Stretching over 1,600 miles, the Wild Atlantic Approach is an iconic drive in Eire. Stretching from the attractive Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale, it’s arguably considered one of Europe’s most lovely drives. Not solely that, there are heaps of locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Strategy to go to. There are tons of 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 surprising nation that’s so nice to go to on a street 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 Approach (and the sider neighborhood) that you just received’t wish to miss.
Plus, I’ve additionally offered 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 motive why. Most individuals solely be part of sections of the Wild Atlantic Approach or drive alternating routes which makes it laborious to pinpoint probably the most iconic locations. Hopefully, our information will function inspiration on the place to begin and cease your journey in Eire.
Have a tremendous time visiting Eire.
1.) Cliffs of Moher
Most likely considered one of Eire’s most breathtaking shorelines, the Cliffs of Moher are one spot you possibly can’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 probably the greatest methods to view the Cliffs of Moher, particularly at sundown (because it’s westerly going through).
To make issues simpler, guide 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 value it. Simply be sure you guide these tickets upfront, they do promote out at busy occasions.
Although, a heads up, be sure that 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: Finest 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 value it for those who’re trying to discover a few of Eire’s untapped pure magnificence.
As soon as right here, be sure that to cease off at Coumeenoole Seaside. Sure, it is perhaps small, but it surely’s so lovely and actually attractive to go to on a sunny day.
Not solely that, you’ve bought some unbelievable vistas throughout the R559 street to see. Be sure 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Finest 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 Approach you possibly can’t miss. You see, it’s considered one of Eire’s islands which is related by a bridge, making it really easy to go to while on a street journey.
After, you’ve arrived on Achill Island, be 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 neglect 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Finest 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 Approach. Now, don’t count on an enormous city, however its attraction remains to be value 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 a number of 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 College. It’s an effective way to check your expertise on the surf. Nonetheless, It’s a lot more durable than it appears (effectively, it was for me at the very least).
For ease of navigation, add this level on Google Maps. It’ll take you proper to Ballybunion on the Wild Atlantic Approach.
Learn extra: Finest castles in Eire to go to
5.) Assaranca Waterfall
East of the Caves of Maghera, Assaranca Waterfall is definitely probably the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Strategy to go to for a fast cease. You see, it’s considered one of 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’ll park proper subsequent to the falls. Because of this 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 lovely 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 value 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 sure that to provide your self at the very least 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 superb little anchor level if you need just a little break from all of the driving. You see, the town has heaps of issues to do and expertise.
After arriving in Galway, be sure that to go to the Galway Cathedral, discover the Latin Quarter and spot the town partitions. You possibly can 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, for those who fancy heading over to the close by Aran Islands, then guide 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 be sure that to guide 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: Finest 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 street between Limerick and Galway,
I’m not going to spoil it by giving a great deal of particulars, but it surely’s the form of place you possibly can go to for a number of hours and discover Eire’s historical past, particularly within the folks park the place you possibly can study extra about every of the thatched homes.
Now, as soon as right here, you possibly can 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 just received’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, 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 situated proper subsequent to the roadside.
In the event 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 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: Finest 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 related 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 possibly can simply think about this panorama trying precisely the identical 1000’s of years in the past.
For a extremely enjoyable expertise, guide 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 essential 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 likely one of the greatest locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Strategy to go to for those who’re in search of 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 neglect to guide 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
12.) Fanad Head
Perched proper within the northerly route of the Wild Atlantic Approach, Fanad Head is a lovely shoreline with spectacular views.
As soon as right here, be 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 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: Finest issues to do in Northern Eire
13.) Malin Head
Malin Head is situated on the most northerly level of mainland Eire and is totally breathtaking. There’s one thing concerning 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 among the shoreline.
As soon as right here, be sure you take a look at Lloyds Sign Tower, which has some nice views and a protracted historical past to study. Not solely that, you’ve bought; 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 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 widespread as another locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Strategy to go to; however we liked it for a 20-minute cease within the automotive.
Fancy staying longer? Be sure to guide this kayak tour on Lough Currant itself. It’s completely lovely. Better of all, the group 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Finest 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 Strategy to go to once you’ve simply began your journey from Cork itself.
You see, Kicrea Abbey is just 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 value sporting some boots for those who’re visiting at wetter occasions of the 12 months – it may possibly get just a little 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: Finest locations in Eire to go to
16.) Abbey Island
Nestled inside the County of Kerry, Abbey Island is a very lovely and lovely island that may be reached by foot. You see, it’s related 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Finest 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. In truth, I’d go so far as saying that it’s considered one of my favorite locations on Eire’s Wild Atlantic Strategy to go to.
You see, these are the second-highest cliffs in all of Eire and the views are so lovely. 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 might 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: Finest 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 examine 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 Seaside on the Wild Atlantic Approach.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
19.) Ballina
Nestled inside the northern fringes of County Mayo, the small city of Ballina is effectively value a cease as you drive alongside the Wild Atlantic Approach.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to the Jackie Clarke Assortment. It’s free to enter and is an effective way to study extra about Eire’s lengthy historical past. Additionally, don’t neglect to take a look round St. Muredach’s Cathedral, which dates again to the 1800s.
Oh, and don’t neglect to cease off at The Merry Monk when leaving Ballina itself. It’s an excellent place for a correct pub lunch and their carvery is so good. It runs from 12-4 pm, so be 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 Approach.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Eire to go to
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