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 44 matches, showing 1 -
10 below.
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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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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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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Kilfenora, Co. Clare
Cheeses / Internet/Phone Mail Order
A familiar product on many of the country's best menus, and winners of more awards than most products ever enter - Great Taste Awards, British Cheese Awards, National Organics Awards, Irish Food Writers' Guild and many more - St Tola Irish Goat Cheese ...
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Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Classes/Courses / Cookery School / Restaurant
In their brochure, John Desmond and Ellmary Fenton describe their restaurant as unusual, in a unique and beautiful setting. This is an understatement; their Island Cottage Restaurant is extraordinary by any standards. You have to get there and back by ...
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Midleton, Co. Cork
Classes/Courses / Country House / Restaurant
With views of Ballycotton seen across beautiful East Cork farmland, Geraldine Kidd’s sensitively converted seventeenth century house is located just a stone’s throw from the gates of Ballymaloe House. While renowned as a wedding and private ...
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Crossmolina, Co. Mayo
Historic House
In parkland and mature woods on the shores of Lough Conn, Enniscoe can sometimes seem stern and gaunt, as Georgian mansions in the north-west of Ireland tend to be but, with family portraits, crackling log fires, warm hospitality and good home cooking, ...
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Ballymote, Co. Sligo
Classes/Courses / Country House
One of Ireland’s most unspoilt old houses, this is a unique place - a Georgian mansion situated in 1,000 acres of farm and woodland, overlooking the original lakeside castle which was built by the Knights Templar in 1200 A.D. The Percevals have l ...
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Kinsale, Co. Cork
Country House
Ballinacurra House is a luxurious venue, available for private parties, small weddings, golfing groups and corporate events. It is set within a walled garden with 10 foot-high stone walls, security gates and 40 acres of woodland and lawns, this eleg ...
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Bandon, Co. Cork
Classes/Courses / Pub / Restaurant
With its smart blue and white frontage and welcoming signage, it would be hard to drive past Barry and Catherine McLaughlin’s attractive roadside bar and restaurant just outside Bandon.
What they took on way back in 2006 was a typical pub, but - ...
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