The Wild Atlantic Way - Your 14-Day Itinerary
The Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) is a coastal track over 2,500km long – a journey along the rugged, windswept west coast of Ireland where ancient history blends with welcoming, bustling communities and breathtaking natural beauty.
This 14-day itinerary focuses on the core experiences – the dramatic cliffs, the vibrant cultural hubs, the traditional music, and, most importantly, the local flavours – to provide an authentic Irish adventure! Prepare for stunning scenery, warm welcomes, and plenty of craic (good times).
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.
The Wild Atlantic Way: Essential Tips
- Embrace the Weather: The coastal route is beautiful in all weathers. Expect rain, sunshine, and wind – often within the same hour! Always pack layers and waterproof gear.
- Drive Slowly: Many roads, especially on the islands and peninsulas (e.g., Dingle or Beara), are narrow. Take your time, pull over often to let locals pass, and don’t get stressed by passing places.
- Learn some Irish: Using phrases like Fáilte (welcome) and Sláinte (cheers/health), as well as being able to read road signs such as An Daingean (Dingle), will go a long way.
- Pub Etiquette: Pubs are the heart of culture. Order a Guinness (it tastes better here, we promise), and if there’s a traditional session, listen quietly. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Accommodation: Book ahead, especially during peak season (June-August). B&Bs often offer a more authentic, friendly experience than hotels!
Part 1: The Northern Headlands (Days 1-4)
Day 1 (Donegal)
Begin the journey in County Donegal, immersing yourself in historical sites and the dramatic northern coastline.
Morning/Afternoon
- Historical Stop: Kick off in the historic town of Donegal Town. Explore Donegal Castle, a beautifully restored O’Donnell stronghold dating back to the 15th century. It offers a great snapshot of Gaelic history.
- Lunch Spot: Grab a hearty bowl of seafood chowder at a local spot near the castle, like The Olde Castle Bar & Restaurant.
- Scenic Stop: Drive west to Slieve League Cliffs (Sliabh Liag). These marine cliffs are nearly three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, plunging 600m into the Atlantic. Walk the path for incredible views – it’s awe-inspiring and less crowded than its southern counterpart.
Evening
- Cultural Stop: Head to Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port – enjoy fresh-off-the-boat seafood!
- Basecamp: Donegal/Killybegs area.
Day 2 (Sligo)
Drive south through the surf capital and explore the literary landscape of Sligo.Â
Morning
- Scenic Stop: Drive to Bundoran, often called the surf capital of Ireland. Even if you don’t surf, the atmosphere is vibrant. Stop at the Fairy Bridges and Poll na Seantainne (a natural blowhole) for a quick scenic walk.
Lunch Spot: Stop in Sligo Town. Eala Bhan is known for its excellent modern Irish cuisine.
Afternoon/Evening
- Historical Stop: Embrace “Yeats Country.” Visit Drumcliffe Cemetery, the final resting place of the poet W.B. Yeats, with the dramatic backdrop of Benbulben Mountain, before driving to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.
- Cultural Stop: Find a pub in Sligo Town with a traditional music session. The Swagman Bar is a reliable choice for lively folk music.
- Basecamp: Sligo Town area.
Day 3 (Mayo)
Transition into County Mayo, focusing on stunning coastal drives and historical islands.
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Stop: Drive the breathtaking coastal route to Downpatrick Head in Mayo. Here, the sea stack Dún Briste stands majestically offshore, a reminder of the raw power of the Atlantic.
- Lunch Spot: A quick, simple lunch in Ballina or Crossmolina – try a traditional bacon-and-cabbage dish!
- Scenic Stop: Travel to Achill Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Drive the scenic Atlantic Drive and stop at Keem Bay, often cited as one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. Explore the deserted village of Slievemore, a poignant reminder of the famine and emigration era.
Evening
- Dinner Spot: Stay near Westport. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at An Port Mór Restaurant, known for its focus on local ingredients.
- Basecamp: Westport area.
Day 4 (Mayo)
Experience Mayo’s spiritual heart and taste its maritime history.
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Detour: If feeling energetic, climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain (a 3.5-hour round trip for the fit). Alternatively, view it from the scenic road. The path is challenging but offers panoramic views of Clew Bay!
- Lunch Spot: Grab a casual, hearty lunch at The Tavern Bar & Restaurant after the hike!
- Historical Stop: Visit Clonmacgarril Abbey near Louisburgh, or focus on maritime history at Clew Bay Heritage Centre in Westport, learning about the infamous Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Mhaol).
Evening
- Dinner Spot: Drive toward Connemara. Stop in Leenane for dinner at the Hotel.
- Basecamp: Leenane/Connemara area.
Part 2: Bay Coast & Cliff Coast (Days 5-8)
Day 5 (Galway)
Immerse in the stunning, rugged landscape of Connemara and visit its most famous landmark.
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Stop: Drive through the Connemara National Park. Stop at the Diamond Hill trail for incredible views of the unique bog and mountain landscape.
- Lunch Spot: Pack a picnic to enjoy overlooking one of Connemara’s many lakes, or stop at Kylemore Abbey’s café.
- Cultural Stop: Tour Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden. The majestic castle set against the mountains is one of the route’s most photographed spots!
Evening
- Cultural Stop: Head into the lively Galway City.
- Dinner Spot: Eat at Kai Restaurant, a highly-regarded spot focusing on hyper-local, seasonal produce.
- Basecamp: Galway City.
Day 6 (Galway City)
Explore the vibrant cultural hub of Galway City.
Morning/Afternoon
- Cultural Stop: Explore the Latin Quarter of Galway City. Walk through the Spanish Arch and along the River Corrib. Visit St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.
- Lunch Spot: Grab a famous fresh oyster from Moran’s Oyster Cottage (just outside the city, if driving, or try an oyster bar in town). Or, for quick fare, try a traditional ‘chicken fillet roll’ from a local deli.
- Cultural Detour: Browse the colourful shops, buskers, and street performers in Shop Street and Quay Street. Visit the Galway City Museum.
Evening
- Dinner Spot: Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos for contemporary Irish food. Afterwards, dive into the pub scene: Tigh Neachtain is a classic, cosy pub known for its live traditional music.
- Basecamp: Galway City.
Day 7 (The Aran Islands)
Take a day trip to the Aran Islands for a true sense of Irish heritage and isolation!
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Detour: Catch the ferry from Rossaveal (or the shorter flight from Connemara Airport) to Inishmore (Inis Mór), the largest of the three islands.
- Historical Stop: Rent a bike or take a pony-and-trap tour, or visit the dramatic Iron Age fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched precariously on a 100-meter cliff edge.
- Lunch Spot: Enjoy a simple lunch at a pub or café on the island, trying some local cheese or homemade soup.
Evening
- Dinner Spot: Return to the mainland – grab a light dinner near your accommodation.
- Basecamp: Kinvara/Ballyvaughan area (setting up for the Cliffs of Moher).
Day 8 (Clare)
Experience the iconic Cliffs of Moher and the unique karst landscape of The Burren.
Morning
- Scenic Stop: Drive to the Cliffs of Moher – arrive early (before 10 am) to avoid the main crowds and tour buses!
Afternoon/Evening
- Lunch Spot: Stop in the charming village of Doolin, the heart of traditional music. Gus O’Connor’s Pub is an institution for great pub grub.
- Scenic Stop: Explore The Burren National Park – this unique limestone karst landscape is home to rare flora. Stop at the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb dating back to 3,800 BC.
- Cultural Detour: Stay in Doolin. Enjoy dinner and a guaranteed traditional music session in one of the famous pubs like McGann’s.
- Basecamp: Doolin/Ennis area.
Part 3: The Southern Peninsulas (Days 9-14)
Day 9 (Kerry)
Cross the Shannon Estuary and begin exploring County Kerry, heading toward the Dingle Peninsula.
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Drive: Drive south to Killimer and take the Shannon Ferry across to Tarbert in County Kerry. This saves significant driving time and offers pleasant views of the estuary.
- Lunch Spot: Stop in the colourful market town of Listowel for lunch, perhaps trying a traditional Irish stew.
- Scenic Stop: Drive toward the Dingle Peninsula. Stop at Inch Beach, a massive, stunning stretch of sand popular with surfers and film crews.
Evening
- Cultural Stop: Arrive in the popular Dingle Town (An Daingean).
- Dinner Spot: Eat at Solas, an acclaimed small plates restaurant.
- Basecamp: Dingle Town.
Day 10 (The Dingle Peninsula)
Drive the stunning Slea Head loop, one of the most concentrated areas of scenery and history on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Drive: Drive the Slea Head Drive (Slà Cheann Sléibhe). Stop at Dunbeg Fort, the Beehive Huts (clocháns), and the viewing point overlooking the Blasket Islands (Na BlascaodaÃ).
- Lunch Spot: Stop at a roadside café on the drive for fresh scones or toasties, enjoying the view.
- Â Cultural Detour: Visit the Blasket Centre (Ionad an Bhlascaoid) to learn about the islands’ unique literary and cultural heritage.
Evening
- Cultural Stop: Dingle is famous for its pubs and music. Have dinner and drinks at Dick Mack’s, a pub that doubles as a leather shop, or Foxy John’s, which also sells hardware!
- Basecamp: Dingle Town.
Day 11 (Kerry)
Drive the famous Ring of Kerry and explore the heart of Killarney.
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Drive: Head east, beginning the scenic Ring of Kerry (N70) route. Highlights include the views from Ladies View and Moll’s Gap in the mountains.
- Lunch Spot: Stop in Kenmare, a charming town. Try The Coachman’s Bar for classic pub fare.
- Scenic/Historical Stops: Explore Killarney National Park. Visit Muckross House and Gardens and the nearby medieval ruins of Ross Castle on the shore of Lough Leane.
Evening
- Dinner Spot: Killarney has a busy, tourist-friendly vibe. The Porterhouse Restaurant is a reliable choice for a hearty meal.
- Basecamps: Killarney.
Day 12 (The Beara Peninsula)
Explore the more rugged and less touristy Beara Peninsula.
Morning/Afternoon
- Scenic Stop: Drive the Beara Peninsula loop – this route is narrower and wilder than the Ring of Kerry. Stop at Dursey Island and take the cable car across the water – Ireland’s only cable car (weather permitting).
Lunch Spot: Stop in the colourful fishing village of Eyeries or Allihies for food. - Scenic Drive: Cut through the stunning Healy Pass, a winding mountain road offering dramatic views across the rugged coastlines.
Evening
- Dinner Spot: Drive south toward Cork. Stay in the charming town of Kinsale, and eat dinner at Fishy Fishy, renowned for its exquisite seafood.
- Basecamp: Kinsale.
Day 13 (Cork)
Explore the gourmet capital of Ireland and the scenic final stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Morning
- Cultural Stop: Explore Kinsale. Walk up to Charles Fort, a massive star-shaped military fortification offering stunning views over Kinsale Harbour.
- Lunch Spot: Kinsale is a culinary hotspot. Enjoy lunch at the Bulman Bar, set right on the water in a picturesque location.
Afternoon/Evening
- Scenic Drive: Drive along the final stages of the Way, officially ending in Old Head of Kinsale. Stop at a local farm shop for artisanal cheese or local produce – West Cork is a food haven, and so souvenirs are worth their weight in gold!
- Dinner Spot: Enjoy a final (and well-deserved!) celebratory dinner in Kinsale. Try The Black Pig Winebar for a sophisticated ending. Enjoy a last night of craic in a local pub!
- Basecamp: Kinsale/Cork City.
Day 14 (Farewell from Cork)
Final reflections and departure from the Wild Atlantic Way.
Morning/Afternoon
- Cultural Drive: Drive toward Cork City. If time allows, visit the English Market, a beautiful covered food market in the city centre.
- Historical Detour: Head to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone for the “gift of the gab” (eloquence).
- Lunch Spot: Savour a final classic Irish lunch in Cork City before heading to Cork Airport or continuing your drive home.
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: