Explore the wonders of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Remote islands, hidden waterfalls, charming towns and towering cliffs; this alluring stretch of coastal beauty makes for an unforgettable road trip. Use this handy map to start planning your Wild Atlantic escape. Dip in to the best bits or take it all in on one glorious adventure – the choice is yours.
In the heart of County Donegal, among the wild landscapes of the Derryveagh Mountains, Glenveagh is the second-largest national park in Ireland. It’s home to pristine habitats, protected wildlife, and hiking trails taking in the stunning Victorian castle and gardens.
Glenveagh National Park
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Hop on a ferry from the coast of County Donegal to Ireland’s most remote inhabited isle. In 45 minutes you’ll be on a car-free, naturally sculpted island beloved by artists seeking inspiration amid glorious solitude.
Tory Island
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In Donegal Town you can stroll along Meetinghouse Street, see the castle and call in at the railway museum – marking an age when trains connected Ireland. But be sure to call in at McCafferty’s pub, which offers traditional live music seven days a week.
Donegal Town
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These breathtaking sea cliffs in south-west Donegal are the highest in Europe, towering almost 2,000 feet above the ocean. Take a boat tour from the tiny port of Teelin to get an amazing perspective of these imposing rock faces.
Sliabh Liag
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It's said among the pros that the waves on the West Coast of Ireland are even more impressive than those on the West Coast of California. Find out for yourself at Strandhill, where you can hone your surfing skills with the Sligo Surf Experience.
Strandhill
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At Kilcullen Seaweed Baths they have been sharing the fruits of the Atlantic with an eager public since 1912. Enjoy some humid hospitality in the steam closet and massage some seaweed fronds into your skin to release all the alginate and iodine in the salty bath.
KILCULLEN
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Achill is the largest isle off the coast of Ireland, reachable via a bridge across a short stretch of the Atlantic. There’s an old railway line that’s been converted to the Great Western Greenway: a 44km traffic-free cycling and walking route.
Achill Island
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At the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula, this handsome lighthouse played a crucial role in one of the most momentous decisions of the Second World War: when to launch Operation Overlord – the D-Day invasion of occupied France in June 1944.
BLACKSOD LIGHTHOUSE
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St Patrick climbed Croagh Patrick in the year 441 and spent the 40 days of Lent fasting. Today it’s a place of pilgrimage; it’s a half mile in altitude from sea level to the summit but you can turn around at any point and be rewarded with magnificent views.
Croagh Patrick
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Fort Dunree
Fanad Head
Tory Island
Glenveagh National Park
Donegal town
Sliabh Liag
Strandhill
Kilcullen Seaweed bath
Croagh Patrick
Achill Island
Blacksod lighthouse
Fort Dunree was built as part of a series of fortifications during the Napoleonic Wars. The fortification is perched on an outcrop overlooking Lough Swilly: one of the deep inlets that corrugate the north coast of Ireland.
Fort Dunree
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Fanad Head commands a majestic coastline, with a handsome lighthouse – opened on Saint Patrick’s Day 1815 and recently voted one of most beautiful in the world – keeping watch over the crashing waves below.
Fanad Head
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Hop on a ferry from the coast of County Donegal to Ireland’s most remote inhabited isle. In 45 minutes you’ll be on a car-free, naturally sculpted island beloved by artists seeking inspiration amid glorious solitude.
Tory Island
Discover more >
READ MORE
In the heart of County Donegal, among the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains, Glenveagh is the second-largest national park in Ireland. It’s home to pristine habitats, protected wildlife, and hiking trails taking in the stunning Victorian castle and gardens.
Glenveagh National Park
Discover more >
In Donegal Town you can stroll along Meetinghouse Street, see the castle and call in at the railway museum – marking an age when trains connected Ireland. But be sure to call in at McCafferty’s pub, which offers traditional live music seven days a week.
Donegal town
Discover more >
These breathtaking sea cliffs in south-west Donegal are the highest in Europe, towering almost 2,000 feet above the ocean. Take a boat tour from the tiny port of Teelin to get an amazing perspective of these imposing rock faces.
Sliabh Liag
Discover more >
It's said among the pros that the waves on the West Coast of Ireland are even more impressive than those on the West Coast of California. Find out for yourself at Strandhill, where you can hone your surfing skills with the Sligo Surf Experience.
Strandhill
Discover more >
At Kilcullen Seaweed Baths they have been sharing the fruits of the Atlantic with an eager public since 1912. Enjoy some humid hospitality in the steam closet and massage some seaweed fronds into your skin to release all the alginate and iodine in the salty bath.
KILCULLEN
Discover more >
St Patrick climbed Croagh Patrick in the year 441 and spent the 40 days of Lent fasting as part of his mission to bring Christianity to Ireland. Today it’s a place of pilgrimage; a half mile in altitude from sea level to the summit but you can turn around at any point and be rewarded with magnificent views.
Croagh Patrick
Discover more >
Tourism NT/Plenty of Dust
Achill is the largest isle off the coast of Ireland, reachable via a bridge across the Atlantic – or at least a short stretch of it. Excellent for hikers and bikers, there’s an old railway line that’s been converted to the Great Western Greenway: a 44km traffic-free cycling and walking route.
Achill Island
Discover more >
Tourism NT/jack.and.megan
At the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula, this handsome lighthouse played a crucial role in one of the most momentous decisions of the Second World War: when to launch Operation Overlord – the D-Day invasion of occupied France in June 1944.
Blacksod lighthouse
Discover more >
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Alamy
PARTNER CONTENT
Stars shine more brightly above County Mayo than elsewhere. It is a final frontier between the Earth and space thanks to the Mayo Dark Sky Park. The site is completely free to access anytime, day or night and they have three signature viewing sites to choose from.
Dark Sky Park
Getty
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Situated atop the 244 metre-high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen, this ancient ring fort has witnessed millennia of Ireland’s history. Aside from the heritage, the views from this Neolithic fort are breathtaking, taking in the glistening waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.
Grianan of Aileach
Alamy
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Glenevin Waterfall has only become accessible over the past three decades. It was discovered by American visitor Doris Russo, who created the pathway so that other visitors could enjoy what is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s great natural attractions.
Glenevin Waterfall
Alamy
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Strategically located at the northernmost point of Ireland – steeped in history and just an hour from City of Derry Airport by car – Malin Head is a suitably remote and inspiring place to begin your journey on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Malin Head
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Fort Dunree was built as part of a series of fortifications during the Napoleonic Wars. The fortification is perched on an outcrop overlooking Lough Swilly: one of the deep inlets that corrugate the north coast of Ireland.
Fort DUnree
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Fanad Head commands a majestic coastline, with a handsome lighthouse – opened on Saint Patrick’s Day 1815 and recently voted one of most beautiful in the world – keeping watch over the crashing waves below.
Fanad Head
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Glenevin waterfall
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Stars shine more brightly above County Mayo than elsewhere. It is a final frontier between the Earth and space thanks to the Mayo Dark Sky Park. The site is completely free to access anytime, day or night and they have three signature viewing sites to choose from.
Dark Sky Park
Getty
Discover more >
Glenevin Waterfall has only become accessible over the past three decades. It was discovered by American visitor Doris Russo, who created the pathway so that other visitors could enjoy what is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s great natural attractions.
Glenevin waterfall
Alamy
Discover more >
Strategically located at the northernmost point of Ireland – steeped in history and just an hour from City of Derry Airport by car – Malin Head is a suitably remote and inspiring place to begin your journey on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Malin Head
Shutterstock
Discover more >
Situated atop the 244 metre-high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen, this ancient ring fort has witnessed millennia of Ireland’s history. Aside from the heritage, the views from this Neolithic fort are breathtaking, taking in the glistening waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.
Grianán of Aileach
Alamy
Discover more >
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
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Alamy
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Explore the
wonders of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
