The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s marquee driving route and for good reason. From the dramatic Slieve League cliffs in Donegal to the surf beaches of West Cork, this 2,500km coastal route takes in some of the most stunning scenery in Europe.
What Makes It Special
This isn’t a motorway cruise. The Wild Atlantic Way winds through narrow coastal roads where you’ll regularly need to pull into passing places for oncoming traffic. That’s part of the charm. You’ll pass through tiny fishing villages, over mountain passes with views that make you want to stop every five minutes, and along cliff edges where the Atlantic crashes against rock far below.
The Key Stops
Donegal is the wild, remote north - fewer tourists, bigger landscapes. Slieve League’s cliffs are three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, yet most visitors never make it this far north.
Galway is the cultural heart of the west coast. Use it as a base for day trips to the Aran Islands, Connemara, and the Burren.
The Cliffs of Moher in Clare need no introduction. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds.
The Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula offer completely different experiences despite being neighbours. Kerry is grand and photogenic; Dingle is intimate and quietly stunning.
