Stretching over 1,600 miles, the Wild Atlantic Manner is an iconic drive in Ireland. Stretching from the gorgeous Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale, it’s arguably certainly one of Europe’s most lovely drives. Not solely that, there are heaps of locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach to go to. There are a whole bunch of stopping factors!
Over time, we’ve explored a lot of the Island of Ireland, from, exploring cities like; Dublin and Belfast, to visiting Galway on the westerly fringes of Europe. Eire is a shocking nation that’s so nice to go to on a highway journey.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’m sharing the highest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Manner (and the sider neighborhood) that you just received’t wish to miss.
Plus, I’ve additionally offered a Google Maps level for every place, so you may simply add these to your map.
Now, I’m not detailing them in any specific route or order, and there’s a great motive why. Most individuals solely be part of sections of the Wild Atlantic Manner or drive alternating routes which makes it arduous to pinpoint essentially the most iconic locations. Hopefully, our information will function inspiration on the place to begin and cease your journey in Eire.
Have an incredible time visiting Eire.
1.) Cliffs of Moher
Most likely certainly one of Eire’s most breathtaking shorelines, the Cliffs of Moher are one spot you may’t miss. North of the city of Galway, a couple of 90-minute drive, the Cliffs of Moher are simply breathtaking.
Spanning round 10 miles of the shoreline in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are greatest visited in your journey between Limerick and Galway, taking the coastal Wild Atlantic Manner route.
Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get to see O’Brien’s Tower, and head for a stroll alongside the Burren Manner. It’s top-of-the-line methods to view the Cliffs of Moher, particularly at sundown (because it’s westerly going through).
To make issues simpler, book this Cliffs of Moher day trip from Galway. It’s wonderful and also you’ll get to expertise the sheer dramatic fantastic thing about the shoreline and the Aran Islands. It’s a whole-day journey and completely price it. Simply you’ll want to book these tickets upfront, they do promote out at busy instances.
Although, a heads up, be sure that to take a windbreaker jacket with you. The wind can get so intense after travelling for 1000’s of miles and hitting the Irish shoreline.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best things to do in Dublin
2.) Coumeenoole Seashore
Heading west from the city of Tralee, you’ll attain the unspoilt coastal space round Coumeenoole. Now, the drive from Tralee itself will take round 75 minutes, nevertheless it’s nicely price it in case you’re trying to discover a few of Eire’s untapped pure magnificence.
As soon as right here, be sure that to cease off at Coumeenoole Seashore. Sure, it is likely to be small, nevertheless it’s so lovely and actually beautiful to go to on a sunny day.
Not solely that, you’ve bought some improbable vistas throughout the R559 highway to see. Be certain to cease off at Blasket’s View, discover Dunmore Head and spot the prehistoric beehive huts (Tóchar Maothaithe) that date again over 2,000 years.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Coumeenoole Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best things to do in Galway
3.) Achill Island
Northwest of Lough Masks, Achill Island is without doubt one of the locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Manner you may’t miss. You see, it’s certainly one of Eire’s islands which is related by a bridge, making it really easy to go to while on a highway journey.
After, you’ve arrived on Achill Island, be sure that to go to the gorgeous Keel Seashore and Keem Beach. Each are white sandy bays which might be simply beautiful to see. Oh, and don’t neglect to see the White Cliffs of Ashleam on the southerly factors of Achill Island.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Keem Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
4.) Ballybunion
On the coastal route, west of Limerick, the city of Ballybunion is a straightforward cease to make on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Manner. Now, don’t count on an enormous city, however its attraction continues to be price visiting.
If it’s the seashores you’re after, then head to both Nuns Seashore or Ballybunion Seashore itself. Each are beautiful, however the former has just a few extra amenities because it’s proper on the sting of Ballybunion itself.
Not solely that, on Ballybunion Seashore, you may organise surf classes with Ballybunion Surf Faculty. It’s an effective way to check your expertise on the surf. Nonetheless, It’s a lot more durable than it seems to be (nicely, it was for me not less than).
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Ballybunion on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best castles in Ireland to visit
5.) Assaranca Waterfall
East of the Caves of Maghera, Assaranca Waterfall is definitely top-of-the-line locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach to go to for a fast cease. You see, it’s certainly one of Eire’s greatest waterfalls to see and the broader area round right here is beautiful too.
Better of all, it’s actually accessible and you’ll park proper subsequent to the falls. Which means that it’s very easy to identify as you drive round County Donegal.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Assaranca Waterfall on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
6.) Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and Victorian Walled Backyard that’s completely lovely to see.
The Kylemore Abbey was constructed for the benedictine nuns in 1920; however has a historical past that goes again even additional. It’s so price reserving a go to for the home and the gardens as each are completely beautiful.
As soon as inside, you’ll get to discover the Restored rooms, go to the Neo-Gothic Church and stroll the Kylemore Woodlands Trails. Simply be sure that to present your self not less than 2 to three hours to go to.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Kylemore Abbey on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
7.) Galway
A visit to Galway is a should when driving the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Now, Galway is a good little anchor level if you’d like a bit break from all of the driving. You see, town has heaps of issues to do and expertise.
After arriving in Galway, be sure that to go to the Galway Cathedral, discover the Latin Quarter and spot town partitions. You possibly can simply see the latter on the Spanish Arch which was added within the 1700s.
Oh, and ensure to cease off at Kirwan’s for his or her freshly caught oysters.
Lastly, in case you fancy heading over to the close by Aran Islands, then book this tour. Not solely does it depart from Galway, however you’ll additionally get to discover the cliffs of Moher on this full-day tour. It’s so unimaginable, however be sure that to book these tickets earlier than arriving in Galway. Tickets promote out quick at peak instances.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Galway on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best things to do in and around Galway
8.) Bunratty Fortress
Bunratty Fortress is a big Fifteenth-century tower that’s simply Eire’s most historic, still-standing, fortress. Simply reached on the highway between Limerick and Galway,
I’m not going to spoil it by giving a great deal of particulars, nevertheless it’s the type of place you may go to for just a few hours and discover Eire’s historical past, particularly within the people park the place you may study extra about every of the thatched homes.
Now, as soon as right here, you may simply seize tickets for Bunratty Fortress and the folkpark on the door.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Bunratty Fortress on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
9.) Dun Chaoin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin)
If you’re driving across the Wild Atlantic Manner, you’ll come throughout indicators like these (beneath) referred to as Wild Atlantic Manner Discovery Factors.
These are factors of curiosity that you just received’t wish to miss and so they make it very easy to find native sights as you meander the coast roads. This isn’t the one exterior Dun Chaoin Pier, however I wished so as to add it for reference in your journey.
Now, while you look out for these indicators, you’ll come throughout Dunquin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin). It’s a free vantage level to see while driving Slea Head. Plus, it’s situated proper subsequent to the roadside.
When you do determine to stroll down, be ready for the stroll again. Belief me, it feels steep on the stroll to the pier however the way in which again up is intense. Oh, yeah, and it will get tremendous windy right here; so pack loads of layers.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Dun Chaoin Pier on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best things to do in and around Galway
10.) Valentia Island
Travelling over to Valentina Island is tremendous simple. That is very true because it’s related by a bridge from Port Magee.
Now, when you’re right here, you’ll wish to go to the Skellig Expertise, it’s a customer centre that particulars all concerning the lives of the Skelling Monks that when lived on the island itself.
Fancy a hike? Then head over to the Geokaun and Fogher Cliffs. This space of Valentina Island is so rugged and completely unspoilt. You possibly can simply think about this panorama wanting precisely the identical 1000’s of years in the past.
For a extremely enjoyable expertise, book this sea safari tour of Valentina Island that departs from Knight’s City. It’s a lot enjoyable and also you’ll get to go to Renard Level and see the native Seals and Oystercatchers.
Now, to drive again over to the primary island of Eire, you’ll drive in direction of Knight’s City. From right here, it’s a couple of minutes’ journey by boat to Renard Level.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Knight’s City on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
11.) Strandhill
Strandhill is a coastal village famend for being one of many principal sights for surfers in Western Europe. That being stated, it’s not simply browsing that makes this space so particular.
West of the city of Sligo, Strandhill is without doubt one of the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach to go to in case you’re in search of a slower tempo of journey. You see, the shoreline round Strandhill, and the area people, are all so beautiful.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to benefit from the dunes of Strandhill Seashore and go to The Venue Bar for his or her freshly caught Irish cod (with chunky chips). It’s so good.
Oh, and don’t neglect to e book a spherical of golf at Strandhill Golf Membership, too. Their fairways overlook the gorgeous shoreline right here.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Strandhill on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
12.) Fanad Head
Perched proper within the northerly route of the Wild Atlantic Manner, Fanad Head is an exquisite shoreline with spectacular views.
As soon as right here, be sure that to identify Fanad Head Lighthouse which dates again to the early 1800s. Oh, and you’ll want to discover the broader area round Fanad Head, too.
We cherished visiting the Nice Pollet Sea Arch and exploring Ballyhiernan Bay. All of that are inside simple attain by automobile.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Fanad Head on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best things to do in Northern Ireland
13.) Malin Head
Malin Head is situated on the most northerly level of mainland Eire and is totally breathtaking. There’s one thing concerning the rugged fantastic thing about Eire’s shoreline that’s simply so inviting.
Now, the entire space round Malin Head is ideal if you wish to park up and stroll or hike a number of the shoreline.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to take a look at Lloyds Signal Tower, which has some nice views and a protracted historical past to find out about. Not solely that, you’ve bought; Pólifreann, Malin Head Viewpoint and Breshla which may all be explored simply on foot.
Although, once more, be ready for a blustery expertise, particularly if there’s a westerly wind blowing.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Malin Head on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
14.) Lough Currant
Nestled on the Ring of Kerry, Louch Currant is an idyllic lough that’s completely untouched. Now, it’s not as well-liked as another locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach to go to; however we cherished it for a 20-minute cease within the automobile.
Fancy staying longer? Be certain to book this kayak tour on Lough Currant itself. It’s completely lovely. Better of all, the staff can give you wetsuits and information you across the lough itself.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Louch Currant on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
15.) Kilcrea Friary
Not too removed from town of Cork, Kilcrea Friary is without doubt one of the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach to go to while you’ve simply began your journey from Cork itself.
You see, Kicrea Abbey is simply a couple of 20-minute drive from Cork Airport and completely simple to search out.
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable to discover the centuries-old ruins and stroll freely across the web site. Visits take round 20 minutes and it’s nicely price carrying some boots in case you’re visiting at wetter instances of the 12 months – it could actually get a bit muddy.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Kilcrea Friary on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
16.) Abbey Island
Nestled inside the County of Kerry, Abbey Island is a very lovely and beautiful island that may be reached by foot. You see, it’s related by Derrynane Seashore which makes all of it really easy.
As soon as right here, you may simply stroll throughout to the island to discover the eerie ruins of Derrynane Abbey. Alternatively, you may go to Derrynane Bay Seashore which is so beautiful too.
Oh, and you’ll want to cease off at Keatings Bar for a tipple. Thoughts you, it’s solely open seasonally – so take some snacks with you.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Abbey Island on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
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 simply beautiful to see. In reality, I’d go so far as saying that it’s certainly one of my favorite locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach to go to.
You see, these are the second-highest cliffs in all of Eire and the views are so lovely. Now, to get right here you’ll take one of many buses from the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre (which makes it really easy).
As soon as right here, you’ll get to see the views all throughout the shoreline and discover the mountaineering routes round Shanbally. Hikes will be as fast or so long as you need on this space and the paths are rather well marked.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the Sliabh Liag Viewing Platform on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
18.) Slea Head Drive
The Slea Head drive is on one of many nation’s most scenic coastal roads, within the southwest of Eire. Now, it’s very easy to incorporate the Slea Head drive after exploring Coumeenoole Seashore (as they’re in an analogous space).
As soon as right here, you may discover Ceann Trá Seashore, go to Eask Tower and look at the stays at Fairy Fort Ringfort. The latter are Bronze Age ‘home’ ruins that when stood in early (or pre) Celtic instances in Eire.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the Ceann Trá Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to visit
19.) Ballina
Nestled inside the northern fringes of County Mayo, the small city of Ballina is nicely price a cease as you drive alongside the Wild Atlantic Manner.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to the Jackie Clarke Assortment. It’s free to enter and is an effective way to study extra about Eire’s lengthy historical past. Additionally, don’t neglect to take a look round St. Muredach’s Cathedral, which dates again to the 1800s.
Oh, and don’t neglect to cease off at The Merry Monk when leaving Ballina itself. It’s an awesome place for a correct pub lunch and their carvery is so good. It runs from 12-4 pm, so be sure that to reach on time.
For ease of navigation, add this point on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the Ballinah on the Wild Atlantic Manner.
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