Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 10:11 pm
Stretching along the entire length of Ireland’s west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way offers abundant natural beauty, with towns and villages that display the country’s heritage dotted along the coastline. We set out on a scenic journey along this coastal road from the verdant south to the mountainous north, taking a look at some of the most iconic sights along the way.
A logical place to begin any journey along this route is within the southern section of Ireland’s west coast, the Iveragh Peninsula. But this isn’t just a matter of convenience; the Ring of Kerry is a spectacularly scenic drive that circumnavigates this distinct patch of land, covering a staggering 179 kilometres, while taking in pristine beaches and atmospheric fishing villages.
From the Ring of Kerry, it’s then an easy journey up the coast to the neighbouring headland, the Dingle Peninsula, where windswept beaches and cliffs are backed by undulating green hills and the 952-metre Mount Brandon. This is also where Ireland’s most westerly point, Dunmore Head, can be accessed. But it’s not just the ocean views that draw people to this isolated spot; the peninsula’s heritage is also evident through its wealth of prehistoric ruins.
One of Ireland’s major cities, Limerick lies a little further north. Visitors come here to explore the old town, where medieval buildings sit alongside Georgian structures and the 13th century King John’s Castle. In 2014, the historic city was also given new appeal, when it became Ireland’s first ever City of Culture, encouraging both creativity and regeneration.
After leaving Limerick, many visitors head to the coast, where Liscannor Bay is conveniently located. This stretch of County Clare coast is where the Cliffs of Moher begin, with the small town of Lahinch nearby, pristine shores, and the promise of wild seals to be seen offshore. It’s also in this remote spot that visitors can set out on a wild food foraging adventure with local food expert Oonagh O’Dwyer and the Wild Kitchen, after which some of this foraged local produce is cooked up at nearby Barrtra Seafood Restaurant.
One of the most spectacular sections of the Wild Atlantic Way follows soon after. Said to be the most visited natural attraction in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher rise to an impressive 214 metres and stretch across eight kilometres, inspiring many people to walk this breathtaking cliff-top route. Then, from this iconic site it’s a short journey north to another of the west coast’s biggest draws, the vibrant city of Galway. Offering a contrast between Irish traditions and contemporary arts and culture, Galway hosts countless festivals throughout the year in celebration of its exceptional creativity.
While Galway has earned its popularity through arts and culture, the isolated region of Connemara remains a steadfast draw for its Irish traditions, with few other places offering such untouched natural beauty. Soak up local life in the harbour-side fishing village of Clifden, take in panoramic ocean views from the Connemara Loop, and step into the Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey, with its grand interiors and intriguing heritage.
Ireland also has a rich literary history, and there are few literary figures more representative of this than poet William Yeats. This is why, further up the Wild Atlantic way in Sligo, Damien Brennan and Paula Gilvarry welcome guests into their home, Broc House, to gain a greater appreciation for his poetry. Overlooking Lough Gill, this house lies at the heart of Yeats Country, making it an especially relevant setting to discover Yeats’ work within.
On reaching the northern tip of this coastal journey, travellers are met with views that make the most memorable farewell; County Donegal is known across Ireland, and the world, for its majestic castles and dramatic landscape of forests and lakes amidst the mountains, all of which ensure that this setting will stay in the heart of any traveller for years to come.
Travel along the wild Atlantic Way on the Britain and Ireland Experience, the Britain and Ireland Explorer, Best of Ireland, Secrets of Ireland, Best of Ireland and Scotland, Amazing Ireland, Britain and Ireland Grandeur, Britain and Ireland Panorama, Wonders of Britain and Ireland, Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle, Irish Wonder, Treasures of Ireland, Irish Highlights, and the Irish Experience.
Image credits: Cover photo of Connemara © iStock / Giorgio Fochesato. The Kerry Cliffs © iStock / aprott. Ring of Kerry © iStock / upthebanner. The Cliffs of Moher © iStock. The lighthouse at Fanad Head, Donegal © iStock / jacek kadaj.