY STARS
Photo: Vincent Hyland
Sliding a kayak through the picturesque waters of Lough Hyne, a unique saltwater lake in County Cork, would be a great experience on it's own.
But there’s something extra special about pushing your kayak into the water as the sun begins to set, with a moon on the horizon and one of nature’s most spectacular shows beginning. Not only does the night sky reflect on the calm lake but dip your hand through the water to set off a trail of sparkling lights as plankton react to being disturbed.
Known as bioluminescence, there’s a scientific explanation for it, but let’s not wreck the mystery with logic. Just enjoy the magic of drifting through a sea of stars.
11. SALTY STARS
Sliding a kayak through the picturesque waters of Lough Hyne, a unique saltwater lake in County Cork, would be a great experience on it's own.
But there’s something extra special about pushing your kayak into the water as the sun begins to set, with a moon on the horizon and one of nature’s most spectacular shows beginning. Not only does the night sky reflect on the calm lake but dip your hand through the water to set off a trail of sparkling lights as plankton react to being disturbed.
Photo: Vincent Hyland
Known as bioluminescence, there’s a scientific explanation for it, but let’s not wreck the mystery with logic. Just enjoy the magic of drifting through a sea of stars.
12. EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY
Forget the diet; the Wild Atlantic Way is all about indulgence.
From fresh seafood chowder to plates of grass fed beef, every meal is a feast. Coastal towns and villages boast a rich array of local cuisine, emphasising fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The seafood is a highlight, with everything from oysters to mussels to freshly caught fish. You’ll find yourself in cosy pubs and charming eateries, each offering a taste of Ireland’s culinary heritage. And the pubs? They’re where the magic happens. Grab a pint of Black Nectar, listen to some trad music, and let Caoimhe's and Oisin's tall tales sweep you away.
get in the know There's a place in County Galway called Muckanaghederdauhaulia which means 'pig-marsh between two sea inlets’ in Irish. Try to pronounce it, we dare ya.
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