Best Travel Guide Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Wild Atlantic Way, IrelandGuide was updated: 2024-09-16

The Wild Atlantic Way is the world's longest and arguably most spectacular coastal driving route. Follow the rugged, winding coast line to discover otherworldly landscapes; coves and islands, beaches and bays, cliffs and villages. Get lost in the wilderness and raw beauty of this unique place. To make the most of your epic journey, follow our 30 point route beginning in the northernmost point of Ireland--Malin Head, Donegal--heading south through Mayo, Galway, Clare, and Kerry to Ireland's most southerly point: Mizen Head, Cork.

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10 signature points on the Wild Atlantic Way you really don’t want to miss.

Malin Head

Located at the top of the Inishowen Peninsula, Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head is a place of breath-taking beauty. The landscape is so scenic that it was chosen as a filming location for the movie "Star Wars: The Last Jedi". Circle this rugged coast, spotting migratory seabirds and dramatic landmarks like Hell’s hole cavern, Banba’s Crown tower and An Grianán Ailigh fort. On a cloudless evening, you might even be able to spot the Northern Lights.

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Fanad Head

On the north coast of Donegal, golden sandy beaches and rolling farmland threaded by narrow roads set the scene in the secluded Fanad peninsula. Follow the Knockalla Coast Road and you’ll find yourself at Ballymastocker Bay. When you see it, you’ll understand why this was voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A visit to the iconic Fanad Lighthouse is also a must. Other than sightseeing, Fanad Head lends itself to outdoor activities like kayaking, golfing and fishing.

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Dursey Island

An adventurous trip awaits you here, at the end of the Beara Peninsula, as this place can only be reached by cable car. Once you make the journey, you can enjoy the many charms of Dursey Island, from sea life, ruins and standing stones to views of its lighthouse on Bull Rock. But the most impressive thing of all are the stunning sunsets, known as ‘Europe’s Last’.

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Slieve League

A narrow road twists steeply up from Teelin to the dramatic Slieve League mountain and cliffs on the southwest coast of Donegal. The cliffs are some of the highest in Europe and are considerably higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher. For the experienced walker, One Man’s pass will take you to Slieve League's summit. For the leisure visitor, there is a viewing platform from which you can see one of the finest views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay.

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Mizen Head

Mizen Head on the Mizen Peninsula is Ireland's mainland most southwesterly point. Breathtaking cliffs, beautiful views, lively sea life and educational experiences can all be found here. Head right away to the Visitor Centre, where you'll learn more about the history of this place, which is home to a signal station that housed Ireland's first radio beacon. Then, climb down the 99 steps that lead to a high arched suspension bridge connecting a rocky crag to the mainland, until you find yourself at the signal station, where another exciting exhibition awaits. Out on the horizon, you can spot the imposing Fastnet Lighthouse standing on a rock known as Ireland’s teardrop.

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Mullaghmore Head

Mullaghmore, a small fishing village in County Sligo, boasts three kilometres of white sandy beach, which proves very popular with water sports enthusiasts, especially expert big wave surfers. Go on a panoramic walk along the coast and enjoy watching their water stunts.

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