What comes to mind when you think of Ireland? Maybe lush, green hills with cows grazing peacefully? Or the lively scenes of Irish folks decked out for Saint Patrick’s Day? Or perhaps it’s the fairy-tale castles and vibrant pubs? These were all part of our dream as we excitedly mapped out our road trip across Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
The breathtaking 2,700 km coastal route in the west of Ireland, had us hooked. We wanted to witness the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher firsthand, see the sunsets over secluded beaches and explore all the amazing highlights Ireland had to offer. And when would be a better time than in 2024, the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way? So, instead of putting it off any longer, in April 2024, we finally planned a 6-day whirlwind tour around the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way. And let me tell you, we’re so glad we took the plunge. The Wild Atlantic Way completely blew us away!
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Wild Atlantic Way: What to expect for 6 days
In today’s blog post, we’re sharing an itinerary suggestion for experiencing some highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way on a 6-day road trip (including arrival and departure days). We’ve packed it with a mix of scenic attractions, hiking ideas, truly unique activities, and, of course, tips for standout accommodations and restaurants you won’t want to miss.
You won’t be able to cover the entire coastal route in six days—it stretches 2,700 km from Malin Head in the northernmost county of Donegal to Kinsale in the southernmost county of Cork. But you can still enjoy a fantastic section in those six days. So, don’t put off your road trip through Ireland just because you think you’re short on time. Trust us, you’ll want to come back for more 😊
This short trip was put together in collaboration with Tourism Ireland, the tourism board dedicated to showcasing Ireland as your next vacation spot.
Day 1: Your road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way begins
At a glance
- 1 night in Doolin
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3.5 hours drive from Dublin, about 280 km/
1.5 hours drive from Galway, about 90 km -
Dunguaire Castle
Hazel Mountain Chocolate Café
Cliffs of Moher - Fiddle + Bow
After touching down at Dublin or Galway airport and grabbing your rental car, it’s time to dive straight into your Irish adventure.
Your first stop today will be the medieval Dunguaire Castle in southern Galway. Nestled beautifully on the shores of Galway Bay, this castle, erected by the O’Hynes Clan in 1520, still boasts significant sections of its original structure. During our April visit, Dungaire Castle was temporarily closed. However, if you’re planning your road trip for the summer months, the castle typically welcomes visitors between 10 am and 5 pm, offering a chance to delve into its rich history and folklore across its four floors.
- Parking is available directly across from the castle.
From Dunguaire Castle, we highly recommend taking a quick break at the Hazel Mountain Chocolate Café. It’s a charming little chocolate factory where they produce chocolate “bean-to-bar,” meaning the entire production process, from cocoa bean to finished bar, is handled by the producers themselves, making it a much more sustainable practice.
We had a guided tour of the factory led by the owners Kasha and John, got to taste some of the chocolates along the way, and explored their shop. And, of course, we couldn’t resist indulging in some of the delicious cakes and pastries at the café.
After the cake and coffee break, it’s time to head to the famous Cliffs of Moher. Late afternoon is a great time to visit as the tourist buses start to head back, giving you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking view with fewer crowds.
And let me tell you, when we say breathtaking, we mean it. We debated whether to include the Cliffs of Moher in our itinerary or opt for lesser-known coastal spots, as we’d heard mixed reviews. But we’re so glad we didn’t skip them. The view, the wind in your face, the seagulls soaring around the cliffs – it’s simply awe-inspiring.
- Parking is available at the visitor center
- Be careful not to get too close to the edges and avoid sitting on any rocky ledges jutting out over the sea. Accidents happen regularly because tourists get too close to the edges and underestimate the strong winds.
We suggest setting aside several hours for your visit to the cliffs. If you’ve got half a day to spare, why not take on the whole Coastal Walk along the cliffs. It covers about 20 km and takes around 4.5 hours on foot, stretching from Doolin to Liscannor.
- If you're visiting Ireland during peak season and can't make it to the Cliffs of Moher in the early morning or late afternoon, there's still a way to dodge the tourist crowds. Instead of heading to the main parking lot, aim for the southernmost point of the cliffs, Hags Head. You can park there for 5 euros at a privately run lot and it's just a 15-minute walk to the cliffs.
Where to Stay
In their restaurant, styled with a Boho vibe, you’ll find a selection of Irish classics like Fish and Chips, as well as vegan options like a warming curry.
Day 2: Lambs, Guinness, and Live Music – the Ultimate Irish Experience
At a glance
- 1 night in Westport
- 3.5 hours drive, around 200 km
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Kylemore Abbey
Killary Sheep Farm Tours
Westport Live Music - Wyatt Hotel
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast at the hotel, kick off your day with a visit to the stunning Kylemore Abbey.
Perched majestically above the serene waters of Connemara, this monastery seems straight out of a fairytale. But behind its beauty lies a tragic tale. Built by financier Mitchell Henry for a blissful life with his wife Margaret and their nine children, their story took a turn when Margaret passed away unexpectedly during a trip to Egypt. Stricken with grief, Mitchell built a mausoleum and a church in her memory, both of which you can explore along with the abbey’s walled garden and museum.
- Free parking is available at the Information Point.
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For an extraordinary animal encounter, make your way to the Killary Sheep Farm. With around 200 ewes and lambs freely roaming the surrounding mountains, this active farm offers a unique experience.
We had a blast helping feed the newborn lambs and were fascinated by farmer Tom’s demonstration with his working sheepdogs. Despite the dogs sometimes disappearing from sight, Tom’s commands guided them with precision as they herded the sheep. And the backdrop of the fjord added to the experience.
Where to stay
We suggest spending tonight in Westport, County Mayo. It’s a lovely town with plenty of colorful boutiques, restaurants, and pubs.
Westport is a great spot to consider for an extra night to explore the area or enjoy the vibrant pub scene. In the evening, we popped into McGing’s for some live music while sipping on Guinness and cider. Other pubs like the Porter House and Matt Molloy are also recommended for live music.
- Some pubs might not serve food, but you can bring food from nearby restaurants. For instance, we grabbed a pizza from Westport Woodfire just two streets away – rumored to be the best pizza in Ireland 😉
Day 3: Fog, Rain, and Dreamy Beaches – Experiencing Ireland's Stormy Side
At a glance
- 1 night in Ballina
- 3.5 hours drive, around 200 km
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Keem Beach
Erris Head Loop Walk oder Downpatrick Head - Mount Falcon
- Parking is available right at the beach.
- As is often the case in Ireland, you'll traverse sheep pastures through a gate on this hike. Always remember to securely close all gates. Also, expect grassy paths that can get muddy due to rain, so waterproof shoes are a must.
Alternatively, explore Downpatrick Head, named after Saint Patrick, who built a church here – its ruins still stand. You can stroll along the peninsula, uncover hidden caves, take in the sweeping views, and if you’re lucky, catch a stunning sunset. Unfortunately, heavy rain and winds forced us to skip this stop on our visit. Nonetheless, County Mayo made a lasting impression, and we’re eager to return – hopefully, with better weather next time.
Where to stay
Day 4: Falcons and Real Fairy Tale Castles – Ireland's Surprising Side
At a glance
- 1 night at Lough Eske
- 4 hours Drive, around 270 km
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Hawk Walk
Classiebawn Castle
Donegal - Harvey’s Point
After a delicious breakfast at Mount Falcon (don’t miss out on the cloudy apple juice), it’s time for a unique experience right at the hotel: a “Hawk Walk.” Mount Falcon isn’t just a fancy name, it’s the real deal. After arranging it at reception, you’ll be guided to the falconry area where you’ll meet various owls, falcons, and buzzards, getting to know fascinating facts about these majestic creatures.
And if you opt for the hawk walk, you’ll get a falconer’s glove and receive a quick briefing on how to handle it. Daniel, our falconer, picked out a stunning Harris Hawk for our stroll. His precision in landing on our glove with each flight was mesmerizing. The hour literally flew by, leaving us with unforgettable memories.
Leaving Mount Falcon will not be easy, but there’s more to discover along the Wild Atlantic Way heading north, that you don’t want to miss!
On your way to Donegal, Ireland’s northernmost county, consider a stop at Classiebawn Castle. Nestled on the Mullaghmore Peninsula in Sligo, this castle is surrounded by lush meadows on one side and the rugged Atlantic waves on the other. Although it’s not open to the public, a short walk around the area offers stunning views.
Continue to Donegal town, situated on the River Eske. Take some time to wander through the town, maybe even visit the castle right in the heart of it.
- For lunch, we suggest the Blueberry Tea Room. They serve fresh salads and sandwiches in a lively atmosphere, offering great value for money.
Where to Stay
Day 5: Saving the Best for Last
At a glance
- 1 night at Lough Eske
- 2.5 hours drive, around 150 km
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Slieve League
Silver Strand - Harvey’s Point
Today, you’re heading to two remarkable attractions.
Your first stop is the Slieve League Cliffs. These 600-meter-high cliffs will leave you breathless and are an absolute must-see along the Wild Atlantic Way. The views are rightfully among the most impressive in all of Ireland.
- When you navigate to the cliffs, your GPS will initially lead you to a large visitor parking lot. However, the road continues beyond the parking lot. Don't be deterred or confused by the large gate. You'll need to manually open it, pass through, and securely close it again to drive directly to the cliffs and park here.
From the upper parking lot, we just described, there are various hiking trails leading along the cliffs. Take your time because the cliffs look different but always fantastic from various perspectives.
Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, it’s time for the second highlight of the day, the Silver Strand. A beautiful little bay surrounded by green hills. We’re truly envious of the Irish sheep peacefully grazing and enjoying the most beautiful views in the world.
- You can park directly above the beach.
- If you prefer not to dine at the hotel today, we recommend The Rusty Mackerel pub.
Day 6: Time to Say Goodbye
3 hours drive, roughly 230 km to Dublin or Galway
When's the best time for a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way?
It’s no secret that Ireland sees its fair share of rain and wind. Those lush green fields don’t come for nothing. But, temperatures in Ireland are milder than you might think. Winters are actually quite pleasant and it rarely gets below freezing. Peak season in Ireland is from June to August. So, May and September are prime times for a road trip. April and October also offer fantastic opportunities to explore Ireland.
Essentials to pack definitely include a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, hat, scarf, and a weatherproof daypack or hiking backpack. That way, you’re prepared for whatever weather Ireland throws your way.
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Getting to Ireland for your road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way
- For this itinerary, Dublin or Galway airports are solid choices. Galway is just 1.5 hours from the Cliffs of Moher. But, Dublin often offers better connections, and you can explore the lively capital of Ireland before or after your road trip. Just keep in mind, you'll have to cross the island to reach the Wild Atlantic Way.
- If you don't have a flight yet, you can find a suitable one here at Skyscanner*
Driving along the Wild Atlantic Way
For a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, opt for compact cars or smaller vehicles. We rented a KIA, and despite its compact trunk, it did the job just fine. We recommend an automatic transmission. It makes navigating left-hand traffic much easier.
- You can find a reliable rental car for Ireland here at Rentalcars.com*.
The roads along the Wild Atlantic Way can be narrow, sometimes even single-lane. But surprisingly, driving was more relaxed than we expected. Traffic was minimal, except for the sheep and lambs grazing by the roadside.
Things to remember while driving along the Wild Atlantic Way:
- Throughout the island, you drive on the left sight of the road. But even with left-hand traffic, remember the "Right of Way" rule.
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Speed Limits:
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Rural areas: 90 km/h
National roads (marked with N): 100 km/h
Motorways (marked with M): 120 km/h
Speed limits in Ireland are in kilometers per hour. But if you cross into Northern Ireland, signs will display speeds in miles per hour. - The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, and Ireland has strict laws regarding alcohol or drug abuse while driving. So, hold off on that Guinness until you reach your hotel.
- Generally, a EU driver's license is recognized. But for peace of mind, we always carry our international driver's license.
- We never had trouble finding parking. At major attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, there are usually large visitor lots. Elsewhere, you might encounter "Park and Display" or "Parc Disc" parking. Keep an eye out for signs indicating which is which.
- Some key traffic signs to know include "Yield," "Stop," and "Give Way." They all mean the same thing – give way to other road users. Road signs are typically in English and Irish.
- In Ireland, there are about twice as many sheep as there are people, so watch out on the roads. Those sheep seem pretty chill about crossing whenever they please, regardless of traffic.
We hope you have a fantastic time as we did exploring Ireland’s wild coastline. For us, it’s a no-brainer – we’ll be back! And next time, it’s another car road trip, definitely back to the Wild Atlantic Way.
You can find all blog posts about other countries in the overview on the homepage of our blog. Let us know on Instagram if you have any questions.
