Wild Atlantic way | SOUTHwest | west | NORTHwest
Ireland's
One Epic Road Trip
With its raw natural beauty and unforgettable history (think prehistoric megalithic stones and ancient monuments) all set amidst the headlands of the Wild Atlantic Way, you might need a moment to catch your breath in the stunning Northwest.
This area of Ireland is known for surfing, from Ireland's surf capital Bundoran in Donegal to the big waves of Sligo's Mullaghmore Head.
Wild Atlantic Way
What's the buzz here?
What you'll eat
What you'll see
The Wild Atlantic Way hugs the western coastline of Ireland from Inishowen in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. These 1,500 memorable miles of soaring sea cliffs, hidden beaches, charming villages and stunning landscapes have long inspired poets and painters. This is where travelers will find the best of Ireland – welcoming locals, delicious cuisine, vibrant culture and epic history.
There’s so much to experience that you may not get to all of it in one trip. So we’ve grouped the Wild Atlantic Way into three smaller pieces, highlighting what each is known for as well as our recommendations on what to do, see and eat while you explore. We've also included iconic can’t-miss stops and hidden gems as well as where to rest your head. And of course, leave plenty of time along the Way for “the craic”, a Gaelic term for fun and enjoyment.
Begin your Wild Atlantic Way journey with a direct flight to Shannon Airport in the west. Closer than Dublin, Shannon is less than 6 hours away from Boston, less than 7 hours away from New York and less than 8 hours from Chicago. Aer Lingus offers nonstop flights to Shannon from both Boston and NYC, and there are seasonal direct flights from Newark and Chicago on United.
In addition to its proximity to the East Coast, Shannon Airport also makes it easy to return home. With its U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility, you can take care of immigration and customs before you board; this means that when you land, it’s just like you took a domestic flight and you’ll avoid the massive lines of fellow incoming passengers. Fill your heart with Ireland this year and check out these exclusive deals.
Bring your appetite to County Sligo, and plan for a few stops along the Sligo Food Trail to satisfy your cravings and curiosity. This close to the ocean, seafood is a must, and fresh-caught lobster, oysters, mussels and crab are on the menu at Eithna's by the Sea in Mullaghmore. Explore the foodie scene of Sligo Town on a 3-hour Taste of Sligo tour with local chef Anthony Gray of Eala Bhan. To go even deeper, sign up for a seaweed identification walk with edible seaweed expert Prannie Rhatigan, author of "Irish Seaweed Kitchen."
Counties Mayo, Galway & Clare
The wild beauty of the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. Carved by the crashing waves of the North Atlantic, this stirring landscape was the backdrop for several scenes in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." For a breathtaking view, climb the hilltop near Burt to visit the Grianán of Aileach, a stone ringfort with commanding views of Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly and the Seven Sisters of Donegal. Head north to catch a sunset at the Sand Dunes at Lagg, some of the highest dunes in Europe. Then as night falls, finish your journey up to Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland. On a clear night you’ll see an incredible array of stars, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to see the Northern Lights dance across the horizon.
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The West
Counties Donegal & Sligo
Northwest
Demanding links layouts sprinkled throughout northwest Ireland test the mettle (and the irons) of serious golfers. The stunning seaside setting makes Enniscrone Golf Club in County Sligo easy on the eyes, but the rugged dunes and plateau greens can be tough on the scorecard. Closer to Sligo Town, Strandhill and County Sligo golf clubs offer up coastal links under the watchful eye of the looming Benbulben.
A golfing adventure in the Northwest should include County Donegal, whether you venture north to tee off on one of the two courses at Ballyliffin Golf Club on the Inishowen Peninsula, take on the unspoiled oceanside beauty of Narin & Portnoo or try the newest test at Rossapenna Golf Resort, the St. Patrick's Links, which has already earned a spot on GOLF Magazine's Top 100 in the World rankings.
Discover the hidden gem
Slieve League in County Donegal is one of the most dramatic settings on the island of Ireland, and perhaps in all of Europe. These towering sea cliffs stand sentinel over the crashing surf of the Atlantic Ocean below. At three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, it's another perfect spot to take in unspoiled panoramic sea views.
Pick up takeaway from a nearby pub (smoked salmon on brown bread, anyone?) and enjoy a leisurely lunch from the on-site picnic tables. If the weather is good, experienced hikers may want to try the Pilgrim's Path for more stunning scenery.
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Properly fueled from your earlier eating exploits in Sligo, park your car at Luke’s Bridge near Drumcliffe village for the moderate hike to the top of the majestic Benbulben massif. Sometimes referred to as “Ireland’s Table Mountain”, Benbulben’s plateau summit rewards hikers with a bird's-eye view of "Yeats Country", the land that inspired poet and native son WB Yeats. Come get a taste of local farm life with a herding demonstration by Atlantic Sheepdogs. If the weather has been especially rainy, trek to Devil’s Chimney. At nearly 500 feet, it’s Ireland’s tallest waterfall.
What you'll do
Dating back to the 15th century, Lough Eske Castle is a reason in itself to travel to County Donegal. From its courtyard rooms to its Garden Suites, the hotel oozes comfortable opulence with modern conveniences at every turn. It’s no wonder that earlier this year, readers of Condé Nast Traveler named this 5-star hotel one of the best in Ireland.
For a different take on luxury, head to the eco-friendly Lough Mardal Lodge in Donegal for a bit of lakeside glamping. Set on 90 acres of bogland, wildflower meadows and heather-covered hills, the lodge offers guests the chance to stay in high-tech yurts. Not only are they bright and spacious, the yurts are also fully-insulated and furnished with extra warm winter duvets and Donegal woolen blankets. Keep the stove on to ward off the chill and relax in bed, staring up at the stars through a clear sky dome.
Where to stay
Kylemore Abbey in County Galway. The grounds include a Neo-Gothic church with beautiful stained-glass windows, a Victorian walled garden and a magnificent lake-side country house. The elegant estate was a labor of love, built by a successful 19th-century businessman after his wife commented how beautiful the area was during their honeymoon. You can see that beauty when you explore the wild terrain of nearby Connemara National Park, which includes bogs, woodlands, lakes and grassy hills, in addition to the Twelves Bens, a series of small mountains perched above this scenic expanse.
What you'll see
From the hearty fare with a local spin at Ard Bia, the freshly fried fish and chips at McDonagh’s or the Michelin Star musings of chef JP McMahon at Aniar, it’s hard to go wrong when mealtime comes in Galway. All that good food fuels this energetic city. Galway knows how to have a good time – toe-tapping during a trad music session at a local pub or shopping the stalls of a Saturday market or celebrating one of the several festivals that headline the summer calendar (our fave: the Galway International Oyster Festival in September).
What you'll eat
Rugged and untamed are two adjectives that may come to mind as you tour the west. Prepare to be dazzled as cliffs and coves define this region of the Wild Atlantic Way, which has drawn people to its shores for ages. In fact, here is where Ireland's literary revival was born.
Some of Ireland’s greatest writers – including WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and J.M. Synge – used Dunguaire Castle, a 16th century tower outside the village of Kinvara, as a meeting place. In the past, there have been seasonal Dunguaire Castle Banquets featuring dinner and literary readings.
What's the buzz here?
Downpatrick Head juts out from the shoreline of County Mayo, with the 150-foot-tall Dun Briste (Broken Fort) sea stack seemingly just out of reach from the sea cliffs. (The rocky arch collapsed into the sea about 700 years ago.)
In addition to the impressive views, Downpatrick holds a special place in Irish history. This is the place where St. Patrick chose to establish a church; a stone cross and holy well remain for pilgrims to visit. More recently, it was one of 83 spots around the island that served as lookout posts during World War II. You can still visit the restored building as well as the letters EIRE marked into the grassland to help Allied aircraft know they'd reached the Irish Coast.
Discover the hidden gem
The Cliffs of Moher stretch for five miles over the coastline of County Clare, with a sheer drop of 700 feet to the Atlantic Ocean below. One of Ireland’s most-photographed spots, go early in the day if you want to see the cliffs shrouded in the moody morning fog or in late afternoon to see the west-facing cliffs in the golden light of the setting sun.
Within the same UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Burren National Park is less visited, but no less stunning. Derived from the Irish word “Boireann”, or rocky place, the Burren is one of the few places on the Emerald Isle that isn’t predominantly green. The limestone gray landscape is nevertheless dotted with flora, especially in the summer months. Staying in the village of Doolin will put you in a good spot to see both icons.
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There are approximately 30,000 castles and castle ruins in Ireland, so it’s easier than you might think to stay in one on your visit. Splurge on a stay in County Mayo at Ashford Castle, a 5-star castle hotel set on a 350-acre estate with landscaped gardens, ancient woodland and an emerald lake. Formerly the home of the Guinness family, this 800-year-old castle has warm touches like unique works of art, bespoke beds and Egyptian cotton bed linen.
An 18th-century manor house set in gardens, Gregans Castle Hotel offers a chance to stay in the aforementioned Burren and experience nature. In fact, there are no televisions here so that the peaceful atmosphere becomes the focal point instead. Ecotourism packages are available, but note that the hotel closes for the season on Nov. 27.
Where to stay
Take a ride with Clew Bay Charters for fishing or a guided historical tour of Clew Bay, which is scattered with 365 islands; only six of them are inhabited all year round. Back in the 16th century, these islands were important for Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, who used them as a place to lure passing vessels or intercept enemy ships. Croagh Patrick, a mountain that is one of County Mayo’s most famous natural landmarks, overlooks the bay.
What you'll do
With 840 acres of parkland, there is plenty of space at Adare Manor in County Limerick, whether it’s on the Tom Fazio-designed golf course, in the Michelin-starred restaurant or in the uber-relaxing spa. Dating back to the 1830s, this imposing Neo-Gothic manor house hotel and golf resort will host the Ryder Cup in 2027.
Stay in the center of Ireland’s second largest city, Cork, with a stop at The Dean. All rooms here have floor-to-ceiling windows and you can also get panoramic views of the city from Sophie’s rooftop restaurant. This trendy hotel is within walking distance of Patrick Street, the Cork shopping district and close to the Crawford Art Gallery and the foodie paradise that is The English Market.
Where to stay
The charming villages and dramatic scenery of Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Start in Dingle town, a bustling bohemian burgh with colorful shops, charming pubs (order a Dingle Gin or pint of Tom Crean’s beer) and fishing boats docked in the harbor. Make a beeline to Murphy’s for a sea-salt ice cream sandwich. From there, venture out for the twists and turns of the 30-mile Slea Head Drive along the Kerry coastline. Keep an eye out for the Fahan beehive huts that were once homes for medieval Irish monks (and more recently, Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars" Episodes VII and VIII). Off in the distance, you may catch a silhouette of Skellig Michael rising from the Atlantic surf. Walk the windswept sands of Coumeenoole beach, carved from the black rocks by the persistent Atlantic surf. Continue to Dunquin, the westernmost village in Ireland, and take the winding path down to Dunquin Pier to catch a ferry over to the deserted Blasket Islands.
What you'll see
Start your day with an Irish coffee in Limerick, the place where it was invented, then stroll the city's compact old town, full of medieval gems and Georgian townhouses. Head to Kinsale in County Cork, at the southern end of the Wild Atlantic Way and considered the gourmet capital of Ireland, for its annual Food Festival (Oct. 15) started in 1976. You’ll find plenty of fruits de mer (mussels, oysters and lobster) on menus across the harbor town, including at award-winning chef Martin Shanahan’s Fishy Fishy (order the fish pie). For a little local guidance, book with Kinsale Food Tours for a taste of some of the town’s most delicious dishes, served with a side of history. To explore West Cork further, take the coast road west to the Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse, then continue to Clonakilty (called “Clon” by locals) to pick up some black pudding for a picnic and walk along nearby Inchydoney Beach. Finish the day with night kayaking in the surreal biolumniscent salt waters of Lough Hyne, then pop into a cozy pub for some music.
What you'll eat
Reaching out brazenly into the swirling Atlantic Ocean, Mizen Head feels like the edge of the known world. It’s home to the Mizen Head signal station, built over a century ago to help ships avoid the dangerous rocks along the Irish coastline.
A well-regarded maritime museum is part of the visitor’s center, and from there you walk the coastal path surrounded by striking scenery to the Mizen Head Bridge. Don’t be afraid to look down as you cross the foaming sea, you may spot seals, dolphins or humpback whales in the waters below. Once at the signal station, look out over the water to see the Fastnet Lighthouse perched on a rocky islet.
Discover the hidden gem
Postcard-perfect peninsulas, charming coastal towns and epic drives can all be found in the colorful southwestern corner of Ireland. Come here to see a historic landmark as well — Charles Fort in County Cork.
Located near Kinsale, Charles Fort is a massive star-shaped military structure dating back to the late 1600s, during the reign of King Charles II. The military fortress has played a role in major events in Ireland’s history, including the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. There’s a nominal fee to walk around the well-preserved grounds, including the ramparts where you’ll get a great view of Kinsale Harbour.
What's the buzz here?
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula through rugged coastal landscapes and picturesque seaside villages. The drive takes around 3.5 hours to complete if you don’t stop – but what’s the fun in that? The drive starts in Killarney, taking you through the 26,000-acre Killarney National Park. Stop at the Muckross House & Gardens to see the 19th-century country home of Queen Victoria, then pick up the scenic loop for a 4-mile hike to the 70-foot Torc Waterfall. Later on, you may want to stop at the Ladies View, an overlook with an excellent view of Lough Leane and the surrounding Kerry landscape.
After passing through Moll’s Gap, you’ll eventually come upon the waterfront town of Kenmare. Pick up some world-renowned lace while you’re there (it’s popular with the Pope). The ring road continues through quirky towns and villages, past rocky coastline and hidden beaches.
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Visit King John’s Castle in the heart of medieval Limerick City, where you can experience interactive exhibitions like CGI animations and costumed guides, medieval courtyard games like quoits (ring toss) and tug o’ war, as well as stunning views of the River Shannon and the city.
What you'll do
Counties Limerick, Kerry & Cork
Lough Eske Castle
Lough Mardal Lodge
Lough Mardal Lodge
Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle
Gregans Castle Hotel
Adare Manor
Adare Manor
The Dean
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Lough Eske Castle
Gregans Castle Hotel
Doolin
Poulnabrone Dolmen, Burren
Doolin
Cliffs of Moher
Malin Head
Grianan of Aileach
Inishowen Peninsula
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