Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Drive & Hike

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland's much-loved capital city. From the traditional pubs to the gorgeous 18th-century Georgian architecture to its strong literary culture and interesting museums, Dublin truly packs a punch! Take your time to explore the classic Irish landmarks such as Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, the Temple Bar area, and the Guinness Storehouse.

Dublin is no stranger to the craft of whiskey making, and the Teeling Whisky Distillery in the heart of the city is worth a visit to learn more about the Teeling brothers and their unconventional approach to creating a Blended Irish Whiskey. Visit the Irish Emigration Museum where a new feature allows you to explore your ancestral roots or join a privately guided walking tour organized by one of the city's best-known local historians, Pat Liddy (duration: 2h30m, bookable as an optional extra). You will explore all the highlights as well as some hidden gems; a church that is not a church, an entertaining representation of a Da Vinci painting, and the story of a mailbox that symbolizes Ireland's road to independence.

It's impossible to run out of things to do in this lively city and we recommend adding extra nights to make the most of your visit. 

Start your road trip with an easy drive through Ireland's green Midlands with plenty of time for interesting side visits. First up is Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland where you can learn more about Irish history. Once the set of the movie 'Braveheart' starring Mel Gibson, a modern walkway allows you to explore its castle walls and grounds.

Briefly cross the border into Northern Ireland where a visit to the shores of Lough Erne and the town of Enniskillen are a must. Grab a bite to eat at a lakeside restaurant before continuing your drive. Donegal is packed with culture, local traditions, white sandy beaches, and seaside towns. Stretch your legs upon arrival and explore Donegal Castle, the ancient Abbey of Donegal or soak up the atmosphere in a friendly pub. We also have a short but scenic loop walk along the shores of Lough Eske and Ardnamona Woods with a beautiful backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains. 

Driving Time: Approx. 240km/150mi (3h30m)
Lough Eske & Ardnamona Woods Loop Walk: 5km, Ascent/Descent: +69m/-69m

After an energizing breakfast, head south along Ireland's western coastline - one of the world's most stunning shorelines. Drive into County Sligo, an incredible destination that despite its natural beauty has remained a well-kept secret. Pass through the village of Mullaghmore and its small pier to visit Mullaghmore Head, one of today's highlights. Facing the coast, take a moment to enjoy the sound of the rolling waves, then gaze inland to notice Classiebawn Castle dominating the view. From here you can spot Ben Bulben in the background, your next stop!

With its flat top and unusual appearance, Ireland's "Table Mountain" is easy to recognize and it's one of the region's famous landmarks. A short walk brings you to its summit from where you can enjoy views of the Wild Atlantic Way. Alternatively, there’s an easier walk with a gentler elevation profile. Before heading to Westport, make sure to stop at Ireland's largest collection of megalithic tombs and stone circles at Carrowmore. The Georgian town of Westport sits on the banks of the Carrowbeg River, settle into your comfortable hotel and celebrate your arrival with a warming Irish whisky. 

Driving Time: Approx. 170km/105mi (2h30m)
Ben Bulben Summit Walk: 9km/5.5mi, Ascent/Descent: +355m/-357m
Ben Bulben Forest Walk: 5.5km/3.5mi, Ascent/Descent: -83m/-82m

Today's scenic drive is dominated by rocky mountain ranges to one side and the powerful Atlantic to the other as you drive through the heart of Connemara. Continue along the Wild Atlantic Way and visit some of the most striking places such as Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, and Kylemore Abbey, a monastery founded in 1920 for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium in World War I. 

Continue to Clifden, the capital of Connemara, and the start and finish of the panoramic Sky Road. Soak up views of Clifden Bay, Inishbofin, a group of offshore islands in the Atlantic, and the lush green countryside. Then park up and explore the ruins of Clifden Castle and a section of Sky Road on foot. Imagine life as it was in the past and take in the scenery at a slower pace. Head to Galway city, your next overnight stop along the Wild Atlantic Way where you will stay for two consecutive nights. 

Driving Time: Approx. 175km/108mi (3h30m)
Clifden Castle & Sky Road Loop Walk: 2km, Ascent/Descent: +55m/-55m

Wake up in Galway city and enjoy a relaxing day of exploring its bright and colorful streets that carry a long history and vibrant atmosphere. The city's fortified walls were built around 1270 and its ideal location on the coast facilitated a huge trade in wine, fish, and salt with Spain and Portugal. Take a wander along its long promenade towards Galway Bay and explore its creative art scene, lively pubs, and homely cafes.

For a glimpse into Irish life of centuries past, visiting the desolate Aran Islands is a memorable experience. A short drive to Rossaveal Ferry and ferry crossing (duration: 40m) brings you to Inishmore, the largest of the three "Arans", and the filming location of producer Martin McDonagh's movie "The Banshees of Inisherin". The island has a population of around 900 people and one main settlement, Kilronan, on the southeastern side of the island. Explore Inishmaan, the least visited of the Aran Islands with deserted paths and beaches, or Inisheer, the smallest of the three and closest to the mainland. Here you can visit "The Plassy" as seen in the TV series Father Ted, a rusted shipwreck set on a rocky beach with scenic views.

On a sunny day, the twin beaches Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay are an absolute treat! As the name suggests, the two beaches are back-to-back with pure white sand made entirely of seashells. These beaches are said to be among Ireland's most beautiful, just over an hour's drive from Galway city. A picnic on the beach anyone?

Driving Time to Rossaveal Ferry: Approx. 38km/24 mi (50m)
Driving Time to Dog's Bay & Gurteen Bay: Approx. 81km/50 mi (1h25m)
Inishmore Island Loop Walk: 15.5km or 8km, Ascent/Descent: +98m/-107m

This is a truly exciting day so we suggest rising early to make the most of it, and having your camera ready for plenty of photo opportunities! Just before Kinvarra, you will pass one of Ireland's best-loved castles with a picturesque location on the shores of Galway Bay; the atmospheric Dunguaire Castle. Your Wild Atlantic Way road trip continues through the moonlike landscape of the Burren as you drive through Ballyvaughan, past the golden sands of Fanore Beach, and the colorful village of Doolin. The word 'Burren' is derived from the Irish word "Boíreann," which means rock or a rocky place. Man has settled here since the Stone Age and evidence of this appears all around you. It is a place of beautiful contrasts; a silver landscape that appears lunar, the deep blue Atlantic, and the colorful wildflowers bursting out of the rocks in spring.

Reach the iconic Cliffs of Moher which has an excellent visitor center and we have plotted a gentle walk that we know you're going to love. The trail teeters atop the cliff surrounding you with dramatic and breathtaking views. Take a quick ferry from Killimer to Tarbert (duration: 20m, bookable locally) and continue towards Killarney in County Kerry. Relax into the Irish ‘craic’ at one of its many pubs and bars, or sample some of the country’s excellent seafood in one of the great restaurants you’ll find here. 

Total Driving Time: Approx. 206km/128mi (4h)
Driving Time Galway to Killimer Ferry: Approx. 127km/79mi (2h30m)
Driving Time Tarbert Ferry to Killarney: Approx. 79km/49mi (1h15m)
Cliffs of Moher Loop Walk: 5.5km/3.5mi, Ascent/Descent: +83m/-91m

Make your way back to the capital today as you leave Ireland's southwest behind en route to Dublin. Drive via Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, the Rock dominates the surrounding plains and was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster prior to the Norman invasion. This picturesque complex of medieval architecture boasts a remarkable collection of Celtic art, making it well worth a visit.

You can also opt to drive via the 6th-century monastic city at Glendalough in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. World-famous for its impressive remains of a settlement, it is one of the main reasons visitors travel to Wicklow. We recommend spending some time exploring this ancient site and visiting the information center which allows you to step back in time to when St Kevin made it his home. It’s not long before you’re then back in the modern world and the bustling city of Dublin.

Driving Time via Rock of Cashel: Approx. 310km/192mi (3h45m)
Driving Time via Glendalough: Approx. 352km/219mi (4h45m)

After breakfast your adventure along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is complete. If your flight is later in the day or evening, you can enjoy more time opping or relaxing in one of its many bars. Simply drop off your rental car at Dublin Airport and connect to your onward travel plans. Please see "Travel Info" for end-of-trip logistics.