The Wild Atlantic Way - Your 28-Day Itinerary
The Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) is a 2,600km (1,600-mile) invitation to explore Ireland’s western wonders. Stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, this itinerary promises 28 days of breathtaking landscapes, deep cultural immersion, and genuinely authentic Irish experiences, all seasoned with delicious local fare.
Prepare for dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, vibrant traditional music, and some of the warmest welcomes you’ll ever receive!
This itinerary is designed for a balanced pace, mixing major scenic highlights with smaller, authentic villages. We’ve included factual details on locations, fun suggestions for immersion, and specific food and drink recommendations that capture the essence of each region.
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
- The Weather: Ireland often experiences four seasons in one day. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sunglasses – you will likely need them all!
- Driving: Stay on the left. Roads on the smaller peninsulas (like Sheep’s Head or Beara) can be narrow boreens (single-lane roads with passing points). Take your time and use passing points courteously!
- Signage: Look for the distinctive W symbol and the specific Wild Atlantic Way loop signs to stay on track.
- Music: Don’t just observe traditional Irish music sessions; participate! Many pubs welcome musicians to join in. Ask locals for the best trad sessions when you’re passing through.
- The Craic: ‘Craic’ (pronounced crack) means fun, atmosphere, and good times. The best way to find it is to strike up a conversation with a local in a small pub outside the main tourist hubs – this is where the authentic West Coast truly shines.
Week 1: Donegal and Sligo – The Rugged North
Day 1-3: Inishowen Peninsula, Co. Donegal (Start Point)
- Day 1 (Arrival & Malin Head): Start at the official start point: Malin Head. Visit Banba’s Crown for epic views before taking the scenic route around the peninsula.
- Day 2 (Grianán of Aileach & Derry): Explore the ancient stone fort of Grianán of Aileach (an impressive Ringfort) with panoramic views over Lough Swilly.
- Day 3 (Slieve League Cliffs): Drive south to the spectacular Slieve League Cliffs (Sliabh Liag), which plunge 600m into the Atlantic – three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher!
Day 4-7: Donegal Town & Sligo
- Day 4 (Donegal’s History): Visit Donegal Castle (the restored home of the O’Donnell clan) and explore the remnants of Donegal Abbey. Enjoy a meal at The Olde Castle Bar.
- Day 5 (Bundoran & Surfing): Stop in Bundoran, known as a premier surf town. Visit the Fairy Bridges (sea stacks) and the Wishing Chair.
- Day 6 (Sligo’s Landscapes): Explore the landscapes that inspired W.B. Yeats. Visit Benbulben Mountain (Ireland’s Table Mountain) and Drumcliff Cemetery (Yeats’ grave). Grab dinner and drinks at Eala Bhan or The Swagman Bar in Sligo Town.
- Day 7 (Archaelogical Wonders): Discover the ancient history at the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of the largest and oldest in Ireland.
Week 2: Mayo and Galway – Culture and Contrast
Day 8-10: Mayo’s Rugged Beauty
- Day 8 (Céide Fields & Downpatrick Head): Drive to Downpatrick Head to see the stunning sea stack, Dún Briste. Explore the ancient agricultural system at Céide Fields (a pre-bog landscape preservation site).
- Day 9 (Achill Island): Cross the bridge to Achill Island: drive the Atlantic Drive scenic loop and visit the deserted village of Slievemore.
- Day 10 (Westport & Clew Bay): Explore the charming town of Westport. Tour the historic estate of Westport House and head out to hike the iconic conical peak of Croagh Patrick – an ancient religious site with stunning views from the summit! Reward yourself with dinner at An Port Mór Restaurant afterwards.
Day 11-14: Connemara & Galway City
- Day 11 (Fjords & Abbeys): Drive through the dramatic, peat-rich landscape of Connemara. Stop at Killary Harbour (Ireland’s only fjord). Tour the beautiful Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, and grab some lunch from the Abbey café.
- Day 12 (Connemara National Park): Hike one of the trails in Connemara National Park – the climb up Diamond Hill offers the best views. Relax with a meal at the Leenane Hotel after your long day.
- Day 13 (Galway City): Head into this lively hub. Walk the vibrant Shop Street and visit the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral, before grabbing dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos or Kai Restaurant.
- Day 14 (Aran Islands): Take the ferry from Rossaveal (or Doolin, Co. Clare) to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Rent a bike and cycle to Dún Aonghasa, a spectacular prehistoric fort on a cliff edge.
Week 3: Clare and Kerry – Coast & Kingdom
Day 15-18: The Cliffs of Clare
- Day 15 (The Burren National Park): Investigate The Burren (a lunar-like terrain) and the prehistoric Poulnabrone Dolmen (a portal tomb).
- Day 16 (The Cliffs of Moher): Visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher first thing to avoid the crowds – walk to O’Brien’s Tower for an alternate viewpoint. Afterwards, head to the trad music hub of Doolin and grab a few drinks at Fitz’s Pub or Gus O’Connor’s.
- Day 17 (Loop Head Peninsula): Drive this quieter Peninsula loop. Climb the Loop Head Lighthouse (voted the best place to holiday in Ireland).
- Day 18 (Shannon & Tralee): Take the Shannon Ferry from Killimer across the estuary to Tarbert, Co. Kerry, before heading south towards Tralee.
Day 19-21: The Ring of Kerry
- Day 19 (Killarney National Park): Explore Killarney National Park. Visit Muckross House and Torc Waterfall. Drive the scenic Gap of Dunloe (by pony and trap or bike, as vehicle access is restricted).
- Day 20 (The Ring of Kerry Part 1): Drive the scenic Ring of Kerry route (N70). Stop at Ladies View and the dramatic Skellig Experience Centre near Portmagee.
- Day 21 (The Ring of Kerry Part 2): Continue the Ring, stopping at the colourful town of Sneem. Visit the ancient stone fort of Staigue, and enjoy the sandy beaches near Waterville.
Week 4: Concluding in Cork – Final Delights
Day 22-25: The Southern Peninsulas
- Day 22 (Beara Peninsula): Drive the quieter, more intimate Beara Peninsula. Take the unique Dursey Island Cable Car (Ireland’s only cable car) across to the island.
- Day 23 (Sheep’s Head): Explore this beautifully unspoiled peninsula (winning the European Destination of Excellence status). Walk to the lighthouse at the tip for a true taste of solitude.
- Day 24 (Mizen Head): Drive to Mizen Head Signal Station, the most south-westerly point in Ireland. Cross the dramatic footbridge for views of the ocean, cliffs, and lighthouse.
- Day 25 (Schull): Spend the morning on a whale-watching tour (seasonal) to see fin, humpback, or minke whales. Explore the sailing town of Schull, and dine at the Harbour Hotel.
Day 26-28: Kinsale and Farewell
- Day 26 (Coastal History): Visit Baltimore Beacon for stunning coastal views. Explore the ruins of Drombeg Stone Circle (The Druid’s Altar). Drive towards Kinsale and wind down with a seafood dinner at Fishy Fishy.
- Day 27 (Kinsale): Arrive at the official southern end point of the Wild Atlantic Way, the picturesque, colourful town of Kinsale. Explore Charles Fort, a massive 17th-century star-shaped fort overlooking the harbour, before grabbing some grub at the Bulman Bar and a relaxing drink at The Black Pig Winebar.
- Day 28 (Leave for Cork City): Spend the morning exploring Kinsale’s town centre. Visit the Desmond Castle (site of the International Museum of Wine). Depart for Cork City (30-minute drive) for transport links!
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: