Plan Your Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Plan Your Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Planning a self-drive tour of the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) can feel daunting at first. There’s a lot of information online about the world-famous route, plenty of opinions, and no shortage of suggested itineraries – many of which try to cram far too much into too little time!

This page is here to simplify the process.

Rather than throwing you straight into a rigid day-by-day plan, we’ll walk through how to plan the WAW from scratch – helping you make the key decisions that shape a great trip, avoid common mistakes, and choose the approach that suits you.

If you’re still deciding whether this route is right for you, start with our WAW overview first. If you’re ready to plan, you’re in the right place!

How the Wild Atlantic Way Really Works

The WAW isn’t a road trip that rewards rushing. On paper, daily driving distances can look manageable – but in reality, road conditions, scenery, weather and unexpected stops all slow things down.

It’s over 2,500km of Irish road, winding down from the northern headlands to the south coast – it’s no easy feat! This is part of what makes the route so special.

Your plan should be less about creating a perfect itinerary and more about understanding:

  • how long you actually need

  • where flexibility matters

  • what’s worth booking in advance

  • and what’s better left open!

Once you understand how the route flows, the rest becomes much easier to decide.

Choosing the Right Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary

Once you understand the basics of the route, choosing an itinerary becomes much simpler.

Our itineraries are designed to:

  • reflect realistic driving days

  • allow for flexibility

  • suit different timeframes and travel styles

Rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan, our itineraries provide a solid structure you can adapt as you go.

How Long Should You Allow for the WAW?

One of the biggest planning decisions is how much time to give to the route.

As a general guide:

Fast Pace (7-10 Days)

  • Goal: Hit the major, internationally famous highlights (Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Connemara).
  • Experience: Primarily driving, with short stops for photos and key activities – expect to cover 250-400km per day!
  • Merit: Ideal for those with limited time who prioritise ‘checking off’ the iconic sites.

Moderate Pace (14-21 Days)

  • Goal: A solid mix of driving and deep exploration. Seeing highlights while having time for hikes, boat trips, and exploring a few key towns.
  • Experience: Covering 150-250 km per day, allowing 1-2 nights in key hubs.
  • Merit: The most popular choice. Balances comprehensive coverage with the chance to relax and absorb the atmosphere.

Slow Pace (28+ Days)

  • Goal: Full immersion. Exploring every peninsula, lingering in small villages, and pursuing specific interests (e.g., genealogy, hiking, surfing).
  • Experience: Rarely driving more than 150 km per day. You can spend multiple nights in many locations!
  • Merit: The ultimate authentic journey that allows you to discover hidden gems and truly connect with local culture and people.

If there’s one piece of advice we give again and again, it’s this:

Slower travel almost always leads to a better road trip experience.

👉 See example WAW itineraries

Choosing the Right Direction & Pace

Depending on your preferences, you may have options around:

  • Direction of Travel: Do you head north-to-south or vice versa?

  • Starting Point: Are you conquering the full route or coming in at a checkpoint further along?

  • Detours: Do you have pre-booked activities or must-see sights planned?

 

While there’s no single “correct” way to do the WAW, 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!

The Wild Atlantic Way: Campervan or Car?

The Wild Atlantic Way can be toured by both car and campervan, but the experience differs. We would encourage the use of a smaller, more nimble campervan (e.g., a VW Transporter, Ford Transit or similar high-top van conversion), which is often preferred over large RVs for navigating the tight turns and country lanes (boreens).

Travelling by Campervan

Campervan travel suits the WAW well if you value:

  • Ultimate Flexibility: Decide where you stop, sleep, and eat spontaneously.
  • Cost Savings: Cuts down significantly on accommodation and some dining costs.
  • Authentic Experiences: Wake up to stunning views; feel truly immersed in the landscape.
  • Creature Comforts: Your own space, bed, and kitchen facilities always travel with you.

However, it does require more awareness of:

  • Road Challenges: Many WAW roads are narrow, winding, and unsuited for large vehicles.
  • Parking: Finding suitable parking in small, busy towns can be difficult.
  • Campsite Reliance: While wild camping is tolerated in some areas, formal sites are needed regularly for services (water, waste).
  • Rental Costs/Availability: Can be expensive, and demand is high, especially in summer!

👉 Driving the WAW in a campervan

 

 

Travelling by Car/Motorcycle

Travelling by these offers:

  • Speed and Agility: Easier to navigate narrow roads, park in towns, and cover distance quickly
  • Accommodation Variety: Access to charming B&Bs and boutique hotels often inaccessible to larger vehicles – they also offer guaranteed dry comfort after a wet day’s exploring!
  • Motorcycle Thrill: An unmatched sense of connection to the road and the elements.

It does, however, reduce:

  • Spontaneity: Requires booking accommodation (B&Bs, hotels) well in advance, reducing flexibility.
  • Your Planned Budget: Combining car rental and accommodation typically costs more than a campervan rental.
  • Your Inventory: Restricted to what you can carry; less ability to self-cater.
  • Protection From Elements (Motorcycle): Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable – be prepared for rain!

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 and less flexible when it comes to setbacks or cancellations.

What is worth thinking about early includes:

  • overall trip length

  • vehicle choice

  • ferry crossings (if relevant)

  • accommodation during busier periods

  • any must-do experiences

Everything else can usually stay flexible, especially if you’ve chosen a realistic pace!

Common Mistakes People Make 

After years of travelling this route and speaking to people who’ve done it, the same issues come up again and again:

  • trying to cover too much ground
  • underestimating driving times
  • booking accommodation too rigidly
  • not allowing for weather changes

  • choosing an itinerary that doesn’t match their travel style

Being aware of these pitfalls before you go can completely change how your trip feels.

👉 Read Practical Advice for the WAW here

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Start with a clear understanding of the route, choose a pace that feels comfortable, and build from there.

From here, you can:

  • explore example itineraries

  • read practical planning guides

  • buy the full Wild Atlantic Way travel guide

  • hire a campervan suited to the route

👉 Explore all the Wild Atlantic Way itineraries

👉 View the Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip Hub