Launched in spring 2014, the Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km coastal route that invites the visitor to explore Ireland’s dramatic western seaboard.
Flagged as ‘the world’s longest coastal drive’, thanks to the many headlands and inlets that beg to be investigated along the way, it aims to highlight the most dramatic landmarks and attractions while also making it easier to find the interesting little out of the way places that might otherwise be by-passed.
It can be joined at any point and is divided into five sections, the first being Donegal in the north, with the other four (Donegal-Mayo; Mayo-Clare; Clare-Kerry; Kerry-Cork) leading you right down the Atlantic seaboard to the southern counties of Cork and Kerry.
A simple route map is available on discoverireland.ie where full information on each section is given, including activities and key ‘discovery points’.
The very distinctive bright blue ‘wave’ road signs make it virtually impossible to get lost - and we have plenty of suggestions for the best places to eat, drink and stay along the way, many of which are run by people who know the west coast back to front and will help visitors to find a genuine sense of discovery along this beautiful and fascinating coastline.
Found 199 matches, showing 1 -
10 below.
Kinsale, Co. Cork
Guesthouse
This fine boutique townhouse in the centre of Kinsale is a favourite with returning visitors, who love the location, the ambience, the spacious rooms, the attention to detail and the good food served.
Frequently renovated guestrooms include two beauti ...
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Cong, Co. Mayo
Castle / Hotel / Restaurant
Ireland’s grandest castle hotel, with a history going back to the early 13th century, Ashford Castle is set in 350 acres of beautiful parkland on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Grandeur, formality and tranquillity are the essential characteristics, ...
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Oughterard, Co. Galway
Café / Restaurant
Well signed off the main Galway to Clifden road, these beautiful Celtic themed gardens near Oughterard have long been a favourite destination for families, school outings, active retired, tour groups and more. Others simply drop in to enjoy a wholesome ...
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Carrigaholt, Co. Clare
Pub / Restaurant
Way out in west Clare, halfway out along the Loop Head pensinsula and overlooking the Mouth of the Shannon, is the picturesque little fishing village of Carrigaholt. It’s a charming place, untouched by the over development of recent times and wel ...
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Bantry, Co. Cork
Café / Deli / Food Market
Welcoming aromas of coffee tempt passers-by to investigate the cornucopia of fine fare at this popular café in the centre of Bantry.
As well as excellent coffee, cakes and filled homemade baps and salads from the blackboard menu, there's plenty ...
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Athenry, Co. Galway
Baking/Bakery / Restaurant
An attractive stone building in the centre of the lovely old walled Heritage Town of Athenry, The Old Barracks has only been a restaurant since it was opened by Fiona King and her late husband Cathal O'Malley in October 2010, but it is proving to be a ...
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Shanagarry, Co. Cork
Classes/Courses / Cookery School / Farmshop
It may seem like no time at all to many of its longtime fans, but the internationally renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School founded by Darina Allen and her brother Rory O'Connell has been in business since 1983. In 2023 Darina announced her intention to s ...
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Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Food Market / Restaurant
Although primarily a charming summer spot for traditional Afternoon Tea or a locally-flavoured daytime bite to eat (including their own home grown produce), Cathleen Connole's restaurant just off the Burren Waymarked Walk also offers packed lunches fo ...
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Ballyconneely, Co. Galway
Fish & Seafood / Online Shop / Producers Shop
Founded in 1979 by John and Bridget Roberts, this famous and beautifully located smokehouse near Clifden is now run very successfully by their son Graham and his wife Saoirse.
They offer an appealing range of products and have earned a reputation for ...
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Newport, Co. Mayo
Butchers / Meat & Game
Speciality pork products have long been a strength in Ireland but some producers seem to have a unique magic ingredient, and Kelly's of Newport would certainly be up there among the chosen few.
An excellent traditional butchers with a licensed abattoi ...
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