Wild Atlantic Way

A roughly 2,500 km scenic driving route along Ireland's west coast, running from Malin Head in County Donegal through Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher and on to Kinsale.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a coastal touring route launched by Tourism Ireland in 2014. It runs about 2,500 km from Malin Head in County Donegal, the northernmost point of the island of Ireland, south to Kinsale in County Cork. Along the way are more than 180 numbered viewpoints known as Discovery Points, all marked by brown signs with a 'WAW' wave logo. The route is not a single new road. It links national roads, regional roads and many narrow country lanes. The northern stretch takes in Slieve League cliffs and the Glengesh Pass. The middle section includes Achill Island, Croagh Patrick, and Connemara with the Sky Road near Clifden in County Galway. The southern stretch passes the Burren limestone plateau, the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, and Mizen Head in west Cork. Driving the whole route takes two to three weeks, so most people travel in sections, such as Connemara to the Cliffs of Moher or Kerry to Cork, each taking four to five days. Country roads are narrow and winding, often bordered by stone walls, and buses and farm vehicles are common. Drive on the left, and allow time for passing. Weather changes quickly, and it is often very windy at cliff viewpoints, so stay well back from the edges. Small towns generally have B&Bs and pubs, but book ahead for the summer peak season.

Wild Atlantic Way

Along the route