Know Before You Go: Driving the Wild Atlantic Way
Skirting Ireland’s western coastline, the Wild Atlantic Way has a windswept beauty that has attracted millions of visitors since its opening in 2014. This popular drive is a connect-the-dots of cultural heritage, national parks, and UNESCO–listed viewpoints. If you’re planning an escape from Dublin, the craggy cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves are an immersion in rural Irish living.
This guide covers everything you need to know for a Wild Atlantic Way driving adventure. Read on for insider tips on where to stop, how to plan, and what to bring (because nobody should underestimate Irish weather). Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or a passenger, here’s how to successfully experience the Wild Atlantic Way.
What is the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,600-mile (2,600-kilometer) coastal drive along Ireland’s west coast.
The Wild Atlantic Way scenic coastal route passes through nine counties: Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, and Cork. The Wild Atlantic Way map and routes are anything but linear, as the route twists and turns to hug the coastline. However, expect coastal views, cultural heritage, and trips to offshore islands. Plus, pass the famous Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
You can also visit specific sections of the Wild Atlantic Way though, either on day trips from Dublin or multistop 3-day tours. To complete the entire route, plan a Wild Atlantic Way 7-day itinerary; for a slow-paced experience, 10–14 days is optimal.
When should I drive the Wild Atlantic Way?
You can drive the route year-round, but let’s be honest: Ireland has a reputation for rain.
Ireland is beautiful in all seasons, but deciding when to drive the Wild Atlantic Way depends on your tolerance for wet weather and busy crowds. July and August are the busiest months with the warmest weather. The shoulder season months of May, June, September, and October are quieter but chillier. To avoid crowds without sacrificing amiable weather, September or June are good options.
Insider tip: Be aware that public holidays, such as Easter, can cause crowds and closures along the Wild Atlantic Way. Opening times and hotel availability might vary in these periods.
Which attractions should I visit along the Wild Atlantic Way?
There are many Wild Atlantic Way viewpoints and attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher.
For beautiful views, the most unmissable attractions on this ultimate road trip are the Cliffs of Moher, Croagh Patrick, the Ring of Kerry, Slieve League, and the Aran Islands. Cultural attractions include Kylemore Abbey, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, and the Midleton Distillery Experience.
The best itineraries balance attractions and immersive activities. Known as the “gateway” to the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is an excellent place to enjoy organized experiences. Try coasteering through crashing waves, head to Connemara National Park to spot wild red deer, dabble in whiskey and poitín tasting, or admire towering cliffs from the water during a boat trip.
Should I take a tour of the Wild Atlantic Way?
Self-driving the Wild Atlantic Way offers greater flexibility, but guided options are easier.
For confident drivers, self-driving is flexible and offers a sense of freedom. Just research driving tips for the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, and you'll see that most pieces of advice focus on simply maintaining slow speeds on narrow roads and respecting passing points. Viewpoints get busy, but roads are mostly quiet. The same cannot be said for accommodation and car rentals, though; reserve both in advance during peak and shoulder seasons.
Organizing a car rental for a Wild Atlantic Way trip and driving 1,600 miles (2,600 kilometers) isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. For a VIP experience, book a private tour: No driving, just window gazing. For shorter visits, prioritize the most impressive sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, either on day trips from Dublin or a 3-day tour.
What should I pack for the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Irish coastline can be wet and blustery, so waterproofs and fleeces are essential.
Clothes will make or break your trip. Expect at least 12 days of rain per month in Ireland and plan for unpredictable showers. Non-negotiables include a hat, a waterproof jacket and trousers, thermal base layers, fleeces, comfortable driving shoes, and sturdy hiking boots. Arrive planning to stay dry and warm. A cozy Aran knit might be one of the best souvenirs to bring back from Ireland, but don’t spend half the trip shivering in anticipation.
Other essential items include a portable charger, a credit card (required by many rental companies), swimwear, and towels. In late spring and summer, bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Where should I stay along the Wild Atlantic Way?
Some of the best stops include musical Doolin and Galway, the “gateway” to the Wild Atlantic Way.
For an overnight stay, the best stops on the Wild Atlantic Way are Doolin, Galway, Roundstone, Clifden, Donegal, Bundoran, and Dingle (famed for its former resident dolphin, Fungie). If you’re open to detours, consider staying on an island or two: Valentia Island, Arranmore, Achill Island, Great Blasket Island, and the Aran Islands are excellent choices.
Related: The Emerald Isle: 9 Places You Must Visit in Ireland
How wheelchair accessible is the Wild Atlantic Way?
While many attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way are wheelchair accessible, planning is recommended.
The Wild Atlantic Way is a multidestination route, so it’s better to establish wheelchair access in advance. Once you’ve picked your Wild Atlantic Way road trip itinerary, check accessibility for each attraction, activity, hotel, and restaurant.
Some places have good accessibility; for example, the Cliffs of Moher have designated disabled parking bays at the main car park. Other attractions require prior communication with service providers, such as checking the angle tilt and gangway width when catching ferries to the Aran Islands. Expect occasional limitations, too: at Kylemore Abbey, only six of its nine rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about driving the Wild Atlantic Way.
Where does the Wild Atlantic Way start and end? It officially starts at Kinsale, County Cork, and ends on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal.
Which direction should I take along the Wild Atlantic Way? This route is interchangeable; drive north to south, or south to north. That said, in Ireland, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road, so the northbound journey keeps you closer to the sea.
Can you walk the Wild Atlantic Way? This route is entirely road-based, so while it’s possible to walk the Wild Atlantic Way, don’t expect a traditional thru-hike. Aside from short walks to viewpoints, there are longer trails en route, though, including the Kerry Way, the Beara Way, and the Dingle Way.
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