What Is the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500-kilometre signposted driving route that traces the entire western seaboard of Ireland from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal in the north to Kinsale in County Cork in the south. Officially launched in 2014, it is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world and has quickly become one of the most celebrated road trips on the planet. The route passes through nine counties, hugs dramatic cliff edges, dips into hidden coves, crosses island causeways and winds through colourful fishing villages that feel untouched by time. For anyone hiring a car in Ireland, this is the drive of a lifetime.
Best Sections to Drive
Driving the entire Wild Atlantic Way takes at least two weeks if you want to do it justice, but most visitors choose to focus on one or two of the standout sections. The Loop Head Peninsula and Cliffs of Moher stretch in County Clare is breathtaking and manageable in a single day. The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is widely considered one of the most beautiful corners of Ireland, with its combination of mountains, beaches and ancient archaeological sites. The Ring of Kerry offers a classic full-day loop through lakes, mountains and coastal scenery. Further north, the Connemara coastline in County Galway delivers wild, boggy landscapes and stunning island views, while the sea stacks and remote beaches of Donegal rival anything further south.
Starting from Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport in County Clare is one of the most popular starting points for the Wild Atlantic Way, and for good reason. It places you right in the heart of the route, with the Cliffs of Moher just an hour to the north and the Dingle Peninsula around two and a half hours to the south. Picking up a hire car at Shannon gives you immediate access to some of the most scenic stretches without the long drive from Dublin. From Shannon you can head north through the Burren, a surreal lunar landscape of exposed limestone, and on to the Cliffs of Moher, or turn south through Limerick and into Kerry. Either direction rewards you with spectacular scenery from the very first mile.
Starting from Cork Airport
Cork Airport is another excellent gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, particularly if you want to start at the southern end of the route. Kinsale, the official starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, is just 20 minutes from the airport and is one of the most charming food towns in Ireland. From Cork you can drive west along the coast through Clonakilty, Skibbereen and Bantry, taking in the Beara Peninsula and Mizen Head before continuing north to Kenmare and the Ring of Kerry. This southern stretch is less crowded than the Kerry and Clare sections and offers a wonderfully relaxed introduction to the route.
The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometre circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula and one of the most famous scenic drives in Ireland. The loop takes you through the town of Killarney, along the shores of the Lakes of Killarney, over mountain passes, past ancient stone forts and along clifftop roads with views out to the Skellig Islands. Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars filming location, can be visited by boat from Portmagee during the summer months. The Ring of Kerry is a full-day drive, and tour buses travel it anticlockwise by convention, so driving clockwise can help you avoid congestion. Allow extra time for stops, because you will want to pull over constantly.
The Cliffs of Moher
Rising 214 metres above the Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are one of the most visited natural attractions in Ireland. The cliff-top walk stretches for eight kilometres and offers dizzying views down to the crashing waves below and out to the Aran Islands on a clear day. The visitor centre is built into the hillside and provides shelter, food and exhibitions on the local wildlife, including the thousands of seabirds that nest on the cliff faces. The cliffs are an hour's drive from Shannon Airport, making them an easy first stop on a Wild Atlantic Way road trip. Arrive in the late afternoon for the best light and smaller crowds.
The Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is often described as the most beautiful place in Ireland, and it is hard to argue. The Slea Head Drive is a narrow, winding loop around the tip of the peninsula that passes beehive huts, Celtic crosses, pristine beaches and views across to the Blasket Islands. Dingle town itself is a lively, colourful harbour town packed with traditional pubs, seafood restaurants and craft shops. The peninsula is part of the Gaeltacht, an Irish-speaking region, and road signs are in Irish only in places, which adds to the sense of being somewhere truly apart. Allow at least a full day for the Dingle Peninsula, or better still, stay overnight and soak up the atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way
- Best time to visit: May to September offers the longest days and mildest weather. July and August are busiest. Shoulder months of May, June and September are ideal.
- How long to allow: A week covers two or three sections comfortably. Two weeks lets you drive most of the route without rushing.
- Speed limits: The Republic uses kilometres per hour. Expect 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on regional roads and 100 km/h on national roads.
- Road conditions: Main roads are good, but many of the most scenic stretches are narrow, winding and sometimes single-track. Drive cautiously and use passing places.
- Fuel: Fill up in towns. Rural petrol stations can be infrequent, particularly in Donegal and Connemara.
- Accommodation: Book ahead in summer, especially in Dingle, Killarney and Doolin near the Cliffs of Moher. Bed and breakfasts are excellent value throughout the west.
- Hire car tip: Pick up at Shannon or Cork airport for the easiest access to the Wild Atlantic Way. A compact or mid-size car handles the narrow roads best.