Stretching over 1,600 miles, the Wild Atlantic Approach is an iconic drive in Eire. Stretching from the gorgeous 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 Solution 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 surprising nation that’s so nice to go to on a highway journey.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’m sharing the highest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach (and the sider neighborhood) that you simply gained’t wish to miss.
Plus, I’ve additionally offered a Google Maps level for every place, so you’ll be able to simply add these to your map.
Now, I’m not detailing them in any specific route or order, and there’s cause why. Most individuals solely be a part of sections of the Wild Atlantic Approach or drive alternating routes which makes it onerous to pinpoint essentially the most iconic locations. Hopefully, our information will function inspiration on the place to begin and cease your journey in Eire.
Have an incredible 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’ll be able to’t miss. North of the metropolis of Galway, a few 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 Approach route.
Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get to see O’Brien’s Tower, and head for a stroll alongside the Burren Approach. It’s among the best methods to view the Cliffs of Moher, particularly at sundown (because it’s westerly going through).
To make issues simpler, e-book this Cliffs of Moher day journey from Galway. It’s superb and also you’ll get to expertise the sheer dramatic great thing about the shoreline and the Aran Islands. It’s a whole-day journey and completely price it. Simply you’ll want to e-book these tickets prematurely, they do promote out at busy occasions.
Although, a heads up, be certain 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest 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, nevertheless it’s effectively price it in the event you’re seeking to discover a few of Eire’s untapped pure magnificence.
As soon as right here, be certain to cease off at Coumeenoole Seashore. Sure, it may be small, nevertheless it’s so stunning and actually attractive to go to on a sunny day.
Not solely that, you’ve received some incredible 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 Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Galway
3.) Achill Island
Northwest of Lough Masks, Achill Island is among the locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach you’ll be able to’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, be certain to go to the gorgeous Keel Seashore and Keem Seashore. Each are white sandy bays which are simply gorgeous 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 Seashore on the Wild Atlantic Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
4.) Ballybunion
On the coastal route, west of Limerick, the city of Ballybunion is a simple cease to make on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach. Now, don’t anticipate a large city, however its attraction continues to be price visiting.
If it’s the seashores you’re after, then head to both Nuns Seashore or Ballybunion Seashore itself. Each are gorgeous, however the former has a couple of extra amenities because it’s proper on the sting of Ballybunion itself.
Not solely that, on Ballybunion Seashore, you’ll be able to organise surf classes with Ballybunion Surf Faculty. It’s a good way to check your expertise on the surf. Nevertheless, 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest castles in Eire to go to
5.) Assaranca Waterfall
East of the Caves of Maghera, Assaranca Waterfall is definitely among the best locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Solution 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 gorgeous too.
Better of all, it’s actually accessible and you’ll park proper subsequent to the falls. Which means that 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 Approach.
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 be certain 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 Approach.
7.) Galway
A visit to Galway is a should when driving the Wild Atlantic Approach.
Now, Galway is a good little anchor level if you’d like a bit break from all of the driving. You see, town has heaps of issues to do and expertise.
After arriving in Galway, be certain to go to the Galway Cathedral, discover the Latin Quarter and spot 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, in the event 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 unimaginable, however be certain to e-book 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest 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, fortress. Simply reached on the highway between Limerick and Galway,
I’m not going to spoil it by giving a great deal of particulars, nevertheless it’s the type of place you’ll be able to go to for a couple of hours and discover Eire’s historical past, particularly within the folks park the place you’ll be able to be taught extra about every of the thatched homes.
Now, as soon as right here, you’ll be able to 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 Approach.
9.) Dun Chaoin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin)
Once you’re driving across the Wild Atlantic Approach, you’ll come throughout indicators like these (under) known as Wild Atlantic Approach Discovery Factors.
These are factors of curiosity that you simply gained’t wish to miss and so they 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 on your journey.
Now, while 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 resolve 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 Approach.
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 wish to go to the Skellig Expertise, it’s a customer centre that particulars all concerning the lives of the Skelling Monks that after 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 wanting precisely the identical 1000’s 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 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 Approach.
11.) Strandhill
Strandhill is a coastal village famend for being one of many predominant sights for surfers in Western Europe. That being mentioned, it’s not simply browsing that makes this space so particular.
West of the city of Sligo, Strandhill is among the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Solution to go to in the event you’re on the lookout 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, you’ll want 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 overlook to e-book a spherical of golf at Strandhill Golf Membership, too. Their fairways overlook the gorgeous shoreline right here.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Strandhill on the Wild Atlantic Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
12.) Fanad Head
Perched proper within the northerly route of the Wild Atlantic Approach, Fanad Head is a phenomenal shoreline with spectacular views.
As soon as right here, be certain to identify Fanad Head Lighthouse which dates again to the early 1800s. Oh, and you’ll want to discover the broader area round Fanad Head, too.
We liked 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Northern Eire
13.) Malin Head
Malin Head is situated on the most northerly level of mainland Eire and is completely breathtaking. There’s one thing concerning the rugged great 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, you’ll want to try Lloyds Sign Tower, which has some nice views and a protracted historical past to study. Not solely that, you’ve received; 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 Approach.
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 Solution to go to; however we liked 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 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
15.) Kilcrea Friary
Not too removed from town of Cork, Kilcrea Friary is among the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Solution to go to while you’ve simply began your journey from Cork itself.
You see, Kicrea Abbey is barely a few 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 sporting some boots in the event you’re visiting at wetter occasions of the 12 months – it will probably get a bit muddy.
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Kilcrea Friary on the Wild Atlantic Approach.
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 Seashore which makes all of it really easy.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to simply stroll throughout to the island to discover the eerie ruins of Derrynane Abbey. Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to Derrynane Bay Seashore which is so gorgeous too.
Oh, and you’ll want 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 Approach.
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 gorgeous 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 Solution 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 mountaineering routes round Shanbally. Hikes will be as fast or so long as you need on this space and the paths are rather 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 Approach.
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 Seashore (as they’re in the same space).
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to discover Ceann Trá Seashore, go to Eask Tower and consider the stays at Fairy Fort Ringfort. The latter are Bronze Age ‘home’ ruins that after 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 Approach.
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 Approach.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 be certain 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Eire to go to
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