The Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip
/The Wild Atlantic Way is over 1500 miles of coastline that runs from County Cork to County Donegal along the Atlantic Ocean. It is along this route, that you will find some of the most spectacular views and charming towns in all of Ireland.
While it is hard to say what part of the Wild Atlantic Way is the best part, you can be assured that the whole drive will be filled with some of the MOST stunning views imaginable. Here are a few highlights that should not be missed on this epic road trip!
1. Ring of Kerry
Situated in the Southwest corner of Ireland lies the Kerry peninsula and the roadway that circumnavigates it, "The Ring of Kerry".
This storied route includes some of the most scenic and memorable spots in all of Ireland. Everything you read online says you can "do" the ring of Kerry in 6-7 hours, but if you truly want to "experience" it's beautiful landscape, amazing history and friendly residents, we suggest taking at least 2 days.
This quintessential Irish cottage in Beaufort was our home base. It was a great jumping off point for this leg of the trip.
Ring of Kerry - Day 1
Muckross House is a palatial estate built in 1843 for Henry Herbert. This house was used as a residence and country hunting estate for well off Britons, and more than a few members of the British nobility. It was gifted to the people of the newly independent People of the Irish Republic and formed the basis for the country’s first National Park.
Adult admission to enter the Muckross House is 7 Euros.
Side note: Photography is not allowed inside of the house.
Muckross Abbey, a small cemetery and ruins of a Franciscan Friary dating back to 1448. Its most outstanding feature is the open-air central courtyard focusing on a singular yew tree enveloping the space. When you think of Ireland, you would picture the inside of this Abbey and all the people whose lives it has touched.
Admission to the Abbey is free.
Torc waterfall – Within the bounds of Killarney National Park is a 66-foot cascading waterfall covered by moss and tree branches. Enjoy the greenery and sounds of the rushing water as you take a short hike to the falls.
Our viewing was cut short because the ominous skies quickly became a torrential downpour and we scurried back to our car soaked from head to toe, but filled with memories.
Ring of Kerry - Day 2
Gap of Dunloe - This mountain pass winds its way through some of the tallest peaks in Ireland.
The Gap is approximately 7 miles and is named for the River Loe that runs through the area.
The narrow winding road travels past five lakes, a “wishing” bridge, stunning scenery and lots of sheep!
You can travel the pass via car, bike, foot, and even horse drawn carriage (which is known as a jaunting car in Ireland).
We visited in the off season during the pandemic and had the entire road to ourselves with the exception of the ever-present flocks of free roaming sheep. We have heard stories of this scenic pass overflowing with tourists, cyclist, and backpackers, so a visit in the early morning is advised to absorb its natural beauty peacefully. Drive slowly and be in awe of errant boulders vaulting green mountainsides and a landscape tortured by winds over eons.
Sheepherding in Waterville
Tim is a 5th generation sheep herder. He and his daughter, Sinead, hosted us for this amazing experience.
We were introduced to Rose, their trusty Border Collie. She impressed us with her quick work of rounding up the sheep and corralling them into a holding pen! It was a sight to see as man and dog worked in tandem to get the job done.
We then got up close and personal with the sheep while we learned all the nuts and bolts about the land, farm, and sheep herding traditions that have been passed down over the years.
We have always been huge fans of participating in unique experiences while on a trip, so an Airbnb Experience like this one is always a go to source for us!
2. Dingle Peninsula
The drive through the Dingle Peninsula is filled with amazing coastal vistas and quaint seaside towns. From the road, high up on the cliff side, we began to exclaim "Wow, wow, wow!"
This is always an indicator that we need to do some further investigation.
What we had seen from afar was Inch Beach, a two-mile long spit of sand and rough surf. For hundreds of yards off shore, the sea was churning with whitecaps and foam as waves from distant wind met their end at the shallow coastline. There was a misty rain that day, yet the sun tried relentlessly to break through. Sunbeams, mist, sand, and waves converged to create a sight that would make you think the gates of heaven were just beyond the horizon.
We then continued on our way to the town of Dingle. You could wander dozens of places across Ireland, or the world for that matter, and every so often you will find that place that “speaks” to you. Maybe it is the friendly wave from a passing car, the extra-long stop and chat with a local or the overall atmosphere reminds you of a time or place that brings fond memories. Whatever that intangible thing is, Dingle has it oozing from its vintage facades and cobblestone byways.
Read more about Dingle here: A Visit to the Dingle Peninsula Needs to be on Your To Do List
3. The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs are located in County Clare...and they are the star of the show!
The Cliffs run along the coast here for almost 8 miles!
They rise over 700 ft tall out of the Atlantic Ocean
The Cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago.
They are truly a magnificent site to see! There is good reason that this is a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The day that we visited, there just happened to be light rain and Gayle force winds out of the south. It was so windy that it was hard to walk...lol
There is plenty of hiking, bird watching, and areas for a picnic! There are also busking areas for musicians and some artisan shops.
The cost of admission is 10 Euro per person, but that admission also includes complimentary picnic blankets and binoculars if you ask for them.
We did explore some areas near the Cliffs and would recommend Doolin as a place to stay! Doolin is an adorable village! I have added it on my list of places to stay for our next visit!!!
4. Galway
Situated on the central Atlantic coast of Ireland, Galway is a blend of youth and antiquity. On the surface, Galway appears to be a quaint old town steeped in history and tradition, but look closely and you will find a town energized with youth. The National College campus is located here and with it comes a sense of spirit and playfulness that will make you want to go out and enjoy the pubs!
Enjoy the rich busking culture that takes place throughout the city center. There are a multitude of artists ready to entertain all throughout Galway.
Do Galway’s Legendary Walking Tour! This is a tour steeped in stories, rather than history! Neil, the guide for this tour, will keep you entertained with stories and legends of Galway…maybe even a few alternative facts! You will see the corner where Ed Sheeran used to busk. AND get some great recommendations for food and drink…where the locals go!
Pro tip - Enjoy some delicious cocktails at Taylor’s Bar! Fantastic staff…and some of the best drinks we have ever tasted!
Stay tuned for a future blog all about Galway!
5. Spiddal Craft Village
This sea view complex houses the stores and workspaces for some very talented and entrepreneurial Irish artists. It takes determination, skill, and craftsmanship to earn a living from creating art and traditional items in a world obsessed with the cheap and mass produced.
These artists make items to be remembered and treasured for a lifetime. From prints, textiles, leather, wood carvings to jewelry made from vintage coins, you are sure to find something to love while shopping as local as it gets!
6. Kylemore Castle and Abbey
This slightly more contemporary castle was built in the late 1800's by a wealthy English textile baron from London. He then sold the property to the Duke and Dutchess of Manchester in 1903.
It was later occupied by an Order of Benedictine Nuns that were fleeing the fighting of WW1. Over 100 years later, the same order of Nuns still owns the castle, gardens, grounds and Abbey.
Plan to visit this 1,000-acre estate for a couple of hours. The castle, gardens, and the Abbey are all accessible as part of your admission. It is all stunning! Photography is allowed in the castle!
Adult admission is 15 Euros.
Pro tip - They have a great café and tea house on the grounds. Plan to enjoy lunch or dessert here!
7. Downpatrick Head
Located in County Mayo, this area was named for Ireland’s Patron Saint – St. Patrick, who built a church on this land.
There are ruins of a church that was built at a later date to mark the original church location. At the ruins, there is a statue of St. Patrick.
The real star of this location is the Dun Briste Sea Stack (translates to Broken Fort). There is a ton of folklore that attempts to explain how the sea stack was separated from the mainland, one such story includes a riff between St. Patrick and an Ogre.
Whatever the reason for the separation, this 150-foot rock formation is impressive! With no fence at the edge of the cliff, and barely a warning sign, we found ourselves perched at the edge of the world. The only thing in front of us were the crashing waves and an impressive geological structure. This was truly a highlight of our visit to the Wild Atlantic Way.
There are so many amazing places and people all throughout Ireland, which makes it tough to narrow down all of the “must do” locations! However, this route through the Wild Atlantic Way is surely to tick all of the boxes!
“Bain sult as an turas!” - Enjoy the Ride!
