Stretching over 1,600 miles, the Wild Atlantic Way is an iconic drive in Ireland. Stretching from the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale, it’s arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful drives. Not only that, there are heaps of places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to visit. There are hundreds of stopping points!
Over the years, we’ve explored so much of the Island of Ireland, from, exploring cities like; Dublin and Belfast, to visiting Galway on the westerly fringes of Europe. Ireland is a stunning country that’s so great to visit on a road trip.
So, to help you get the most out of your visit, I’m sharing the top places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way (and the sider vicinity) that you won’t want to miss.
Plus, I’ve also provided a Google Maps point for each place, so you can easily add these to your map.
Now, I’m not detailing them in any particular route or order, and there’s a good reason why. Most people only join sections of the Wild Atlantic Way or drive alternating routes which makes it hard to pinpoint the most iconic places. Hopefully, our guide will serve as inspiration on where to start and stop your journey in Ireland.
Have an amazing time visiting Ireland.
1.) Cliffs of Moher
Probably one of Ireland’s most breathtaking shorelines, the Cliffs of Moher are one spot you can’t miss. North of the city of Galway, about a 90-minute drive, the Cliffs of Moher are just breathtaking.
Spanning around 10 miles of the coastline in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are best visited on your trip between Limerick and Galway, taking the coastal Wild Atlantic Way route.
Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get to see O’Brien’s Tower, and head for a stroll along the Burren Way. It’s one of the best ways to view the Cliffs of Moher, especially at sunset (as it’s westerly facing).
To make things easier, book this Cliffs of Moher day trip from Galway. It’s amazing and you’ll get to experience the sheer dramatic beauty of the coastline and the Aran Islands. It’s a whole-day trip and totally worth it. Just be sure to book these tickets in advance, they do sell out at busy times.
Though, a heads up, make sure to take a windbreaker jacket with you. The wind can get so intense after travelling for thousands of miles and hitting the Irish coastline.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to the cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best things to do in Dublin
2.) Coumeenoole Beach
Heading west from the town of Tralee, you’ll reach the unspoilt coastal area around Coumeenoole. Now, the drive from Tralee itself will take around 75 minutes, but it’s well worth it if you’re looking to explore some of Ireland’s untapped natural beauty.
Once here, make sure to stop off at Coumeenoole Beach. Yes, it might be small, but it’s so beautiful and really gorgeous to visit on a sunny day.
Not only that, you’ve got some fantastic vistas across the R559 road to see. Make sure to stop off at Blasket’s View, explore Dunmore Head and spot the prehistoric beehive huts (Tóchar Maothaithe) that date back over 2,000 years.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Coumeenoole Beach on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best things to do in Galway
3.) Achill Island
Northwest of Lough Mask, Achill Island is one of the places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way you can’t miss. You see, it’s one of Ireland’s islands which is connected by a bridge, making it so easy to visit whilst on a road trip.
After, you’ve arrived on Achill Island, make sure to visit the beautiful Keel Beach and Keem Beach. Both are white sandy bays that are just stunning to see. Oh, and don’t forget to see the White Cliffs of Ashleam on the southerly points of Achill Island.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Keem Beach on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
4.) Ballybunion
On the coastal route, west of Limerick, the town of Ballybunion is an easy stop to make on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Now, don’t expect a massive town, but its charm is still worth visiting.
If it is the beaches you’re after, then head to either Nuns Beach or Ballybunion Beach itself. Both are stunning, but the former has a few more facilities as it’s right on the edge of Ballybunion itself.
Not only that, on Ballybunion Beach, you can organise surf lessons with Ballybunion Surf School. It’s a great way to test your skills on the surf. However, It’s much harder than it looks (well, it was for me at least).
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Ballybunion on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best castles in Ireland to visit
5.) Assaranca Waterfall
East of the Caves of Maghera, Assaranca Waterfall is easily one of the best places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to visit for a quick stop. You see, it’s one of Ireland’s best waterfalls to see and the wider region around here is stunning too.
Best of all, it’s really accessible and you can park right next to the falls. This means that it’s really easy to spot as you drive around County Donegal.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Assaranca Waterfall on the Wild Atlantic Way.
6.) Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and Victorian Walled Garden that’s totally beautiful to see.
The Kylemore Abbey was constructed for the benedictine nuns in 1920; but has a history that goes back even further. It’s so worth booking a visit for the house and the gardens as both are totally gorgeous.
Once inside, you’ll get to explore the Restored rooms, visit the Neo-Gothic Church and stroll the Kylemore Woodlands Trails. Just make sure to give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to visit.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Kylemore Abbey on the Wild Atlantic Way.
7.) Galway
A trip to Galway is a must when driving the Wild Atlantic Way.
Now, Galway is a great little anchor point if you want a little break from all the driving. You see, the city has heaps of things to do and experience.
After arriving in Galway, make sure to visit the Galway Cathedral, explore the Latin Quarter and spot the city walls. You can easily see the latter at the Spanish Arch which was added in the 1700s.
Oh, and make sure to stop off at Kirwan’s for their freshly caught oysters.
Finally, if you fancy heading over to the nearby Aran Islands, then book this tour. Not only does it depart from Galway, but you’ll also get to explore the cliffs of Moher on this full-day tour. It’s so incredible, but make sure to book these tickets before arriving in Galway. Tickets sell out fast at peak times.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best things to do in and around Galway
8.) Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower that is easily Ireland’s most historic, still-standing, castle. Easily reached on the road between Limerick and Galway,
I’m not going to spoil it by giving loads of details, but it’s the kind of place you can visit for a few hours and explore Ireland’s history, especially in the folk park where you can learn more about each of the thatched houses.
Now, once here, you can easily grab tickets for Bunratty Castle and the folkpark at the door.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Bunratty Castle on the Wild Atlantic Way.
9.) Dun Chaoin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin)
When you’re driving around the Wild Atlantic Way, you will come across signs like these (below) called Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points.
These are points of interest that you won’t want to miss and they make it really easy to locate local attractions as you meander the coast roads. This isn’t the one outside Dun Chaoin Pier, but I wanted to add it for reference for your trip.
Now, when you look out for these signs, you’ll come across Dunquin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin). It’s a free vantage point to see whilst driving Slea Head. Plus, it’s located right next to the roadside.
If you do decide to walk down, be prepared for the walk back. Trust me, it feels steep on the stroll to the pier but the way back up is intense. Oh, yeah, and it gets super windy here; so pack plenty of layers.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Dun Chaoin Pier on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best things to do in and around Galway
10.) Valentia Island
Travelling over to Valentina Island is super easy. This is especially true as it’s connected by a bridge from Port Magee.
Now, once you’re here, you’ll want to visit the Skellig Experience, it’s a visitor centre that details all about the lives of the Skelling Monks that once lived on the island itself.
Fancy a hike? Then head over to the Geokaun and Fogher Cliffs. This area of Valentina Island is so rugged and totally unspoilt. You can just imagine this landscape looking exactly the same thousands of years ago.
For a really fun experience, book this sea safari tour of Valentina Island that departs from Knight’s Town. It’s so much fun and you’ll get to visit Renard Point and see the local Seals and Oystercatchers.
Now, to drive back over to the main island of Ireland, you’ll drive towards Knight’s Town. From here, it’s a few minutes’ journey by boat to Renard Point.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Knight’s Town on the Wild Atlantic Way.
11.) Strandhill
Strandhill is a coastal village renowned for being one of the main attractions for surfers in Western Europe. That being said, it’s not just surfing that makes this area so special.
West of the town of Sligo, Strandhill is one of the best places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to visit if you’re looking for a slower pace of travel. You see, the coastline around Strandhill, and the local community, are all so lovely.
Once here, be sure to enjoy the dunes of Strandhill Beach and visit The Venue Bar for their freshly caught Irish cod (with chunky chips). It’s so good.
Oh, and don’t forget to book a round of golf at Strandhill Golf Club, too. Their fairways overlook the beautiful coastline here.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Strandhill on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
12.) Fanad Head
Perched right in the northerly route of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fanad Head is a beautiful coastline with spectacular views.
Once here, make sure to spot Fanad Head Lighthouse which dates back to the early 1800s. Oh, and be sure to explore the wider region around Fanad Head, too.
We loved visiting the Great Pollet Sea Arch and exploring Ballyhiernan Bay. All of which are within easy reach by car.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Fanad Head on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best things to do in Northern Ireland
13.) Malin Head
Malin Head is located at the most northerly point of mainland Ireland and is absolutely breathtaking. There’s something about the rugged beauty of Ireland’s coastline that’s just so inviting.
Now, the whole area around Malin Head is perfect if you want to park up and stroll or hike some of the coastline.
Once here, be sure to check out Lloyds Signal Tower, which has some great views and a long history to learn about. Not only that, you’ve got; Pólifreann, Malin Head Viewpoint and Breshla which can all be explored easily on foot.
Though, again, be prepared for a blustery experience, especially if there’s a westerly wind blowing.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Malin Head on the Wild Atlantic Way.
14.) Lough Currant
Nestled on the Ring of Kerry, Louch Currant is an idyllic lough that’s absolutely untouched. Now, it’s not as popular as some other places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to visit; but we loved it for a 20-minute stop in the car.
Fancy staying longer? Make sure to book this kayak tour on Lough Currant itself. It’s absolutely beautiful. Best of all, the team can provide you with wetsuits and guide you around the lough itself.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Louch Currant on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
15.) Kilcrea Friary
Not too far from the city of Cork, Kilcrea Friary is one of the best places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to visit when you’ve just started your trip from Cork itself.
You see, Kicrea Abbey is only about a 20-minute drive from Cork Airport and totally easy to find.
Once here, you’ll be able to explore the centuries-old ruins and walk freely around the site. Visits take around 20 minutes and it’s well worth wearing some boots if you’re visiting at wetter times of the year – it can get a little muddy.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Kilcrea Friary on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
16.) Abbey Island
Nestled within the County of Kerry, Abbey Island is a totally beautiful and gorgeous island that can be reached by foot. You see, it’s connected by Derrynane Beach which makes it all so easy.
Once here, you can easily stroll across to the island to explore the eerie ruins of Derrynane Abbey. Alternatively, you can visit Derrynane Bay Beach which is so stunning too.
Oh, and be sure to stop off at Keatings Bar for a tipple. Mind you, it’s only open seasonally – so take some snacks with you.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to Abbey Island on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
17.) Sliabh Liag Viewing Platform
The Sliabh Liag Viewing Platform and the views of Slieve League are just stunning to see. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that it’s one of my favourite places on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to visit.
You see, these are the second-highest cliffs in all of Ireland and the views are so beautiful. Now, to get here you’ll take one of the buses from the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre (which makes it so easy).
Once here, you’ll get to see the views all across the coastline and explore the hiking routes around Shanbally. Hikes can be as quick or as long as you want in this area and the paths are really well marked.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to the Sliabh Liag Viewing Platform on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
18.) Slea Head Drive
The Slea Head drive is on one of the country’s most scenic coastal roads, in the southwest of Ireland. Now, it’s really easy to include the Slea Head drive after exploring Coumeenoole Beach (as they’re in a similar area).
Once here, you can explore Ceann Trá Beach, visit Eask Tower and view the remains at Fairy Fort Ringfort. The latter are Bronze Age ‘house’ ruins that once stood in early (or pre) Celtic times in Ireland.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to the Ceann Trá Beach on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
19.) Ballina
Nestled within the northern fringes of County Mayo, the small town of Ballina is well worth a stop as you drive along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Once here, make sure to visit the Jackie Clarke Collection. It’s free to enter and is a great way to learn more about Ireland’s long history. Also, don’t forget to have a look around St. Muredach’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 1800s.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop off at The Merry Monk when leaving Ballina itself. It’s a great place for a proper pub lunch and their carvery is so good. It runs from 12-4 pm, so make sure to arrive on time.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you right to the Ballinah on the Wild Atlantic Way.
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