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 among 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!
Over time, 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 simply received’t need to miss.
Plus, I’ve additionally supplied a Google Maps level for every place, so you possibly can 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 arduous to pinpoint probably the most iconic locations. Hopefully, our information will function inspiration on the place to start out and cease your journey in Eire.
Have a tremendous time visiting Eire.
1.) Cliffs of Moher
In all probability one among Eire’s most breathtaking shorelines, the Cliffs of Moher are one spot you possibly can’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 the most effective methods to view the Cliffs of Moher, particularly at sundown (because it’s westerly dealing with).
To make issues simpler, e book this Cliffs of Moher day journey from Galway. It’s wonderful 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 be sure you e book these tickets upfront, they do promote out at busy instances.
Although, a heads up, make sure that to take a windbreaker jacket with you. The wind can get so intense after travelling for hundreds 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: Greatest issues to do in Dublin
2.) Coumeenoole Seaside
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, but it surely’s effectively price it when 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 Seaside. Sure, it may be small, but it surely’s so stunning and actually attractive to go to on a sunny day.
Not solely that, you’ve acquired some unbelievable vistas throughout the R559 highway to see. Make certain 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 Seaside on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 possibly can’t miss. You see, it’s one among 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 Seaside and Keem Seaside. Each are white sandy bays which can be simply beautiful to see. Oh, and don’t overlook 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 Seaside on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 attraction remains to be price visiting.
If it’s the seashores you’re after, then head to both Nuns Seaside or Ballybunion Seaside 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 Seaside, you possibly can organise surf classes with Ballybunion Surf Faculty. It’s a good way to check your abilities on the surf. Nonetheless, It’s a lot more durable than it appears to be like (effectively, it was for me not less than).
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Ballybunion on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Greatest castles in Eire to go to
5.) Assaranca Waterfall
East of the Caves of Maghera, Assaranca Waterfall is definitely the most effective locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Option to go to for a fast cease. You see, it’s one among 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. Which means 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 attractive.
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 offer your self not less than 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 superb little anchor level if you’d like a little bit break from all of the driving. You see, the 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 the town partitions. You’ll be able to 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, when you fancy heading over to the close by Aran Islands, then e book 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 unbelievable, however make sure that to e book these tickets earlier than arriving in Galway. Tickets promote out quick at peak instances.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Galway on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in and round Galway
8.) Bunratty Citadel
Bunratty Citadel is a big Fifteenth-century tower that’s simply Eire’s most historic, still-standing, fortress. Simply reached on the highway between Limerick and Galway,
I’m not going to spoil it by giving a great deal of particulars, but it surely’s the sort of place you possibly can go to for just a few hours and discover Eire’s historical past, particularly within the people park the place you possibly can be taught extra about every of the thatched homes.
Now, as soon as right here, you possibly can simply seize tickets for Bunratty Citadel and the folkpark on the door.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Bunratty Citadel on the Wild Atlantic Means.
9.) Dun Chaoin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin)
If you’re driving across the Wild Atlantic Means, you’ll come throughout indicators like these (under) known as Wild Atlantic Means Discovery Factors.
These are factors of curiosity that you simply received’t need to miss they usually make it very easy to find native points of interest as you meander the coast roads. This isn’t the one outdoors Dun Chaoin Pier, however I wished so as to add it for reference on 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 positioned proper subsequent to the roadside.
Should 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 way in which 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: Greatest issues to do in and round Galway
10.) Valentia Island
Travelling over to Valentina Island is tremendous simple. 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 in regards to 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’ll be able to simply think about this panorama trying precisely the identical hundreds of years in the past.
For a very enjoyable expertise, e book 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 important points of interest 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 when you’re searching for a slower tempo of journey. You see, the shoreline round Strandhill, and the area people, are all so pretty.
As soon as right here, be sure you benefit from the dunes of Strandhill Seaside 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 overlook to e book 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: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
12.) Fanad Head
Perched proper within the northerly route of the Wild Atlantic Means, Fanad Head is a good looking 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 be sure you 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 simple attain by automotive.
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: Greatest issues to do in Northern Eire
13.) Malin Head
Malin Head is positioned on the most northerly level of mainland Eire and is totally breathtaking. There’s one thing in regards to 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 a number of the shoreline.
As soon as right here, be sure you take a look at Lloyds Sign Tower, which has some nice views and an extended historical past to study. Not solely that, you’ve acquired; Pólifreann, Malin Head Viewpoint and Breshla which may 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 automotive.
Fancy staying longer? Make certain to e book this kayak tour on Lough Currant itself. It’s completely stunning. Better of all, the workforce can give 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: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
15.) Kilcrea Friary
Not too removed from the 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 simple to seek out.
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to discover the centuries-old ruins and stroll freely across the web site. Visits take round 20 minutes and it’s effectively price carrying some boots when you’re visiting at wetter instances of the 12 months – it will probably get a little bit 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: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
16.) Abbey Island
Nestled inside the County of Kerry, Abbey Island is a completely stunning and beautiful island that may be reached by foot. You see, it’s linked by Derrynane Seaside which makes all of it really easy.
As soon as right here, you possibly can simply stroll throughout to the island to discover the eerie ruins of Derrynane Abbey. Alternatively, you possibly can go to Derrynane Bay Seaside which is so beautiful too.
Oh, and be sure you 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: Greatest 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. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying that it’s one among 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 will 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: Greatest 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 Seaside (as they’re in the same space).
As soon as right here, you possibly can discover Ceann Trá Seaside, go to Eask Tower and consider the stays at Fairy Fort Ringfort. The latter are Bronze Age ‘home’ ruins that when stood in early (or pre) Celtic instances in Eire.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to the Ceann Trá Seaside on the Wild Atlantic Means.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
19.) Ballina
Nestled inside the northern fringes of County Mayo, the small city of Ballina is effectively 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 a good way to be taught extra about Eire’s lengthy historical past. Additionally, don’t overlook to take a look round St. Muredach’s Cathedral, which dates again to the 1800s.
Oh, and don’t overlook to cease off at The Merry Monk when leaving Ballina itself. It’s an ideal 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: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
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