Coasts, Castles, and Culture: A Nine-Day Adventure on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Undoubtedly, Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way ranks among the world’s most remarkable road trips. This captivating 1,500-mile journey features wind-carved cliffs, lush green hills, historic landmarks, and charming coastal towns, showcasing some of the island’s finest destinations.

Join us as we explore the Wild Atlantic Way county by county, a thrilling route filled with exciting hiking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, delicious food stops, and rich history from the Bronze Age to WWII. Of course, there are plenty of chances to enjoy a creamy pint of Guinness at day’s end.

While you can experience many highlights in eight or nine days, extending your trip to two weeks or more allows you to fully savor every moment from start to finish.

From our partners: Discover Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

We suggest flying into Shannon Airport near Limerick instead of landing in Dublin; this gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way leads directly to the south coast and the charming town of Kinsale. Take a moment to stretch your legs and enjoy a pastry at a cozy cafe like Seeds Bakery, or visit nearby castles—James Fort and John Charles Fort are just a short distance away.

From there, journey west along the scenic roads of County Cork, stopping at Drombeg Stone Circle, a megalithic burial site with breathtaking views of the lush Irish landscape. This site dates back to between 152 BCE and 127 CE and is one of the best-preserved stone circles on the island.

Further west lies Skibbereen, a market town that makes for an excellent base to explore western Cork. From here, it’s a short trip to the coast, where you can dive into adventures with outfitters like Atlantic Sea Kayaking in Lough Hyne and H2O Sea Kayaking, which offers excursions around nearby Sherkin Island. Not far off is the artsy town of Ballydehob, featuring bar/music venues like Levis Corner House, along with art studios, cafes, and crafting spaces—be sure to check out Kilcoe Studios and Artichoke.

Continue your journey west to Mizen Head, the southernmost point of Ireland, or head north through the hilly harbor town of Bantry and the stunning Caha Mountains to reach Kenmare. This lively town provides a great introduction to County Kerry; if you need a break, stop by Kenmare Brewhouse for coffee, food, and traditional music in the evenings.

You can either spend the night here or make your way up to Killarney.

From our partners: Wild Atlantic Way in Cork

For many, County Kerry stands out as the most stunning area in a country rich with beauty, featuring an impressive array of iconic sights that populate travel itineraries across the globe.

Begin your journey in Killarney, a charming town located next to Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This vast area boasts medieval ruins like Muckross Abbey, elegant estates such as Muckross House, and miles of trails winding through ancient forests and towering mountains, all alongside the picturesque lakes at its heart.

Once you've absorbed the park’s breathtaking views, venture onto one of Ireland’s most famous routes, the Ring of Kerry, to explore the countryside. Discover charming villages and stunning beaches along the way (we particularly love Sneem and Derrynane Beach) before navigating the narrow, walled roads of the Skellig Ring. Here, you'll feel the thrill of standing on the dramatic Cliffs of Kerry and gazing at the renowned Skellig Islands—featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Return to the Ring of Kerry and circle around the peninsula to visit the stone forts near Cahersiveen, believed to date back to the Iron Age or Early Historic Period. From there, head north and transition onto the Dingle Peninsula, stopping in the welcoming Dingle Town before embarking on your next adventure. Browse art from local artisans and enjoy fresh seafood from The Fish Box or the Michelin-starred Out of the Blue before settling in for the night.

From our partners: Exploring the Ring of Kerry

The Dingle Peninsula offers everything – breathtaking coastlines, rolling green hills, and a wealth of cultural attractions – all accessible via the relatively short loop called the Slea Head Drive.

The journey begins easily with Ventry Beach and several historical sites (including ancient beehive huts), but the peninsula truly dazzles once you pass the iconic white cross at its southwestern tip: take a moment at Coumeenoole Beach and Dunquin Pier to appreciate the stunning rock formations and the nearby Blasket Islands. Be sure to visit the Blasket Center, a thoughtfully curated museum dedicated to the island village that thrived on Great Blasket until the 1950s; this small community was known among linguists as a key center for the Irish language and produced several published authors despite its size.

The loop leads you back to Dingle town – from there, head north across the stunning Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass (the best photo opportunity is at the parking area on the Dingle side). Then, continue on to County Clare, circling back past Limerick to arrive at the island’s most famous coastline, the Cliffs of Moher. Some sights earn their acclaim for a reason, and the cliffs’ dramatic contours are certainly awe-inspiring; plus, it’s fascinating to compare them to the Cliffs of Kerry and Sliabh Liag (more on that later).

Several nearby towns provide a welcoming break after a long day of travel. We particularly enjoy Ennistymon, a quaint town centered around a cascading waterfall with the lovely Falls Hotel nestled at its base.

From our partners: 72 hours in Ireland’s breathtaking southwest

Leaving Ennistymon, you’ll enter the region known as the Burren. This ancient seabed, sculpted by the elements, features a limestone landscape that appears as if it were shaped by magical hands. It boasts 70 percent of Ireland’s plant species, including 23 types of orchids, which bloom between the cracks in the stone: look for purple orchids, cowslip, purple gentian, and shrubby cinquefoil, among others. Explore the trails of Burren National Park for an immersive experience; the view from Mullaghmore Peak is truly breathtaking.

After exploring the enchanting trails of the Burren, make your way to Burren Perfumery, where unique fragrances inspired by the local flora are crafted. Take some extra time to enjoy the charming tearoom, offering herbal teas made from garden-grown herbs, delectable sweets, and a concise lunch menu – don’t hesitate to order the pistachio rose cake right away.

The Burren area is rich with remnants of human history dating back to the Stone Age; highlights include stone forts like Caherconnell (which is also great for its sheepdog demonstration), passage tombs such as the renowned Poulnabrone Dolmen, and medieval ruins like the atmospheric Corcomroe Abbey, built in 1194.

From there, head to the vibrant cultural center of Galway city – take some time to relax by the canal, indulge in the fish cakes and oysters at Hooked, and enjoy an evening of traditional music at the renowned Crane Bar.

From our partners: The Burren

Next, we venture into the legendary mountains of Connemara, a region celebrated for its green marble, distinctive pony breed, and stunning landscapes.

Traveling west from Galway, stop by the Spiddal craft village to meet talented potters, jewelry artisans, and traditional basket weavers. Continuing with the craft theme, meander through this lake-filled area until you reach the coastal town of Roundstone, home to Roundstone Music & Craft; here, you’ll encounter the local legend Malachy Kearns, a drum maker with nearly 50 years of experience creating bodhráns (traditional Irish drums). He’s an engaging storyteller, so take some time to hear about his collaborations with the creators of Riverdance to develop the iconic drum used in the production.

A quick drive takes you to the heart of the Connemara region – charming Clifden serves as a base for cycling along the picturesque Sky Road or around Erislannon, where you can also enjoy riding the famous Connemara ponies. The town is conveniently close to Kylemore Abbey, a castle-turned-monastery that offers daily tours of its beautifully landscaped grounds.

For a closer encounter with the mountains, head to Connemara National Park; the ascent to Diamond Peak offers panoramic views of the unique mountain-bog landscape that characterizes this region. You’ll share the trail with fellow hikers, but their presence won't overshadow the stunning vistas.

There are multiple nearby options for overnight stays: return to Clifden or choose cozy B&Bs in Letterfrack and Renvyle.

From our partners: Connemara

Make sure you rested well – today is going to be an adventure! Set off towards County Mayo, taking the scenic route around the mountain-fringed Killary Fjord, leading you through the breathtaking Doo Lough Valley, renowned for its natural beauty.

After leaving the valley, take the scenic country roads back to the beautiful Silver Strand; a stroll across the expansive sandy shore reveals rocky outcrops filled with vibrant tidepools. Silver Strand is just one of Mayo’s stunning sandy beaches; if your schedule allows, spend time exploring them all.

Next, drive north to Westport, a vibrant town at the center of an extensive biking network – keep an eye out for many cyclists sharing the road. Enjoy lunch (like the delightful beetroot sandwich at Kaska’s) before continuing your journey to Achill Island. This destination offers a blend of beach resort, historical intrigue, and nature park; visit the Kildavnet Tower (an outpost of Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s legendary “Pirate Queen”), watch for basking sharks at the dramatic Keel and Keem beaches, or explore the haunting ruins of a village abandoned during the Great Famine of 1845-1852.

Return to the mainland and take N95, which leads you along the Ballycroy side of the Wild Nephin National Park. If you still have energy, enjoy a short walk on the beautiful Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail, a well-maintained boardwalk that floats above Ireland’s coastal bogs.

Stay overnight in or around Sligo for an ideal starting point for your next adventure.

From our partners: Explore from Westport, County Mayo

After covering considerable ground in County Mayo, it’s time for a more leisurely day, and the Sligo area fits the bill perfectly. Just 15 minutes from Sligo’s center, Strandhill exudes a vibrant surf town atmosphere; relax on the plaza wall while watching surfers ride the waves, or grab a board and join in with Strandhill Surf School. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, indulge in a traditional seaweed bath at Voya Seaweed Baths, a practice that dates back centuries.

Visit Sligo town to get your bearings before taking a short drive to Drumcliffe Church, the final resting place of one of Ireland’s literary greats, WB Yeats. The charming churchyard is beautifully maintained and features a bright café and local art shop. From there, we suggest the Benbulben Forest Walk, an easy trail offering breathtaking views of the iconic flat-topped mountain that shapes the region’s skyline, along with delightful stretches of forest and sweeping vistas of the coast.

If you crave more of the region's stunning mountain landscapes, head over to Gleniff Horseshoe, a valley that feels straight out of a prehistoric era, enclosed by steep cliffs. Navigate the one-lane loop at its center and visit the Gleniff Barytes Mill Site, a delightful stop that serves as both a historical site and a sculpture park—keep an eye out for the hidden fairy doors.

Your journey concludes in Donegal town. History enthusiasts should aim to arrive with enough time to explore Donegal Castle; if you’re looking to shop, make a beeline for Magee 1866 to pick up your own piece of iconic Donegal tweed. While there are accommodations in town, we suggest considering the B&Bs around nearby Lough Eske for a picturesque place to unwind.

From our partners: County Sligo

As we approach the final stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, County Donegal truly showcases its wonders. From Donegal town, journey west to Sliabh Liag, Ireland's highest accessible cliffs and my personal favorite. Towering nearly 2,000 feet, these cliffs are awe-inspiring—the scenic roadside walk to the viewpoint and the trail that meanders along the cliff faces offer a grand view of Donegal.

After your exhilarating experience at Sliabh Liag, traverse the breathtaking Glengesh Pass to reach Maghera Beach, famous for its stunning caves and some of the finest beach vistas along the Wild Atlantic Way. Remember to bring €3 for parking and check the tides before venturing into the caves, as they are only safe to explore when the tide is low.

From here, journey inland to the northernmost national park on Ireland's western flank: Glenveagh National Park. Nestled around a glacial valley in the Derryveagh Mountains, this park offers a peaceful setting for exploration—history enthusiasts will appreciate Glenveagh Castle, which can be reached via a shuttle booked upon arrival, while hikers have several trails to choose from that meander through the glen and its hillsides.

Nearby, Letterkenny is the largest town in the county and makes for a great base for your final day on the road: enjoy dinner at The Yellow Pepper and catch some live music at McGinley’s.

From our partners: Donegal’s northern headlands

This is it: your last day on the Way. Head north to Five Finger Strand for a final view of Ireland’s iconic windswept beaches before reaching Malin Head, the northernmost point of the island. Walk the trails of the promontory to witness the Atlantic crashing against the rugged cliffs, and make your way to the signal tower from the early 1800s for a touch of history. Here, you'll see the “Eire 80” sign, originally placed to inform WWII pilots that they were flying over neutral Ireland.

Once you've soaked in the last views of the Atlantic, it's time to head back down to Shannon and Limerick for your departure, a journey of about five hours. When you arrive, bid farewell to your incredible adventure with a pint at Treaty City Brewing, located in the town's captivating Medieval Quarter next to King John’s Castle, followed by a meal overlooking the River Shannon at The Curragower.

From our partners: Discover King John’s Castle

Essential tips for driving the Wild Atlantic Way

• While Ireland is beautiful year-round, autumn often offers fewer tourists, mild temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and inviting spots to relax.

• Before hitting the road, verify your car insurance; you might need to secure additional coverage from your rental agency upon arrival.

• Be cautious on the narrow country roads, which can have blind corners; that’s part of the adventure, but drive carefully.

• Make sure to refuel whenever possible. For American travelers: unleaded gas is marked green, and diesel is marked black, which is the reverse of what you're used to.

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