The Best Beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way - Ireland Road Trip

The Wild Atlantic Way provides an endless adventure of experiences for those roadtripping the coast. With over 2,500 kilometers of rugged coastline, this top road trip route unveils a treasure trove of wonderful experiences, from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher to the mystical islands of Skellig Michael, each destination will wow you in a different way.

One of our favourite things to do along the Wild Atlantic Way is exploring the beautiful beaches that dot the coastline. From the secluded coves to breathtaking shorelines, the beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way offer you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, soak up the sun, and enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, and kayaking.

We have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you discover the best beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way. We’ll also share details on how you can prepare for your trip to the Wild Atlantic Way.

It is important to note that not all beaches have lifeguards and some beaches may be unsuitable for swimming. Please ask locally for guidance.

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Why Visit the Beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way?

As you travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll notice the stunning views and unique character of Ireland’s coastline. We highly recommend that you take some time on your road trip to explore the stunning beaches that line the west coast of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Whether you are in search of secluded coves and sandy beaches or breathtaking coastlines for hiking, Ireland’s west coast has it all. Here are some of the top reasons to visit the beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way:

Natural Beauty: The beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way offer a unique charm, character, and natural beauty that few places in the world can match. The rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and dramatic seascapes provide stunning views that you don’t want to miss.

Water-Based Activities: Water-based activities such as swimming, surfing, and kayaking are popular along the coast or Ireland. Many people will travel here for the surf that this coastline offers.

Coastal Drives and Scenic Views: The beautiful beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way provide the perfect opportunity to explore Ireland’s scenic coastal drives and take in some of the country’s most breathtaking views. The winding, narrow roads that lead to the beaches offer an exciting adventure, and scenic viewpoints will take your breath away.

Plan your trip with our complete guide to Ireland’s Wild West Coast, Destination Atlantic Way guidebook is the most in-depth, relatable, and picturesque Wild Atlantic Way guidebook on the market. It will help you to plan a road trip around Ireland’s most scenic landscape, the Wild Atlantic Way, offering a guide to the best and most popular sights along the route, as well as the hidden gems that most overlook.

Where to Stay on the Wild Atlantic Way

Explore the some of the best places to stay along the Wild Atlantic Way using the interactive map below.

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Top Beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way

Here are some of the best beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way:

Stroove Bay, County Donegal
Tullagh Beach, County Donegal
Maghera Beach, County Donegal
Streedagh Strand, County Sligo
Keem Beach, Achill Island
Silver Strand, County Mayo
Clifden Beach, County Galway
Lahinch Beach, County Clare
Banna Beach, County Kerry
Inch Beach, County Kerry
Coumeenoole Beach, County Kerry
Rossbeigh Strand, County Kerry
Barleycove, County Cork
Inchydoney Beach, County Cork

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Stroove Beach, County Donegal

Stroove Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand in County Donegal, sheltered by sand dunes and with views across to Northern Ireland. There is a large car park here that offers free parking however it can get very busy during the summer season. The beach is a very short walk through some sand dunes from the car park. There is an outdoor wooden sauna that is available to rent after your sea swim at Stroove Beach. There are also portaloo toilets in the car park area.

Tullagh Strand, County Donegal

Tullagh Strand is a stunning horseshoe shaped beach on the Inishowen Peninsula that needs to be on your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary. This is one of the more unique beaches in the area due to its shape and can get very busy particularly during the summer months. There is a decent sized car park behind the beach and Tullagh Strand can be accessed through the sand dunes.

Maghera Beach, County Donegal

Maghera Beach is one of our favourite beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way. This incredible stretch of sand is reached by passing through a small trail through the sand dunes where you will be welcomed by a huge expanse of white golden sand.

At Maghera Beach you can also explore the Maghera Caves when the tide is out but it is important to note how dangerous this is if the tide is coming in. Maghera Beach is not safe for swimming in due to the dangerous rip currents but it is the perfect beach for relaxing or playing games in the sand.

There is a small car park that costs 3 euros to park in. This is not suitable for larger vehicles. If you do have a larger vehicle, we would recommend parking at the nearby Assaranca Waterfall.

Streedagh Strand, County Sligo

Streedagh Strand is a long sandy beach located in County Sligo. It’s a perfect spot for walking, swimming, and sunbathing. The beach is backed by sand dunes and provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Keem Beach, Achill Island

Keem Beach is one of the best beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way and it is not hard to see why! Here you can expect to see a small horseshoe beach surrounded by cliffs as you drive around the road. There is a small amount of parking at the top of the cliff and at the bottom but keep in mind that during the peak season they can all be full.

Keem Beach is a great place for a swim or to relax on the soft golden sands. There are toilet facilities and a food van in the bottom car park beside the beach.

Silver Strand, County Mayo

Silver Strand is a beautiful beach that’s located near the village of Louisburgh. The beach is set against a backdrop of mountains and is an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. There is a decent sized car park for Silver Strand followed by 174 stairs to reach the beach.

Clifden Beach, County Galway

Clifden Beach is a long sandy beach that’s located near the picturesque town of Clifden. It’s an excellent spot for sunbathing, strolling, and picnicking. The beach is also popular with water sports enthusiasts, including surfing and windsurfing.

Lahinch Beach, County Clare

Lahinch Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way. The beach stretches for two kilometers and is an excellent spot for surfing. It’s also popular with tourists who enjoy sunbathing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.

Banna Beach, County Kerry

Banna Beach is a beautiful and unspoiled beach located in County Kerry. It’s a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach is backed by sand dunes and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside.

Inch Beach, County Kerry

Inch Strand is one of the most impressive beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a broad, sandy beach that is two kilometers long and backed by dunes and mountains. The beach offers spectacular views of the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, and it’s a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts.

Coumeenoole Beach, County Kerry

Coumeenoole Beach is a secluded beach located on the Dingle Peninsula. It’s a perfect spot for picnicking, relaxing, and soaking up the sun. The beach is reached by a steep path that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Rossbeigh Strand, County Kerry

Rossbeigh Strand is a beautiful and tranquil beach located in County Kerry. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, and strolling. The beach provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Dingle Peninsula.

Barleycove, County Cork

Barleycove is one of the most stunning beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way. The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and is located near Mizen Head. The beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and windsurfing. It’s also popular with people who enjoy walking on the sand dunes and hiking.

Inchydoney Beach, County Cork

Inchydoney Beach is located in West Cork, near the town of Clonakilty. The beach is backed by sand dunes and is an ideal spot for surfing and sunbathing. The beach provides views of the Atlantic Ocean and is perfect for a leisurely walk.

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Beach Safety and Tips

While visiting the beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

Be aware of your surroundings: Always be cognizant of your surroundings, especially when exploring unknown beaches. Pay attention to local signs, any hazards, and tides.
Check the weather forecast: Weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s important to check local forecasts before setting out to the beach. Always be prepared for unexpected weather changes.
Observe beach warning flags: Though beaches are great places to relax and have fun, beach conditions can be unpredictable. Always observe the warning flags and instructions of lifeguards.
Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen: The sun can be intense even on cloudy days, it’s important to wear sunscreen and proper clothing to protect skin and clothing.
Respect the environment: Always practice good beach etiquette. Pick up after yourself, avoid littering, and respect wildlife.

Exploring the Surrounding Areas

When planning your trip to the beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way, be sure to research nearby attractions, towns, and villages. Here are some popular spots to check out:

The Aran Islands: These islands off the coast of County Clare are known for their rugged charm, traditional Irish culture, and language.
The Ring of Kerry: A popular route in southwest Ireland, the Ring of Kerry showcases some of the country’s most breathtaking sights and stunning landscapes.
Killarney National Park: Located in County Kerry and known for its stunning scenery, Killarney National Park offers plenty of trails for hiking, cycling, and exploring the outdoors.
The Cliffs of Moher: These iconic cliffs rise 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean along County Clare’s western coast and offer breathtaking vistas of the sea and surrounding landscape.
Connemara National Park: Nestled in the heart of Connemara, County Galway, the national park is a haven for hikers, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

Before You Leave for the Wild Atlantic Way

Before you set off on your way to the Wild Atlantic Way, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Scotland. All of this is discussed in detail below.

How to Get to the Wild Atlantic Way

In order to reach the Wild Atlantic Way, there are mant ferry terminals you can arrive into from the UK.

Ferry terminals from the UK:

Fishguard to Rosslare Ferry.
Holyhead to Dublin Ferry.
Pembroke to Rosslare Ferry.
Cairnryan to Larne Ferry.
Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry.
Liverpool to Dublin Ferry.
Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast Ferry.
Douglas to Dublin Ferry.

Where to Stay in Wild Atlantic Way

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way’s charming stays and choose your ideal hotel with the map below for an unforgettable coastal adventure.

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What to Pack for Your Trip to the Wild Atlantic Way

When it comes to packing for a trip to the Wild Atlantic Way there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Ireland on average 225 days a year on the Wild Atlantic Way, meaning that during your trip to the west of Ireland, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.

Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on the Wild Atlantic Way can require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy if it has been raining. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.

You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.

For our full list of items that we pack no matter where we go in the world, check out our full packing guides over here.

Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see on the Wild Atlantic Way, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.

You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.

Photography Equipment

Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M

Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8

Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8

Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod

Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod

Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS

Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3

Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel

Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp

Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote

Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive

SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD

Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke

What is the Best Travel Insurance for the Wild Atlantic Way

I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.

To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.

Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!

So there you have it, a guide to visiting the best beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way. If you are visiting this incredible country and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!

Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning road trip.

If you are planning an Ireland trip soon then check out our other Ireland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.

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