Wild Atlantic Way

One of the world’s most captivating coastal routes–Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland–-is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! If you are eager to discover Ireland away from the crowds in Dublin, this route is the perfect way. The great scenery will remain in your heart long after you are home.

Stunning nature
The Irish countryside is unmissable and unforgettable. Whatever means of transportation you choose, the experience will bring you right to the centre of Ireland’s wild heart and the fabled landscapes. When you think about the Ireland depicted in old movies - the massive mountains, the flock of sheep, the thatched cottages. That’s the kind of scenery that you get when you’re on the Wild Atlantic Way. The romantic beauty of scenic Ards Forest Park in Donegal will not disappoint.

Travelling the Wild Atlantic Way allows visitors to discover the country's greatest pride - its stunning nature. This legendary road has taken visitors to the wild heart of the Emerald Isle since 2014. The route is dotted with boundless green fields, rugged cliffs, sandy bays, lovely beaches, sleepy towns, and ancient ruins. Seabirds, grey seals, sheep, donkeys and ponies are commonly found in this area. If you are a fan of Irish folklore and a lucky person, leprechauns, banshees, and kelpies may encounter you along the way.

The Wild Atlantic Way is scenic at every season of the year. Spring, which is the season of green, will receive a special place in your heart. But autumn, with its warm colours, and winter, with a glass of whiskey by the fire, also have their perks. While summer is another popular choice, we recommend doing the trip in slightly quieter times of the year. Spring or autumn are the best options, thanks to the mix of outdoor scenery and the cosiness that comes with the seasons.

Organic meal and cure
The area of breathtaking beauty has much more to offer. Give vent to your passion for surfing on majestic waves off the coast of Sligo. Pause to reflect on times past while visiting the ruins of an ancient monastic settlement in Kerry. Or you might watch the weather change from the historic Clare Island Lighthouse in Mayo. Currently, a favourite among travellers seems to be sheepdog demonstrations. The task is to test yourself at a sheep farm to see if you can herd the sheep with a sheepdog. You may think it's very simple and easy, but the process is more complicated than that.

Spend an afternoon with an expert foraging for food out along the Killala shoreline. He’ll help you gather edible seaweeds, dry them and prepare a feast from what you’ve found. Over 500 varieties of seaweed are growing in unspoilt Atlantic waters of the Irish coast. None of them are toxic, 20 of them are edible and full of protein.

For some relaxation, take a traditional seaweed bath. Float in a bath of hot Atlantic seawater and freshly gathered seaweed after a bracing walk at the ocean’s edge. This traditional organic cure for stress is facing a revival as people rediscover natural remedies along the Sligo coast. The therapeutic properties of wild seaweed due to the high concentrations of iodine have long been recognised in Ireland. In the 1900s, there were up to 300 seaweed bathhouses. Award-winning Voya Seaweed Baths at Strandhill, and Edwardian Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths at Enniscrone welcome visitors to try traditional seaweed baths.

Starting points
The journey can take a different direction and shape depending on the chosen route. You have an immense choice of roads, forks, and crossroads to follow. The route spans 2,500 km from Donegal to West Cork, connecting the country's northern tip to its southern tip. This magnificent coastal route stretches across Ireland's western coast. Malin Head in County Donegal is considered to be an official starting point.

Donegal in the north is a good starting point if you fly to Belfast. You can do the reverse course, as many people do. Start from the south in West Cork off to the other side of the coast. Every year the number of tourists who want to engage with the area increases. They don't just look at the Wild Atlantic Way from their vehicles; they come to explore it and learn about its history.

The duration of the journey through Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way depends on your preferred must-visit places and must-do experiences. This is a very personal question that requires answers from a traveller. If you’re limited in time, you can do it all in one go, whereas if you are not in a rush, you can break it down and embrace a slower pace. Some people come in for up to one week, others will spend three or four weeks doing the whole thing. Some nice slow tourism experiences around there include islands, beaches, sheep and donkeys. Ireland is not short of breathtaking landscapes - especially along its rugged coastline.

Although you are the creator of your journey and decide on the route, you should definitely include some of the iconic sites along the way. Many visitors travel to see well-known places such as the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara. These are undoubtedly admiring and must-see places. However, do not be surprised if you encounter hidden gems nearby. There’s a locally run cave and bird sanctuary called Aillwee Burren. Alternatively, a boat to the Aran Islands can take you to a unique landscape and lifestyle in remote places like Inisheer. Formen fishermen eagerly share knowledge with you on a tour in a boat – taking you right to the Atlantic’s edge. Stories you hear during a trip will stay with you for a long time: the Viking trading post, the network of fortified towers, and signal stations that were built to ward off invasion.

Whatever route you choose to travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, you will capture magic moments to treasure and marvellous experiences that you will want to return to again and again.