Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way (Irish: Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin) is a tourism trail on the west coast, and on parts of the north and south coasts, of Ireland. The 2,500 km^[1] (1,553 mile) driving route passes through nine counties and three provinces, stretching from County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula in Ulster to Kinsale, County Cork, in Munster, on the Celtic Sea coast.^[2]

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Description

Signature Discovery Point

Some of the most popular attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way include the Cliffs of Moher, the Skelligs Viewpoint, the Dingle Peninsula, the Old Head of Kinsale, and Downpatrick Head.

The route also passes through numerous charming towns and villages that offer a taste of Irish culture and hospitality. Visitors can sample traditional music and dance, enjoy locally produced food and drink, and explore the unique arts and crafts of the region.

The route is broken down into five sections:^[3]

Along the route, there are 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions and more than 2,500 activities.

The route was officially launched in 2014 by the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, T.D.^[4]

Key points of interest

North West - Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo

Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point
Lough Foyle
Lough Swilly
Isle of Doagh
Carrickabraghy Castle
Shrove
Fort Dunree
Buncrana
Grianán of Aileach (Greenan Fort)
Ramelton
Rathmullan
Fanad
Rosguill
Doe Castle
Derryveagh Mountains
Horn Head
Tory Island
Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Island)
Gaoth Dobhair
The Rosses
Errigal
Malin Beg beach
Slieve League cliffs
Largy Waterfall (also known as 'South Donegal's Secret Waterfall')
Blue Stack Mountains
Donegal Town
Bundoran – popular with surfers
Tullaghan
Mullaghmore Head
Spanish Armada shipwrecks at Streedagh Beach
Rosses Point Peninsula
Aughris
Easky
Enniscrone

West - Mayo and Galway

The Céide Fields
The Mullet Peninsula
Achill Island
Clew Bay
Croagh Patrick
Clare Island
Inishturk – accessible by ferry from Louisburgh, County Mayo
Doolough
Killary Harbour
Connemara
Clifden
Inishbofin – accessible by ferry from Cleggan, County Galway
Oileáin Árann (Aran Islands) – accessible by ferry from Rossaveal County Galway and Doolin County Clare.

Mid West - Clare and Limerick

The Burren
The Cliffs of Moher and the Doolin Cliff Walk
Loop Head
The Shannon Estuary and the Shannon dolphins

South West - Kerry and Cork

Allihies and the Allihies Copper Mine Museum on the Beara Peninsula
Bere Island
Cape Clear
Caherdaniel
Derrynane beach
Mountain Stage Viewpoint, Kerry Mountain

Mountain Stage Viewpoint, Kerry Mountain
Garnish Island in Glengarriff
The ruined cottages of Great Blasket Island, and the Blasket Centre in Dunquin
Ballyheigue Beach, blue flag beach
Dingle, Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht town
Rossbeigh beach

The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
Dursey Island - Accessible by Ireland’s only cable car
Heir Island
Long Island
Sheep's Head – the Sheep's Head peninsula is home to the Sheep's Head Way walking and cycling routes.
Mizen Head – Ireland's southernmost point, with views of Fastnet Rock and Lighthouse
Kinsale
Whiddy Island and Whiddy Island view on R572 road

Impact

The Wild Atlantic Way has had a significant impact on tourism in Ireland, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. It has also provided a boost to local economies, particularly in rural areas where tourism is a key industry. The route has been widely recognized for its role in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the west coast of Ireland.^[5]