WilD Atlantic Way

December 3, 2022

The Ultimate Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

The Wild Atlantic Way was meant for slow travel. Even if you had a month, you still wouldn’t be able to see all there is on offer along this incredible, rugged coastline. Our guide covers the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way. From Galway to Donegal, taking you through some more unique locations on the west coast of Ireland that you won’t necessarily find in most guides. As Australian expats currently living in Ireland, we have included some of our most favourite spots so far. All of our suggestions are suitable for all seasons so you aren’t going to miss a thing!  

Make sure to check out our detailed guides for Donegal, Connemara, Sligo and the Aran Islands. In these guides we provide detailed budgets, in depth itineraries and plenty more tips to help you plan ultimate Ireland getaway.

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Benbulben in Sligo

In this article

What is the Wild Atlantic Way

The 1,500 mile (2.6km) Wild Atlantic Way route follows the Atlantic coast on the west of Ireland. Stretching from the north in wind swept Donegal county, all the way to the southern tip of balmy Cork county. This self-drive itinerary offers a journey to experience the charm of friendly locals, rich culture and phenomenal landscapes at every bend in the road. From isolated beaches, to traditional thatched roof cottages, endless dry-stone walls and the greenest paddocks you’ll ever see in your life. The Wild Atlantic Way is an off-the-beaten path European adventure that has something to offer no matter what kind of tourist you are.

Poets and musicians 

The Wild Atlantic Way has inspired poets, painters and musicians with its rugged mountains and empty plains. There is so much to see and do (there are 188 ‘discovery points’). You could literally spend months traveling slowly along the coastline. However most of us don’t have such a luxury! We have created this guide which covers the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way. From Galway to Donegal, we’ve included all the best stops that you can cover in an 8 day road trip.

Best time to visit the Wild Atlantic Way

If you let the weather stop you from doing outdoor activities in Ireland, you’d never get outdoors. If you have flexibility, try to keep an eye on the forecast and adjust your schedule if the weather really doesn’t look good. But otherwise, try to embrace the rain if it isn’t so heavy. 

At the end of the day, it rains a lot in Ireland. But that doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying basically everything in this Wild Atlantic Way itinerary! In fact, as Australians currently living in Dublin we’ve mostly visited the west coast during autumn and winter. For the most part it has always rained a lot! The only negative side to this is that we don’t get to do all of the planned hikes we would have liked in various areas (due to reduced visibility). We have always found plenty more to do instead though. 

Summer in Ireland

When traveling anywhere in Ireland, the summer months are going to give you the best chance of nice weather and longer daylight hours. It’s also going to be the busiest time to travel, because everyone has the same idea! Not to mention it is VERY expensive to travel around Ireland in the summer. 

We think if you can aim for the fall months that would be perfect. It won’t be as wet as it is in Spring. You will still have plenty of daylight hours, and it won’t be so cold that you can’t spend all day outside.   

Left: Benbulben, Right: B&B in Connemara

How to travel around the Wild Atlantic Way

To make the most of a week along the Wild Atlantic Way, you really need your own transport. You’ll be visiting fairly remote parts of Ireland such as Donegal and public transport won’t get you very far. Driving around Ireland is pretty easy, it’s compact and easy to navigate. Remember that you drive on the left in Ireland. Beware that car hire in the summer in Ireland is absolutely extortionist. Another reason to visit during the shoulder seasons! No joke, car prices will increase 3x in the summer and can be up to €100 a day (with full insurance).  

Be prepared

Don’t underestimate the amount of driving that you will need to do. Although Ireland is a small country, a lot of the roads are country roads and not major highways. In general it takes you longer than you would expect to cover the distance. We have given our estimated driving times for each day’s itinerary. It would be worth adding a half hour to an hour buffer time in for driving each day, just in case you’re stuck behind a tractor for longer than anticipated! 

Tip: Depending on your nationality, an International Driver’s License (IDP) might be required to hire a car in Ireland.

Where to stay along the Wild Atlantic Way

The types of accommodation you should go for really depends on the season that you’re visiting and your personal preferences. If you’re visiting during the summer we think the best way to get around is by camping or hiring a camper van. 

If you’re traveling during winter, or are concerned about the weather in general, you’ll be better off looking for B&B’s or hotels (obviously). Just be warned that accommodation in Ireland can be quite expensive. Depending on your budget, there are also some incredible castles that you can stay in on your visit to Ireland! 

For our suggested itinerary, we’ll provide you with suggestions for towns where you should stay to make the most of your trip.

Left: the Gleniff Horseshoe, Right: Classiebawn Castle

8 day Northern Wild Atlantic Way road trip

Day 1: Dublin to Galway

2.5 hours driving

To start your Wild Atlantic Way road trip, you’ll likely be starting from Dublin. So the first step is getting over the west coast. There’s not much to see on the 2 and half hour drive from Dublin to Galway. Your adventure starts once you reach Galway! The charming Galway will be virtually the only day that you can head indoors for the day, relaxing in cozy corners of charming pubs. 

Best things to do in Galway 
Galway’s Latin Quarter

You’ll get the best feel for this charming city by wandering through the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter. From pretty boutiques owned by local families, to bars and a huge amount of restaurants, this area is a great place to stay if you’re looking for accommodation in town. 

Street performers

The Galway buskers community is massive. All day and night you’ll see and hear a huge number of performers all throughout the city. Honestly, the buskers might be the thing that makes you fall in love with Galway.   

Visit one of the many pubs

After spending a night out in Galway you’ll be familiar with all of the popular songs (Galway Girl, Spanish Girl, South Australia). Try out Tigh Chóilí, Taaffes Bar or John Keogh’s Gastropub.   

Pick up a Claddagh ring

Galway is famous for the Claddagh ring which shows two hands holding a heart that wears a crown. This motif means “Let Love and Friendship reign”. This traditional Irish ring originated in Galway in the 17th century and makes for a sentimental and long-lasting souvenir.  

Galway City Museum 

When we visited Galway we had terrible weather and went into this museum as a backup option. This free museum totally surprised us, we loved it!

Where to stay in Galway

You’ll have plenty of affordable options for accommodation, dinner and drinks in Galway! Just try and book accommodation within walking distance to the city centre so that you can make the most of your one day here. It’s not a big city at all, so finding something close won’t be a problem. 

Day 2: the Aran Islands

1.5 hours each way (bus or drive + ferry)

Let’s start off your road trip with an unusual destination that isn’t on most guides. It’s time to head to the Aran Islands, a Galway Wild Atlantic Way discovery point. The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located in the beautiful waters of Galway Bay. We suggest that you head to Inis Mór which means Big Island in Irish, which is the largest of the three. 

You can reach the islands via ferry from Rossaveal every day of the year with Aran Island Ferries. A return trip costs €39 including a shuttle bus from Galway to Rossaveal. Otherwise you can drive to Rossaveal and leave your car at the ferry port and get a return ticket just for the ferry for €30. It’s only a 40 minute ferry across the bay to reach Inis Mor from Rossaveal.

If you’ve been to Ireland, you’ve probably seen the beautiful Aran Island sweaters. You may have also heard that it’s one of the few places around Ireland where you will still hear people talking the native language Gaeilge (Irish). Before we even stepped foot on Inis Mor, we heard Gaeilge! It was common to hear it being spoken while we waited for our coffee in the morning as all the locals greeted each other. Inis Mor is a visually beautiful,  culturally unique and welcoming part of Ireland well worth your time.

Cycle tour of Inis Mor

It’s possible to cycle around the entire island in a day. You can rent a bike from €20 per day from Aran Island Bike Hire, which is located right where the ferry stops. On your bike head in a clockwise direction stopping at the seal colony lookout and Kilmurvey Beach. After this continue all the way up to the ancient Na Seacht dTeampaill (The Seven Churches). From there, double back and make your way over to the World Heritage listed Dún Aonghasa, an imposing stone fort located at the highest point on the island. You will need to pay a €5 per adult entry fee. 
The Wormhole

You can also get views just as good without the crowds at the next stop on your bike tour, the Wormhole! The Wormhole is a naturally formed rectangular pool set at the base of dramatic cliffs. From the Wormhole you can walk back up the cliffs towards Dún Aonghasa as well, you just won’t be able to get inside the walls. Include a stop at Teach Nan Phaidi for lunch if you haven’t packed a picnic, or just a nice glass of wine, and you have yourself a perfect day on Inis Mor.

Where to stay when visiting the Aran Islands

If you prefer to stay another night in Galway, it’s definitely possible to see Inis Mor on a day trip.  Otherwise stay the night and book the ferry back first thing in the morning. To make it easy, stay in the main town of Kilronan where you’ll find plenty of options for accommodation, restaurants and pubs. Inis Mor is a seasonal destination. Although the ferry will get you there no matter the time of year, be aware that not all accommodation options will be open in winter.

Day 3: Connemara

1.5 hours driving

Connemara is a culturally rich area, a stronghold for the Irish language and a place where you’ll see road signs go from being in English to Gaelic. The rugged landscapes around Connemara are easily accessible from Galway, with the drive only taking 1.5 hours.

Plus who wouldn’t want to see the most photographed castle in Ireland? Kylemore Abbey was built by a wealthy aristocrat in the late 1800s for his beloved wife who died only a few years after the castle was completed. The Abbey has been the home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for 100 years now. It was opened to the public for visits after the school closed in 2010 as a means to raise funds in order to keep up maintenance of the castle. 

Take a walk

Connemara is the perfect place to stretch your legs, and we suggest that you do the Diamond Hill walk. When we went, our experience was misty and moody. We loved this, but we were never going to get the magnificent views over Connemara like you do on a clear day. 

If you’re not into walking, you can still experience the stunning landscapes by driving the Connemara Loop. Keep an eye out for Connemara ponies! These ponies descend from Andalusian horses brought to Ireland by the Spanish Armada. Make sure to stop at Pine Island. There is actually a track you can take to walk onto the island and I wish we knew that before we went there!
Where to stay near Connemara

Most people stay in Letterfrack or Clifden. Letterfrack will be more convenient if you plan on spending more time in Connemara National Park. It’s also only a 7 minute drive to Kylemore Abbey from here. 

We stayed at Kylemore Lodge, a gorgeous bed and breakfast run by Nora which will cost you €78 a night. It is located on Pollacapall Lough, the same lake that Kylemore Abbey is situated on. The backdrop to this B&B is remarkable! You need to drive into town for dinner, but at only 8 minutes to get into Letterfrack this didn’t bother us. It looks like they aren’t accepting reservations for Saturday nights at the moment. But for weekday trips we highly recommend staying here.

Day 4: Sligo

4 hours driving

Sligo is a little-visited county that deserves WAY more attention than what it currently gets. Only one of the fifteen designated ‘signature’ locations along the Wild Atlantic Way is located in Sligo. We don’t think this is a fair representation at all of this gorgeous county. 

Dún Briste Sea Stack

On your drive to Sligo, stop at Dún Briste Sea Stack at Downpatrick Head in County Mayo. It will take you about 2 hours to get here from Connemara. There is a large car park, and you will need to walk about 10 minutes or so to reach the cliffs. One of my favourite parts about this area was the funky lumpy ground similar to the Teletubbies landscape! The dominant grass here is red fescue and apparently as it is not grazed it grows in bunches and becomes thickly matted. As the sea stack is separated from land prey, it’s home to many bird species including puffins, kittiwakes and cormorants. 

Another 50 minutes up the road is Enniscrone, your next stop. This beautiful coastal town has a lovely atmosphere and a gorgeous beach for a swim if you’re traveling in summer. If you’re looking for an interesting activity that apparently makes your skin feel incredibly soft, stop by Enniscrone Seaweed Baths. A traditional hot seaweed bath with luxurious bath oils will set you back between €‎30-45 depending on what you would like.  
Lunch on the beach

Stop for lunch at the Beach Bar right on Aughris Beach, 30 minutes from Enniscrone. It has a cozy interior for bad weather days as well as a huge outdoor area with plenty of picnic tables to enjoy a beer in the sun. We really enjoyed spending an hour or so here soaking up the local atmosphere. 

Spend the rest of your afternoon on an easy walk at either Union Woods or the Glen (30 to 45 minute drive from the Beach Bar). At Union Woods there are a couple of walks that you can do. We chose the walk to Union Rock (Union Rock Trail) which takes between 1.5 and 2 hours (5.5km). The trail was easy and is now well marked (previously the signposts weren’t very clear). 

Then Glen

The Glen is a fairytale location mostly visited by locals. This unusual landscape was likely caused by a fault line in Knocknarea mountain while glaciers were carving through during the Ice Age.  There’s a very small track that leads down into a large opening. Keep walking through and you’ll find yourself walking between large limestone walls which are steeped in Irish mythology. 

Where to stay in Sligo

County Sligo isn’t huge, but there are a few options for where to stay. Sligo town is a convenient option especially for the northern locations that you’ll visit on Day 5 of this itinerary (Benbulben, Gleniff Horseshoe, Classiebawn Castle). There are also plenty of accommodation options as well as restaurants and coffee shops. 

When we visited we stayed in Easkey, a tiny town famous for surfing. It is much cheaper than Sligo town, but a lot slimmer when it comes to choice. If we go back to Sligo, we’ll probably stay in Enniscrone. Even in the fall there were plenty of people heading to the beach to enjoy the sunset. And as it caters to the summer crowds there is a good number of places to stay and eat!

Day 5: Sligo

2 hours driving

Today it’s time to visit some of the most beautiful locations that we’ve visited in Ireland so far! First thing in the morning, head to Gleniff Horseshoe which is 30 minutes from Sligo. This is definitely one of our favourite things to do in Sligo and we were amazed that there wasn’t ANYONE else in the area the entire time we were there in October. You can drive the loop in about half an hour, or you can walk which will take you about 2.5 hours. 

The more moody the weather, the better for this location. It feels like it’s straight out of a film and a bit of low cloud at the tip of the mountains makes it feel so dramatic. Like a lot of other landscapes already mentioned in this guide, the landscape at Gleniff Horseshoe was created during the Ice Age when glaciers scraped through creating a beautiful valley. You’ll start and end the loop in Cliffoney but there are signs everywhere for the loop that you can’t miss.
Benbulben

Twenty minutes up the road you’ll find Benbulben your next stop for the day. This distinctive table top mountain was formed in the Ice Age from glaciers carving through the landscape. This is Yeats Country and the landscapes are described in his famous poem Under Ben Bulben. When you arrive, you absolutely shouldn’t miss the Benbulben Forest Walk. It’s an easy trail that will take 1.5 hours (5.5km). There’s a very large car park from where the trail starts. 

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can hike the Benbulben and Kings Mountain Loop Walk. This one is more strenuous, taking 3.5 hours (8km), and will take you past the dramatic gullies on Benbulben Head and across the spectacular plateau. You’ll need proper hiking shoes for this one, while the path is clear it can get mushy and muddy in parts. Part of the area around Benbulben is owned by a farmer, so be respectful to the local community and leave no trace regardless of what walk you take.
Waterfalls and castles

If you have some time before sunset, we suggest that you squeeze in Glencar waterfall. It’s a quick 20 minute drive from Benbulben through the beautiful Glencar valley. The waterfall is a short 5 minute walk from the large car park on the lake and is worth a short stop if you have the extra time. 

Your final location is a picture perfect country house located on Mullaghmore Peninsula, which is a fantastic spot for sunset. This is one of the most popular locations along Sligo’s Wild Atlantic Way as it was featured in season 4 of The Crown. It is the only ‘signature’ location in Sligo and it will take you 35 minutes to get here from Glencar waterfall. 

You can’t actually visit the castle as it’s located on 3,000 acres of private land, but there are multiple points on the peninsula that give you fantastic vantage points. If you put Classiebawn castle viewpoint in Google maps you’ll find a pretty spot over the water with Benbulben in the background. For a much better vantage point in our opinion, keep heading north up the peninsula for a couple hundred metres. The perspective changes and Benbulben enlarges in the distance.

Day 6: Donegal

1.5 – 2 hours driving

Donegal’s towering cliffs and pristine beaches make this rather isolated area in Ireland one of our favourite places so far. It does take some time to get up there, but the plus side is that it won’t be too busy. We went to one of the most popular walks on a beautiful day (read: not raining, not windy) and still had the place to ourselves for most of the time. Even if you’re not blessed with good weather, there are still plenty of worthy photo stops along the moody coastline, including endless beaches, cute little fishing towns and folk villages spread across stretches of incredible landscapes, and the greenest farmland you’ll ever lay eyes on.   

Slieve League

We suggest on your first day that you prioritise seeing Slieve League. The Slieve League cliffs are three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher and are the second highest in all of Ireland. If low clouds or fog are present, you will not be able to appreciate the full beauty of this place. You have two days in Donegal, so if the weather on the first day isn’t great you can always plan it for the second day (just bear in mind that you will have to cover more distance in the car).

The full walk takes about 90 minutes one way, but note that you will need to walk from the carpark to the start of the hike which adds a bit of time also. If you aren’t keen on doing the full walk, we suggest at least walk part way up the first set of stairs if you can. The views from here are worth it I promise.
Folk villages

After Slieve League, drive to Glencolmcille. Glencolmcille is a folk village filled with replica thatched roof traditional homes which showcases how life was in the past in Ireland. It’s a small district and makes for a great rainy day activity as you can stay in your car.  

End your day at Maghera Strand. This beach was incredibly beautiful. We had a romantic idea of watching the sunset here, but the wind was blowing the sand so hard it was hurting our eyes and faces! There’s caves to explore here too if you head left once you reach the beach.

Where to stay in Donegal

We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb in Towney that overlooked the inlet. Donegal Town or Killybegs would also be good choices with a fair amount of accommodation options. Killybegs is a charming fishing port with plenty of gorgeous seaside restaurants so we would suggest this if camper vans aren’t your thing. 

This traditional barn converted to a one bedroom apartment complete with a fire is only a 7 minute drive from Killybegs and would be perfect for a couples getaway.

Day 7: Donegal

2.5 hours driving

For your second day in Donegal county, keep heading north for one hour to Glenveagh National Park. It’s free to get in and there are plenty of walks around the lake that are low difficulty. There’s a shuttle bus that goes to the castle that you can buy tickets for once you arrive, and there are also bike hires if you would prefer to cycle around the lake. We just did a short loop walk (Derrylahan) while we were there as we were tight on time, but found it so peaceful! For those looking for a more intense hike, have a look at the Sturrall or Mt Errigal. 

Malin Head

Your final stop on this Wild Atlantic Way road trip is Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head. It will take you about 1.5 hours from Glenveagh National Park. Scenes from The Last Jedi were filmed here which has increased the popularity of the place but you still won’t find too many people here. It’s only a short walk from the carpark along the cliffs. Unless the weather is really, really bad it won’t matter if visibility is a bit limited here. Some of the most remarkable landscape features here are Hell’s Hole (subterranean cave) and Devil’s Bridge (a natural rock arch). After walking around Malin Head, grab a coffee or hot chocolate at Caffe Banba. This cafe is seasonal and is only open between Easter and September.   

Northern Lights

If you’re visiting during winter, Inishowen Peninsula (where Malin Head is located) is a great destination for viewing northern lights in winter. If you’re here during the summer, you can potentially spot basking sharks and dolphins in the sea. So really any time of year is a good time to visit Malin Head.

Day 8: Donegal to Dublin

3 hours driving

It is going to be a 3 hour drive back to Dublin from Donegal town and closer to 3 and a half hours if you stayed overnight further north near Malin Head. We suggest that you leave enough time to explore Dublin before you leave the Emerald Isle! 

Dublin is a very walkable city! But to get further afield you’ll need to take public transport, mostly buses. Tickets can be bought on the bus, just have the right amount of change on you. A 90 minute fare for the Dublin area will cost you €2.00 for adults, €1.00 for young adults (19-23) and students, and €0.65 for children. We’ve listed some of the top things to do in the city below in no particular order. We’ve tried to avoid the typical sightseeing suggestions that you will find in most other guides and on TripAdvisor, so this list is in no way extensive.

Top things to do in Dublin 
Phoenix Park

This is one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe. There are huge herds of fallow deer that call the park home,  and Ireland’s President lives here (so you might catch him walking his beautiful Bernese Mountain dogs!). It’s a half an hour walk to the park entrance from Temple Bar. We suggest hiring a bike from Phoenix Park Bikes to explore the park. Aim to spend a couple of hours cycling around and grab a refreshment at Phoenix Café and Tea Rooms. 

Go to the pub

This is probably an obvious suggestion for Europeans. Dublin has a reputation for being a bucks and hens destination for those in neighbouring continental Europe. The reputation is well earned, but even if you’re not here for a party you should still check out a pub or two. Our top suggestions 1. The Ginger Man (most festive and fun)  2. O’Donoghues Bar (best cultural experience) 3. Mulligans (best trad pub) 4. The Palace Bar (most beautiful) 

Trinity College (Book of Kells)

I highly suggest you make time for this. The Book of Kells is an illustrated manuscript from 800 CE. The detail in the illustrations is absolutely insane, it’s hard to imagine how a monk managed to draw this by hand. The Book of Kells is the most famous medieval illustrated manuscript. They only change the page once a month now (it used to be once a day), so you’ll be looking at a page that won’t be seen for another 56 years!  

National Museum of Ireland

 If you’re going to visit a museum in Dublin, make it this one. It has free admission, covers Irish natural history, Viking and medieval objects and art. Admission will be based on availability at the door.

Glasnevin Cemetery

There are a large number of prominent names buried at Glasnevin Cemetery including victims of the Great Famine, civilians killed during the 1916 Easter Rising and those who died in the War of Independence and the Civil War. You can take Irish history or women in history tours here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Our 8 day guide is perfect for those that want to avoid crowds, keep costs low and enjoy a more authentic experience. We hope we’ve inspired you to try a unique Ireland Wild Atlantic Way road trip and explore parts of the country that are still slightly outside of the main tourist spots. 

Make sure to check out our detailed guides for Donegal, Connemara, Sligo and the Aran Islands, where we provide detailed budgets, in depth itineraries and plenty more tips to help you plan ultimate Ireland getaway. 

If you have any questions, please let us know, and please subscribe! 

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Detailed guides for Connemara, Donegal and the Sligo:

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