Wild Atlantic Way...

The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's first long-distance touring route, stretching along the entire Atlantic coast north to south from Donegal to West Cork. If you are planning to tour the Wild Atlantic Way, then you're in for a treat. This 2,500km stretch of glorious rugged coast along the west of Ireland is home to soaring mountains, jutting headlands and breath-taking cliff faces. The route is divided up into 6 regions each with its own individual feel and vistas, accommodation is available all along the route and click here for car hire.

Beginning from the north:

The Northern Headlands is the route’s most remote region, it features soaring cliffs, untouched crags, megalithic sites and glaciated valleys. As this region is so remote it has a very different feel to it, it has its own dialect of Irish (Donegal Irish) in the Gaeltacht areas and a history of strong familial ties with Scotland, indeed the scenery in spots is reminiscent of Scotland.

The Surf Coast stretches west along the wave-crashed coast from Donegal Town to beautiful Erris Head, Co. Mayo. Famed for its surfing, this particular stretch includes Bundoran and nearby Mullaghmore Head, renowned for drawing surfers. See the fabled Prowlers wave in action or watch the many international surfing events that are held here. As for scenery it gets no better than Erris Head, recently voted Ireland’s ‘Best Place to Go Wild’. The head is a promontory at the northernmost tip of the Mullet Peninsula, it is a stunning scenic viewpoint with an unobstructed view of the Atlantic coast.

 

 

The Bay Coast skims south through Mayo and Galway around some impressive bays including Galway Bay and the largest of these Clew Bay. Clew Bay is said to have 365 islets and islands, one for every day of the year. The land merges with the sea in a lacy shoreline of loughs and coves. This area has dazzling beaches, the scenic Great Western Greenway cycle route, sacred Croagh Patrick mountain and Twelve Bens mountain range. A trip to this region isn’t complete without a visit to the Aran Islands to practice your Irish words on the locals and visit Galway City itself to immerse yourself in its culture.

The Cliffs Coast is a place for clifftop walks, island-hopping, traditional pubs and soul-stirring views. See the colonies of puffins on the sheer Cliffs of Moher, bottlenose dolphins in the mouth of the Shannon river and the view of Clare’s mountains from Kerry’s Cliffs of Dooneen. Don’t miss Doolin the regions traditional Irish music capital or the Burren; a vast limestone pavement rich with rare flora.

The Southern Peninsulas have five great peninsulas with mountainous spines, stretching miles out into the ocean. This is great walking country, with long-distance trails and circular routes across the region. Hugging the coast, or crossing Ireland’s highest mountains, breathtaking views unfold at every turn.

The Haven Coast has hundreds of inlets, tiny coves, safe harbours and Blue Flag beaches. Beachcombing, island-hopping, whale-watching, learning to sail or kayaking are some of the many ways to pass your time. Visit one of the many gardens of the region that are lush with sub-tropical plants, and see the hedgerows thick with fuschia and monbretia. The region is full of thriving arts, crafts and artisan food.

For a unique souvenir of your trip pick up a Wild Atlantic Way passport up at any post office, this hardback booklet can be stamped at 188 Discovery Points along the route and is a great memento.