Stretching over 1,600 miles, the Wild Atlantic Means is an iconic drive in Eire. Stretching from the attractive Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale, it’s arguably one in all Europe’s most stunning drives. Not solely that, there are heaps of locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Option to go to. There are a whole lot of stopping factors!
Through the years, we’ve explored a lot of the Island of Eire, 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 probably the most out of your go to, I’m sharing the highest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Means (and the sider neighborhood) that you just received’t need to miss.
Plus, I’ve additionally supplied 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 an excellent purpose why. Most individuals solely be part of sections of the Wild Atlantic Means or drive alternating routes which makes it onerous to pinpoint probably the most iconic locations. Hopefully, our information will function inspiration on the place to begin and cease your journey in Eire.
Have a tremendous time visiting Eire.
1.) Cliffs of Moher
In all probability one in all Eire’s most breathtaking shorelines, the Cliffs of Moher are one spot you may’t miss. North of the metropolis 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 Means route.
Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get to see O’Brien’s Tower, and head for a stroll alongside the Burren Means. It’s among the finest methods to view the Cliffs of Moher, particularly at sundown (because it’s westerly dealing with).
To make issues simpler, guide this Cliffs of Moher day journey from Galway. It’s superb 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 remember to guide these tickets upfront, they do promote out at busy occasions.
Although, a heads up, make 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 level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest issues 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, however it’s properly price it in case you’re trying to discover a few of Eire’s untapped pure magnificence.
As soon as right here, make sure that to cease off at Coumeenoole Seashore. Sure, it is likely to be small, however it’s so stunning and actually beautiful to go to on a sunny day.
Not solely that, you’ve bought some unbelievable vistas throughout the R559 highway to see. Ensure that 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 level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Coumeenoole Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Galway
3.) Achill Island
Northwest of Lough Masks, Achill Island is likely one of the locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Means you may’t miss. You see, it’s one in all Eire’s islands which is linked by a bridge, making it really easy to go to while on a highway journey.
After, you’ve arrived on Achill Island, make sure that to go to the attractive Keel Seashore and Keem Seashore. Each are white sandy bays which are 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 level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Keem Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
4.) Ballybunion
On the coastal route, west of Limerick, the city of Ballybunion is a straightforward cease to make on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Means. Now, don’t anticipate a large city, however its allure remains 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 services 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. Nevertheless, It’s a lot more durable than it appears to be like (properly, it was for me at the very least).
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Ballybunion on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest castles in Eire to go to
5.) Assaranca Waterfall
East of the Caves of Maghera, Assaranca Waterfall is well among the finest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Option to go to for a fast cease. You see, it’s one in all 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 may park proper subsequent to the falls. Because of this it’s very easy to identify as you drive round County Donegal.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Assaranca Waterfall on the Wild Atlantic Means.
6.) Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and Victorian Walled Backyard that’s completely stunning 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 make sure that to present your self at the very least 2 to three hours to go to.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Kylemore Abbey on the Wild Atlantic Means.
7.) Galway
A visit to Galway is a should when driving the Wild Atlantic Means.
Now, Galway is a good little anchor level in order for you somewhat break from all of the driving. You see, town has heaps of issues to do and expertise.
After arriving in Galway, make sure that to go to the Galway Cathedral, discover the Latin Quarter and spot town partitions. You may 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 guide 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 make sure that to guide these tickets earlier than arriving in Galway. Tickets promote out quick at peak occasions.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Galway on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in and round Galway
8.) Bunratty Fort
Bunratty Fort is a big Fifteenth-century tower that’s simply Eire’s most historic, still-standing, citadel. Simply reached on the highway between Limerick and Galway,
I’m not going to spoil it by giving a great deal of particulars, however it’s the type of place you may go to for just a few hours and discover Eire’s historical past, particularly within the folks 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 Fort and the folkpark on the door.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Bunratty Fort on the Wild Atlantic Means.
9.) Dun Chaoin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin)
Whenever you’re driving across the Wild Atlantic Means, you’ll come throughout indicators like these (under) referred to as Wild Atlantic Means Discovery Factors.
These are factors of curiosity that you just received’t need to miss they usually 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 needed so as to add it for reference in your journey.
Now, once 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.
In the event 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 best way 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 level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Dun Chaoin Pier on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in and round Galway
10.) Valentia Island
Travelling over to Valentina Island is tremendous straightforward. That is very true because it’s linked by a bridge from Port Magee.
Now, when you’re right here, you’ll need 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 may simply think about this panorama trying precisely the identical 1000’s of years in the past.
For a extremely enjoyable expertise, guide 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 principle island of Eire, you’ll drive in the 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 level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Knight’s City on the Wild Atlantic Means.
11.) Strandhill
Strandhill is a coastal village famend for being one of many most important 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 likely one of the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Option 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 pretty.
As soon as right here, remember 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 guide a spherical of golf at Strandhill Golf Membership, too. Their fairways overlook the attractive shoreline right here.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Strandhill on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
12.) Fanad Head
Perched proper within the northerly route of the Wild Atlantic Means, Fanad Head is a phenomenal shoreline with spectacular views.
As soon as right here, make sure that to identify Fanad Head Lighthouse which dates again to the early 1800s. Oh, and remember 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 straightforward attain by automobile.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Fanad Head on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Northern Eire
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 among the shoreline.
As soon as right here, remember to take a look at Lloyds Sign 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 might 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 level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Malin Head on the Wild Atlantic Means.
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 Option to go to; however we cherished it for a 20-minute cease within the automobile.
Fancy staying longer? Ensure that to guide this kayak tour on Lough Currant itself. It’s completely stunning. Better of all, the group can offer you wetsuits and information you across the lough itself.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Louch Currant on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
15.) Kilcrea Friary
Not too removed from town of Cork, Kilcrea Friary is likely one of the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Option to go to once you’ve simply began your journey from Cork itself.
You see, Kicrea Abbey is barely a couple of 20-minute drive from Cork Airport and completely straightforward to seek out.
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable of discover the centuries-old ruins and stroll freely across the website. Visits take round 20 minutes and it’s properly price sporting some boots in case you’re visiting at wetter occasions of the yr – it could get somewhat muddy.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Kilcrea Friary on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
16.) Abbey Island
Nestled throughout the County of Kerry, Abbey Island is a completely stunning and lovely island that may be reached by foot. You see, it’s linked 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 remember 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 level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Abbey Island on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
17.) Sliabh Liag Viewing Platform
The Sliabh Liag Viewing Platform and the views of Slieve League are simply beautiful to see. In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying that it’s one in all my favorite locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Option to go to.
You see, these are the second-highest cliffs in all of Eire and the views are so stunning. Now, to get right here you’ll take one of many buses from the Sliabh Liag Customer 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 climbing routes round Shanbally. Hikes may be as fast or so long as you need on this space and the paths are very well marked.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the Sliabh Liag Viewing Platform on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
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 the same space).
As soon as right here, you may discover Ceann Trá Seashore, go to Eask Tower and think about the stays at Fairy Fort Ringfort. The latter are Bronze Age ‘home’ ruins that when stood in early (or pre) Celtic occasions in Eire.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the Ceann Trá Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
19.) Ballina
Nestled throughout the northern fringes of County Mayo, the small city of Ballina is properly price a cease as you drive alongside the Wild Atlantic Means.
As soon as right here, make 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 a fantastic place for a correct pub lunch and their carvery is so good. It runs from 12-4 pm, so make sure that to reach on time.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the Ballinah on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
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