The Wild Atlantic Way - The Perfect Roadtrip Itineraries
The Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) is an epic coastal route stretching over 2,500km along Ireland’s western edge, offering rugged beauty, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences. Planning is key to making the most of this journey, whether you’re chasing the horizon in a campervan or enjoying the comfort of local B&Bs and hotels.
Below are suggested itineraries for 7, 14, and 28+ days, covering different paces, key highlights, and the unique appeal of each timeframe, tailored for both campervan travel and traditional touring!
If you’re still deciding whether this route is right for you, start with our Wild Atlantic Way overview first. If you’re ready to plan, you’re in the right place.
Choosing the Right Direction & Pace
While there’s no single “correct” way to do the WAW, as it is a point-to-point road trip route that can be started from the north or south, certain approaches work better depending on:
Traffic patterns
Ferry timings (if applicable)
Seasonal daylight
Your travel style
This is where a little planning up front can save a lot of frustration later!
Itinerary Duration | Pace | Exploration | Driver Fatigue |
|---|---|---|---|
7 Days | Rushed | Low (surface level) | High |
14 Days | Moderate | Medium (good mix) | Medium |
28+ Days | Leisurely | High (deep immersion) | Low |
The 7-Day Sprint: A Taste of the West
This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to hit the major highlights at a brisk pace. You’ll need to choose a specific section of the WAW (e.g., the Southwest or the Northwest) rather than attempting the whole route.
Pace and Focus
- Pace: Fast. This is an average of 350-400km of driving and major sightseeing per day. Expect early starts and late finishes!
- Focus: Iconic, bucket-list stops. This trip is about seeing the famous sights and getting a snapshot of the coastal vibe.
Highlights (Southwest Focus)
- Brave the Cliffs of Moher.
- Visit the Dingle Peninsula (Slea Head Drive).
- Tour the Ring of Kerry (choose 1-2 major stops).
- Grab some local seafood at Kinsale Harbour.
Accommodation Appeal
- Traditional Touring (Car + Accommodation): This approach offers comfortable rest and ensures guaranteed dining experiences in local towns. Great for those who prefer not to worry about parking a larger vehicle!
- Campervan Touring: The ultimate escape. You can wake up to dramatic coastal views and appreciate the power of the Atlantic Ocean (ensure you use designated/safe overnight spots). This approach saves time on checking in and out of accommodation, allowing you to prioritise your sightseeing itinerary!
The 14-Day Journey: A Deep Dive
This is the most popular timeframe, allowing travellers to cover the entire Wild Atlantic Way (or the vast majority of it) while still enjoying time for hikes, longer stops, and local hospitality!
Pace and Focus
- Pace: Moderate. This averages about 150-200km per day, giving you ample time for three to four solid activities daily, including driving.
- Focus: A balance of major landmarks, hidden gems, and genuine cultural experiences. You’ll have time to meet locals and relax!
Highlights
You’ll be able to tackle the full route, but it doesn’t have to be just about ticking off must-see sights – enjoy local cuisine, attend traditional music sessions in village pubs, and indulge in your hobbies (or pick up new ones!)
- Take a boat trip to Achill Island or the Aran Islands.
- Visit Connemara National Park!
- Marvel at Donegal’s Slieve League Cliffs.
- Take surfing lessons in Bundoran or Lahinch.
- Revel in the buzz of Galway City.
- Take a cooking class featuring West Coast seafood!
Accommodation Appeal
- Traditional Touring: With a smaller vehicle like a car, it’s easier to navigate narrow roads and park in busy towns. You can commit to pre-booked activities, such as boat trips to the Skellig Islands (weather permitting) or deep-sea fishing, without having to leave your vehicle miles away!
- Campervan Touring: Time to dive into the ‘van life’ – cook locally sourced food, fully embrace rest days, and spend more time hunting for hidden gems and quieter spots. You can even spend full days hiking without rushing back to a hotel!
The 28+ Day Immersion: Slow Travel Ireland
This timeframe is for those who truly want to live the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s ideal for slow-travel enthusiasts, remote workers, or anyone looking for a profound connection with the Irish landscape and culture!
Pace and Focus
- Pace: Slow and deliberate – you’ll be averaging less than 100km per day. Days can be dedicated to a single activity, like a full mountain hike, learning a traditional skill, or simply relaxing by the sea.
- Focus: Regional exploration, local stories, and genuine immersion. You’ll get beyond the main tourist trail and discover the real West Coast.
Highlights
- Learning cúpla focal (“a few words”) of Irish in the Gaeltacht regions (Connemara/Donegal).
- Extensive exploration of the lesser-known peninsulas (Loop Head, Fanad Head).
- Attending regional festivals (e.g., match-making in Lisdoonvarna)
- exploring off-road ancient sites like ring forts and dolmens at leisure.
- mastering the art of pouring a perfect pint of Guinness!
Accommodation Appeal
- Traditional Touring: Time to unpack and settle into longer-term rentals or multiple-night stays in specific areas. This allows you to become a temporary “local” at the pub and return to your favourite spots!
- Campervan Touring: Spend multiple days in one spot to truly soak in the atmosphere. Use the time to tackle long-distance hikes (e.g., The Dingle Way, Carrauntoohil) or take extended breaks in quiet coastal villages.
View Our WAW Travel Guide
👉 Hire a Campervan Through Us
Practical Planning Notes
Campervan Specifics
- Overnight Parking: Ireland’s rules on “wild camping” vary. Always prioritise designated campsites, farm stays, or areas explicitly allowing overnight parking. Respect private property and local signage.
- Dumping: Plan your route around facilities that allow you to dispose of grey/black water and refill water tanks.
- Roads: Be prepared for narrow, winding roads, especially on the peninsulas (Slea Head, Ring of Kerry). Campervans require focused driving and frequent pulling over to let local traffic pass.
General Touring Notes
- Weather: The West Coast is unpredictable. Pack layers and quality rain gear – you might experience four seasons in one hour!
- Booking: During peak season (June-August), pre-booking accommodation (B&Bs, hotels) is essential, especially for shorter itineraries. Campervan sites also fill up quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Get off the N59/N70/N86 main roads and take the smaller R-roads to find the true magic. That’s where the best stories are found!
👉 Read Practical Advice For The WAW Here
What You Actually Need to Plan in Advance
You don’t need to book every night or activity before you leave. In fact, overplanning often makes trips more stressful.
What is worth thinking about early includes:
overall trip length
vehicle choice
ferry crossings (if relevant)
fixed accommodation during busier periods
any must-do experiences
Everything else can usually stay flexible, especially if you’ve chosen a realistic pace!
The Wild Atlantic Way is a journey of discovery that demands to be explored at leisure. Whether you have one week or one month, remember that the best moments often happen when you pull off the main road, follow a sign for a tiny beach, or stop for a chat with a local – that’s how you find the true spirit of Ireland!
Want Help Planning Your Irish Trip?
If you’d like a second opinion or help tailoring the route to your exact needs, we offer personalised trip planning calls.
These are ideal if:
It’s your first time on the route!
You’re short on time!
You’re travelling by campervan!
You want reassurance before booking!
You’ll speak directly with people who’ve driven the WAW themselves and understand what works in practice – not just in theory.
👉 Book a planning call