{"id":115606,"date":"2025-11-01T08:02:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T08:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/115606\/"},"modified":"2025-11-01T08:02:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T08:02:14","slug":"irelands-wild-atlantic-way-road-trip-rivals-the-north-coast-500-11-unmissable-stops-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/115606\/","title":{"rendered":"Ireland\u2019s Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip Rivals The North Coast 500 \u2013 11 Unmissable Stops To See"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keem Bay is nestled in a sheltered cove on Achill Island, a remote spot <\/a>on Ireland\u2019s northwest coast in County Mayo, and the backdrop for some of the most poignant scenes in 2022\u2019s The Banshees of Inisherin. While Hollywood may have put a global spotlight on Achill\u2019s unspoiled beauty<\/a>, the beach remains quiet and peaceful, even on a sunny day. <\/p>\n

It feels secluded, populated only by a few hikers looking out to the Atlantic, salty-faced dogs running through the waves and a wise old Irish goat, native to the area, resting among wildflowers on the shore. <\/p>\n

As I paused to take in Keem Bay\u2019s serene beauty, an Achill local came and stood beside me with a selection of amethyst crystals in his hand. He explained that you’ll often find these gems on the beach after heavy rain, washed loose from an ancient amethyst vein in the rocks. He handed one to me, \u201cfor good luck,\u201d setting the tone for the hints of mysticism I\u2019d encounter throughout a road trip<\/a> across Ireland.
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What to Read Next\"hikers\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes<\/p>\n

Keem Bay on Achill Island<\/p>\n

Achill Island is a highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW), which stretches 1,600 miles from Donegal\u2019s Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale in County Cork<\/a>; one of the world\u2019s longest defined coastal routes<\/a>. Like Scotland\u2019s North Coast 500<\/a>, it\u2019s built for slow travel<\/a> but offers more variety than the NC500\u2019s 516-mile route. <\/p>\n

The WAW loops around ancient woodlands and beautiful lakes<\/a>, through windswept moors and untouched valleys, revealing some of the wilder landscapes<\/a> rarely seen. The coast is the star of this route, offering views of towering sea cliffs, vast stretches of sandy beaches<\/a>, and scenic harbours. <\/p>\n

\"dingle\"pinterest\"<\/a>Getty Images<\/p>\n

Dingle Peninsula<\/p>\n

The terrain is often rugged and the roads quiet, showcasing Ireland\u2019s untamed beauty throughout every season. There are plenty of cosy boltholes to stop off along the way, from charming county inns to B&Bs with ocean views and off-grid hideaways<\/a>, but the journey itself is the experience.<\/p>\n

After embarking on my own solo road trip across the west coast of Ireland, I learned that the Wild Atlantic Way is yours to define. There are 180 official Discovery Points marked by squiggly signposts (a nod to both the WAW acronym and the surrounding rolling waves) to guide your journey, but the exact route is up to you. Nevertheless, having experienced them first-hand, these are some of the highlights you should add to your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary. <\/p>\n

Jump to: 1. The Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal<\/a> 2. Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal<\/a> 3. Sliabh Liag, County Donegal<\/a> 4. Donegal Town<\/a> 5. Strandhill Beach, County Sligo <\/a> 6. Achill Island, County Mayo<\/a> 7. Killary Fjord, County Mayo<\/a> 8. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare<\/a> 9. The Blasket Islands, County Kerry<\/a> 10. Portmagee, County Kerry<\/a> 11. The Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork<\/a>11 highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way (north to south)\"scenic\"pinterest\"<\/a>Getty Images<\/p>\n

The Wild Atlantic Way<\/p>\n

1. The Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal<\/p>\n

The WAW begins at the Inishowen Peninsula, an approximately 100-mile coastline where you\u2019ll find Ireland\u2019s most northerly point, Malin Head. Explore the dramatic scenery of Dunree Head and Five Fingers Strand, with a pit stop at Farren\u2019s Bar, Ireland\u2019s most northerly pub. <\/p>\n

\"malin\"pinterest\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The cosy venue is known to have attracted some famous guests, including Star Wars actors Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley, who stopped in for a pint while filming The Last Jedi. Film fans will note the large Yoda mural as they enter the pub, set among other colourful artwork, giving the pub its distinct character.
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Where to stay: The family-run Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa<\/a> offers panoramic views of Malin Head and the golden sands of Pollan Bay. The Rock Crystal Spa is a tranquil haven with twinkling candlelight and luxurious Voya seaweed treatments.<\/p>\n

2. Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal<\/p>\n

South of Inishowen lies Glenveagh National Park, encompassing 16,000 acres of wilderness and home to a fairytale castle and four formal gardens, which are among the most beautiful in Ireland. <\/p>\n

\"glenveagh\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauen Hughes<\/p>\n

Glenveagh Castle in Glenveagh National Park<\/p>\n

Explore the Walled Garden, laid out in a charming Jardin Potager style, where vegetable patches<\/a> and herbs grow alongside ornamental blooms, or the later-developed romantic Tuscan Gardens and Italian Terrace, home to an eclectic assortment of classical busts and terracotta pots<\/a> set among the foliage. Head Gardener Se\u00e1n O\u2019Gaoith\u00edn has tended these grounds for more than three decades, his dedication evident in the flourishing spaces.<\/p>\n

\"glenveagh\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes<\/p>\n

Se\u00e1n O\u2019Gaoith\u00edn\u2019s office at Glenveagh Castle Gardens<\/p>\n

Where to stay: The Waterfront Hotel<\/a>, perched above the picturesque Dungloe Bay, is a short drive from Glenveagh National Park and offers easy access to Sliabh Liag, with an upmarket restaurant with views over the bay \u2013 particularly beautiful at sunset. <\/p>\n

3. Sliabh Liag, County Donegal<\/p>\n

Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Sliabh Liag offers intrepid hikers dramatic views as they ascend \u2013 and the most daring reach the summit via a narrow hiking trail<\/a> known as One Man\u2019s Pass. <\/p>\n

\"sliabh\"pinterest\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Those feeling less adventurous can still admire the cliffs from the viewing platform, watching tiny boats glide across the Atlantic. Afterwards, take a short driving detour to Malin Beg, a secluded horseshoe-shaped bay accessible only by a steep stone staircase, which legend says has an ever-changing number of steps. <\/p>\n

Where to stay: Carrick Gate<\/a> is a luxury guesthouse in the nearby village of Carrick, offering a warm welcome to tourists.<\/p>\n

4. Donegal Town<\/p>\n

Nearby Donegal Town, with its pretty cafes and historic castle (built in the 15th century by the O’Donnell clan), is a hub for local businesses<\/a> \u2013 and is definitely worth a stop-off while in the area. Visit Hanna Hats, an independent hatmaker, where patchwork hats and flatcaps are hand-stitched, with Hollywood fans including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.
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Hanna Hats<\/a> embodies the authenticity that runs through the town, where heritage crafts<\/a> thrive and hospitality is warm and heartfelt. If you do choose to stay into the evening, you\u2019ll find plenty of welcoming pubs<\/a> that keep the Irish tradition of live music alive and well. <\/p>\n

\"donegal\"pinterest\"<\/a>Getty Images<\/p>\n

Donegal Castle <\/p>\n

Where to stay: Plenty of glamping spots<\/a> offer a retreat into nature, but few deliver it as completely as Lough Mardal Lodge<\/a>, a wild expanse of meadows, woodland, and heather-covered hills spanning 90 acres.<\/p>\n

Yurts are spaced far apart, each with its own character and cobbled pathway leading up to a decking area where guests can watch the sun set over the lake. They offer a back-to-basics approach<\/a> with no electricity. However, the interiors still feel luxurious, with a king-sized bed and soft bedding<\/a>, tasteful throws, lanterns for candlelight after dark, and a wood-burning stove.<\/p>\n

\"lough\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes<\/p>\n

Lough Mardal Lodge<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a sauna on-site with views of the lake and a jetty for cold-water dips<\/a>, as well as the option to try paddleboarding<\/a> with Wild + Free Adventures<\/a>; Lough Mardal\u2019s beauty is even more breathtaking when observed from the water. <\/p>\n

\"yurt\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes<\/p>\n

Lough Mardal Lodge<\/p>\n

5. Strandhill Beach, County Sligo <\/p>\n

At Strandhill Beach, the sense of community is clear; surfers chatting with locals, windswept from a morning session, friendly faces in the charming Shells cafe, groups chatting over stacks of pancakes and generously-loaded avocado on toast with views across to Knocknarea Mountain and Sligo Bay. The brilliant Rebelle Surf School<\/a> offers lessons tailored to beginners; owner Melanie is adept at putting novice surfers at ease as they wrestle with the waves. <\/p>\n

\"strandhill\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes<\/p>\n

Strandhill Beach<\/p>\n

Next door, Voya Seaweed Baths<\/a> offers a more relaxed moment with the ocean, featuring copper tubs filled with mineral-rich seaweed and a private steam room to unwind in before a soak. Once home to nine bath houses at the height of the 20th-century seaweed bath craze, Strandhill continues the tradition with its intimate day spa, perfect for soothing surf-weary muscles.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: Strandhill Suites and Lodges<\/a> offer a comfortable base within walking distance of the beach. The Venue<\/a> restaurant next door serves hearty dishes with a focus on seafood; sample local mussels, crab claws and Atlantic prawns while watching the sun set over the sea (if the weather allows; Ireland is known for its changeable conditions). <\/p>\n

6. Achill Island, County Mayo<\/p>\n

Achill Island offers a quick immersion into Ireland\u2019s natural beauty, with epic landscapes dominated by peat bog and rugged terrain, with some areas completely untouched (despite being the largest island off the coast of Ireland, the population is just over 2,000). <\/p>\n

\"achill\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes<\/p>\n

Achill Island<\/p>\n

Discover Achill Island\u2019s five Blue Flag beaches<\/a>, including the breathtaking Keem Bay, hike to Minaun Heights or watch as the waves crash below the mighty Croaghaun, the highest mountain on the island. This area is also home to beautiful wildlife<\/a>, including peregrine falcons, bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks and porpoises.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: The Achill Cliff House Hotel<\/a> is highly rated for its top-notch hospitality and central location in Keel, Achill\u2019s tourist hub. <\/p>\n

7. Killary Fjord, County Mayo<\/p>\n

Journey south and you\u2019ll reach Killary Fjord on the border between County Mayo and County Galway. Ireland\u2019s only natural Fjord is an idyllic spot for water-based activities such as boat trips, kayaking<\/a>, or diving, with a dramatic mountain backdrop<\/a>. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a must-visit for keen birdwatchers<\/a>, as the whole area is an integral natural bird sanctuary, home to species such as the ringed plover, whooper swan and barnacle goose. <\/p>\n

\"galway\"pinterest\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to stay: Galway provides a vibrant stop-off point around 90 minutes south of Killary Fjord, with a colourful pub scene and creative spirit. Recharge at The G Hotel<\/a>, a plush design hotel and the city\u2019s only five-star accommodation option. <\/p>\n

8. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare<\/p>\n

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland\u2019s most well-known natural wonders<\/a> \u2013 and for good reason. Take the one-hour trip from Doolin, a quaint village famed for its association with traditional Irish music, to experience the Cliffs of Moher at sea level, which rise a staggering 214m from the Atlantic.<\/p>\n

\"coastal\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes\/\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Cliffs of Moher<\/p>\n

Where to stay: Dubbed \u2018Ireland\u2019s greenest hotel,\u2019 Hotel Doolin<\/a> offers easy access to the cliffs, as well as Doolin\u2019s traditional pubs. Hotel Doolin was the first hotel in Ireland to achieve carbon-neutral status in 2019, and sustainability<\/a> is a core part of its ethos.<\/p>\n

9. The Blasket Islands, County Kerry<\/p>\n

Off County Kerry\u2019s Dingle Peninsula, the deserted Blasket Islands are steeped in folklore. The islands were home to a tight-knit community of Gaelic-speaking natives up until the 1950s. These natives lived in isolation and were said to keep both the language and the tradition of Irish storytelling alive with nights around the fire pit<\/a>, sharing tales and local legends. <\/p>\n

The Blasket Islands are largely shrouded in mystery, with writers like Peig Sayers and Tom\u00e1s \u00d3 Criomhthain, author of The Islandman, providing an insight into the harsh conditions the islanders faced. Nowadays, visitors can explore the village ruins and learn more about its storied history. A trip to the Blasket Centre on the mainland beforehand will provide more context.<\/p>\n

\"the\"pinterest\"<\/a>Getty Images<\/p>\n

The Blasket Islands<\/p>\n

Where to stay: Dingle Harbour Lodge<\/a> overlooks the pretty harbour town<\/a> and provides easy access to Dingle Marina, where visitors can board a fast ferry to the Blasket Islands. <\/p>\n

10. Portmagee, County Kerry<\/p>\n

Further south along the Iveragh Peninsula, you\u2019ll find the colourful fishing village<\/a> of Portmagee, where you can pick up artisan goods and find local craftspeople showcasing their talents. Portmagee offers easy access to the historical island of Valentia, one of Ireland’s most westerly points, via the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge, where visitors can learn more about its Gaelic heritage and visit its atmospheric 17th-century lighthouse. <\/p>\n

\"portmagee\"pinterest\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to stay: The Moorings Guesthouse<\/a> has its own seafood restaurant and offers a cosy bolthole overlooking Portmagee\u2019s bustling harbour. <\/p>\n

11. The Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork<\/p>\n

The dramatic final stop along the Wild Atlantic Way is The Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork, a historic headland that celebrates Ireland\u2019s maritime history. Along the coast, you\u2019ll find The Old Head Signal Tower, built around 1805, which now houses the Lusitania Museum. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the tragic story of the RMS Lusitania, sunk by a German U-boat near the museum in 1915. <\/p>\n

\"lighthouse\"pinterest\"<\/a>Getty Images<\/p>\n

The Old Head of Kinsale<\/p>\n

Where to stay: End your trip at the luxurious Kinsale Hotel & Spa<\/a>, surrounded by 90 acres of parkland overlooking Oysterhaven Bay and only 30 minutes from Cork Airport.<\/p>\n

The Wild Atlantic Way: Tips from the Road<\/p>\n

\"keem\"pinterest\"<\/a>Lauren Hughes<\/p>\n

Keem Bay on Achill Island <\/p>\n

While Ireland is a beautiful place to visit year-round, it does have a reputation for heavy rainfall, so it\u2019s best to come prepared with wellies and waterproof jackets. You\u2019ll need at least a few weeks to travel the Wild Atlantic Way. For a more relaxed trip, 3-4 weeks is recommended. If you\u2019re short on time, you could take just one section, such as the north from Malin Head to Achill Island or the south, from Galway to The Old Head of Kinsale, to reduce driving time. Leave space in the itinerary for stop-off tips from local people and tour guides you meet along the way. Be curious about what to see and do, and the recommendations will come thick and fast. Book accommodation in advance, particularly during busy periods such as the festive season or summer holidays. <\/p>\n

Ireland is part of the common travel area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers to Ireland. For more information, visit: Ireland.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Keem Bay is nestled in a sheltered cove on Achill Island, a remote spot on Ireland\u2019s northwest coast…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":115607,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[61,60,43,32864],"class_list":["post-115606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ireland","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-news","tag-wild-atlantic-way"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115606\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/115607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}