Snaking 2,500 kilometres along Ireland’s west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Today it ranks as an internationally acclaimed travel destination but equally it boasts some exciting spots for living an authentic outdoors lifestyle. Ready to explore…?
To Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!
Recognised as the world’s longest coastal touring route, the Wild Atlantic Way shows nature at its most dramatic between the counties of Cork and Donegal. Mixed in with the towering cliffs, golden beaches and rugged mountain-to-sea landscapes are some of the Emerald Isle’s most picturesque towns and villages, each oozing authentic Irish culture, as well as dozens of heritage sites.
Hardly surprising that the Wild Atlantic Way has been included in National Geographic Traveller magazine’s ‘Cool List 2024’, which rates it as one of the 30 most exciting destinations to visit anywhere in the world in 2024. Who could disagree…?
In the south, the route begins at foodie destination Kinsale in County Cork, then heads up the coast through the counties of Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, before ending at the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. Here’s a rundown of the more interesting spots to own a home along its route.
County Cork – Kinsale, Clonakilty and others
Kinsale.
The southern gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale is often dubbed the culinary capital of Ireland. It’s a colourful harbour town, complete with 17th Century lighthouse, where foodies are spoilt for choice when it comes to gourmet pubs and restaurants. Another highlight is its annual Jazz Festival. The local coastline is a popular spot for whale watching, surfing and just enjoying the spectacular golden beaches, with Inchydoney a highlight. Following the route westwards in Cork, other appealing coastal towns or areas already popular with expats include Clonakilty, Skibereen, Bantry, Baltimore and Mizen Head. Or there is Ballydehob, a hub for arty types, including folk musicians.
County Kerry – Killarney, Kenmare and Dingle
Killarney.
A hub for the south-western corner of Ireland, Killarney is a bustling Kerry market town with bundles of character and lively pubs. It’s a gateway to the stunning Iveragh Peninsula and Ring of Kerry, another famously scenic trail. The nearby Killarney National Park is the oldest in Ireland.
On the coast, Kenmare is a smaller but equally charming town set on a bay and with a flourishing artisanal food scene while Dingle is a lively port town on a dramatic peninsula with colourful buildings and a Bohemian edge – both are popular for sea safaris and dolphin-spotting. Floating off the coast there are the Blasket Islands, ideal for day trips.
County Clare – Kilkee, Lahinch and Lisdoonvarna
Cliffs of Moher, Clare.
The scenery continues to wow as you follow the Wild Atlantic Way northwards into Clare. Unmissable are the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like limestone hillscape known as the Burren, which together form a UNESCO-registered Global Geopark. This area is home to Ireland’s largest sea bird colony at An Branan Mór and the sea cave that featured in Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince. It is also forging a reputation for wild artisan food producers and sustainable tourism.
Clare is strong on friendly coastal resorts, so ideal for those who enjoy a good beach and holiday feel in the summer months. Kilkee and Lahinch, both with charming 18th-Century architecture, tick these boxes, the latter especially popular with surfers. Otherwise, there is Doolin with its sweet thatched buildings and music pubs and Lisdoonvarna, Ireland’s premier spa town, known for its festivals.
County Galway – Galway City, Aran Islands, Connemara
Connemara.
At the heart of Ireland’s west coast is the vibrant city of Galway, renowned for its festivals, food and friendliness. Nearby villages around Galway Bay and areas like Inverin, Spiddal or Carraroe are ideal for those who enjoy scenic tranquility while still being near the exciting city.
A ferry hop from Galway are the Irish-speaking Aran Islands, about as authentically rural as Ireland gets, complete with beautiful unspoilt beaches, including one of the west coast’s finest at Kilmurvey. Elsewhere in the county, the wild region of Connemara, with its National Park and enchanting landscapes of bogs and lakes, is home to magical places like Leenane, Roundstone, Letterfrack and Clifden, prized for its seafood restaurants.
County Mayo – Wesport and Achill Island
Achill island.
The jewel of Mayo’s stretch of Wild Atlantic Way has to be Westport. This elegant seaside town is an all-round destination with oodles of Irish charm, period architecture and the full range of leisure facilities. It’s also a gateway to the famous pilgrimage summit of Croagh Patrick, picturesque Clew Bay, a choice of Blue Flag beaches and the Great Western Greenway – Ireland’s longest off-road cycling and walking trail.
Another Mayo treasure is Achill Island. Known amongst Irish holidaymakers, Achill is home to the acclaimed Keem Bay, which is regularly voted best beach in Ireland and has even ranked alongside the world’s best beaches. There are four other Blue Flag beaches there and Ireland’s highest sea cliffs (third highest in Europe)! Other towns of note are Newport and Ballina, both in scenic estuary locations.
County Sligo – Mullaghmore, Easkey and Rosses Point
Mullaghmore.
From surfing to kayaking, Sligo offers some of Ireland’s best water sports. Outdoorsy to its core, its golden beaches are also popular for horse-riding. Big waves at Mullaghmore Head make it go-to spot for thrill-seekers and the resort of Strandhill is home to the National Surf Centre. Otherwise, for a more traditional laid-back coastal village experience try Easkey or Rosses Point. Not forgetting Sligo city, a pretty destination with a romantic literary vibe, thanks to its connections with the poet WB Yeats.
County Donegal – The Rosses
Donegal.
The most northerly county on the Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal has some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs – notably awesome Slieve League. The county is known for its rugged beauty and its headlands offer wonderful hiking opportunities. Craggy Malin Head officially marks the end of the Wild Atlantic Way and is famous not just for its beauty but also as the brooding backdrop in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
House-hunters could easily fall for places like Greencastle on the River Foyle estuary, close to the stunning Inishowen Peninsula. With a lively port and pleasant beach, the village takes its name from an early 14th century castle, the ruins of which loom over the entrance to the estuary. For more maritime action, Kellybegs claims to Ireland’s largest fishing port and as well as its historic town is well located for accessing Donegal city and wider region.
The area known as the Rosses is an undiscovered treasure, where local highlights include the glorious beaches at Dooey and Maghery, the charming town Dungloe and other sleepy villages like Burtonport and Crolly.
You might also enjoy reading:
