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Ireland’s Atlantic coast

Wild Atlantic Way

Follow Ireland’s western edge through immense sea cliffs, island communities, lively towns and landscapes shaped by wind and water.

Explore the route Plan your journey ↓
2,500 kmAtlantic coastline 9 countiesDonegal to Cork 1 unforgettable routeTravel at your own pace

An edge-of-Europe journey

Take the long way around.

The Wild Atlantic Way is best experienced as a collection of smaller journeys rather than a race from end to end. Choose a peninsula, follow a coastal road, leave room for weather and stop when a harbour, beach or walking trail catches your attention.

This guide connects Adventure Ireland’s county guides, islands and practical route ideas into one clear starting point.

Route map

Ireland’s Atlantic edge.

The highlighted counties and contrasting route line trace the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. Use the county guides for local roads, stops and detailed planning.

Wild Atlantic Way counties
Route overview

Explore the route

Nine counties along the Atlantic edge.

Travel north to south or build a shorter journey around one distinctive stretch of coast.

01 DonegalSea cliffs, lighthouses and big northern horizons.Open county guide → 02 LeitrimA short, dramatic coastline beside quiet lakelands.Open county guide → 03 SligoSurf beaches, ancient landscapes and Benbulben.Open county guide → 04 MayoAchill Island, wild headlands and the Great Western Greenway.Open county guide → 05 GalwayConnemara, Galway City and the road to the Aran Islands.Open county guide → 06 ClareThe Burren, Atlantic villages and the Cliffs of Moher.Open county guide → 07 LimerickShannon heritage and an inland gateway to the coast.Open county guide → 08 KerryPeninsulas, mountain roads and island views.Open county guide → 09 CorkColourful harbours and the rugged Mizen coastline.Open county guide →

Signature stops

Landscapes worth slowing down for.

A balanced first list of coast, culture, mountain scenery and island viewpoints.

Donegal

Slieve League

Walk above some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs and take in the scale of Donegal’s coast.

Open Donegal guide →
Mayo

Keem Bay

Open Mayo guide →
Galway

Connemara

Open Galway guide →
Clare

The Burren Coast

Open Clare guide →
Kerry

The peninsulas of the south-west

Join mountain passes, beaches and colourful towns on the roads through Kerry and West Cork.

Open Kerry guide →

Suggested itineraries

Choose a journey that fits your time.

These routes are deliberately spacious, leaving time for walks, viewpoints and weather changes.

3 days

Clare and Galway

View suggested route
  1. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher
  2. Galway City and the coast road
  3. Connemara and Kylemore Abbey

Allow time for narrow coastal roads, viewpoint stops and changing Atlantic weather.

7 days

Donegal to Galway

View suggested route
  1. Inishowen and Fanad Head
  2. Slieve League and Sligo
  3. Achill Island and Westport
  4. Connemara and Galway City

Use at least three overnight bases and avoid judging journey times by distance alone.

14 days

The Atlantic sampler

View suggested route
  1. Donegal and Sligo
  2. Mayo and Galway
  3. Clare and Limerick
  4. Kerry and West Cork

Plan several two-night stays so the route includes walks, islands and unplanned stops.

Build your own Wild Atlantic Way itinerary

Choose your trip length and add the route points that matter to you.

Ways to experience it

Make the coast part of the journey.

Walking and hiking

Cliff paths, mountain trails and short loops with Atlantic views.

On the water

Surfing, kayaking, sea swimming and boat trips from working harbours.

Cycling and greenways

Traffic-free routes and quieter roads through coastal landscapes.

Culture and food

Music, craft, seafood and stories rooted in Atlantic communities.

Beyond the mainland

Atlantic islands

Ferries, cable cars and boat trips connect the route with islands where wildlife, archaeology and living traditions come sharply into focus.

Explore island adventures

Practical planning

Plan for the road, not just the distance.

Coastal roads are slower than they look on a map. Build in generous time and avoid changing accommodation every night.

01

Pick a manageable section

Three or four bases usually create a better trip than trying to cover the full coastline.

02

Expect changing weather

Carry layers and waterproofs, then keep indoor heritage stops ready as flexible alternatives.

03

Drive with patience

Allow extra time for narrow roads, farm traffic, viewpoints and spontaneous coastal stops.

04

Book key crossings

Check island ferries and headline attractions in advance, especially during summer.

Continue planning

Build your Atlantic journey county by county.

Browse all county guides

Plan a memorable stop

Add an experience to your route.

Choose one experience near your overnight base rather than trying to cover the whole coast. These options run north to south, with departure points shown on every card.

Affiliate links: Adventure Ireland may earn a commission when you book through GetYourGuide, at no additional cost to you.

Coastal boat trip

County Sligo

Sligo Bay scenic cruise

See the bay from the water with local commentary. Wildlife sightings and sailing conditions vary; check group and departure arrangements.

Start / arrival pointRosses Point, County Sligo

View details & availability Explore the Sligo guide
Full-day boat trip

County Galway

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher cruise

Combine an island outing with sea views of the Clare coast. Check seasonal sailings, time ashore and weather arrangements.

Start / arrival pointGalway city docks — check your sailing

View details & availability Explore the Galway guide
Coastal boat trip

County Clare

Cliffs of Moher from the sea

See the cliffs from a different angle on a boat outing. This is not cliff-top entry; sailings depend on sea conditions.

Start / arrival pointDoolin Pier, County Clare

View details & availability Explore the Clare guide

Booking links open on GetYourGuide in a new tab. Prices, dates, inclusions, accessibility and cancellation terms depend on the selected option. Check the operator's current details; a listing here does not guarantee availability.