Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland
Length: 1,600 miles
Route: Along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula down to Kinsale, County Cork
As the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, it’s difficult to imagine a more epic road trip than the Wild Atlantic Way.
Spanning 1,600 miles along Ireland’s west coast, this route offers drivers the opportunity of a lifetime.
From the secluded landscapes of County Mayo to the popular yet pretty County Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way allows visitors to sample the best of Ireland’s scenery on one connected route.
Working from north to south, you’ll start in the Inishowen Peninsula.
As Ireland’s largest peninsula, it’s flanked by glorious beaches and craggy clifftops. The Gap of Mamore road on this stretch ascends to 800ft, giving you a spectacular view over the coast.
From here, the next section cuts through the remote Donegal countryside, twisting down the coast towards Sligo.
Mullaghmore Head is considered one of the finest examples of the landscape on the Wild Atlantic Way.
If you fancy a little detour, you can hop on a ferry over to the island of Inishmurray.
County Mayo, although not as well-known as the likes of County Kerry or Donegal, is one of the most remote stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Impressive sea stacks, sweeping beaches and country lanes make this one of the most enchanting counties in Ireland.
Branch out to the Mullet Peninsula to find some of the best beaches. From Mayo, the road stretches down to Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island, historically famous for its population of basking sharks.
Today, its frontier feel draws visitors who wish to rest on the sand or admire the highest sea cliffs in the country.
The Wild Atlantic Way continues south, passing Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain, the valleys of Doo Lough and Delphi and Killary harbour.
Before long, you’ll find yourself approaching Connemara National Park and Ireland’s Sky Road, with panoramic views over the Atlantic.
Narrower roads wander down the coast before reaching Galway, a vibrant harbour city, which I’m sure you’ll have heard of from Ed Sheeran. If you haven’t heard of it, have you been living under a rock?
Continue past the famous Cliffs of Moher, past Kilkee and onto Tralee, before you reach the Dingle Peninsula.
But you can escape the crowds on Slea Head Drive, or take a boat over to the secluded Blasket Islands.
After taking your lease car for a spin around the Peninsula, continue to the iconic Ring of Kerry.
From here, you can reach the Skellig Islands, which featured in the final scene of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The route carries on further south, away from the busier areas of Dingle and Kerry, to bring you back to the remote beauty of the Ring of Beara, before stretching around the south-west of Ireland for the awesome conclusion to your trip.
Don’t miss: Walking on the sand at Mullaghmore, taking in the views at Keem Bay, looking up at the towering Croagh Patrick, diving into the Irish culture in Galway, looking out over the Cliffs of Moher, taking your car for a spin along Slea Head Drive and the Ring of Kerry.