Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel © Tourism Ireland

Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a journey of discovery, to hidden places and secret worlds where all kinds of enchantments lie in wait? Well now you can, along the wildest, most captivating, coastal touring route in the world — Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!

Tucked away in little villages and towns that snuggle into the coastline are delightful cafés and restaurants, where you can indulge in your passion for good food and great wine. Maybe you will hear a few words of Irish spoken along the way in Ireland’s Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking regions) or reignite your passion for life while surfing on magnificent waves off the coast of Donegal and Sligo. Take time to reflect on times past with a visit to the ruins of a 6^th-century monastic settlement on the stunning Skellig Michael in Kerry, roam through the romantic beauty of scenic Ards Forest Park in Donegal or watch the weather change from the historic Clare Island Lighthouse in Mayo. Wherever you go along the Wild Atlantic Way, you will encounter moments of magic, moments to treasure and experiences you will want to return to again and again.

Connemara National Park © Tourism Ireland

Whether it’s beach trekking on a Connemara Pony, experiencing Donegal’s coastline in a classic car, surfing in Co Clare, salmon angling in Leitrim or a trip in Ireland’s only cable car in Co Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way has activities for everyone.

Be sure to stop off along the Way in Erris, north Mayo recently voted ‘Best Place to Go Wild in Ireland,’ where the people, scenery, wealth of activities and wild open spaces will steal your heart and mind. Further south in Co Kerry, Dingle has been named ‘Foodie Town of Ireland 2014’ with a long list of local produce including everything from smoked fish to chocolates and even cheese and ice creams made using the milk of the rare Kerry Cow.

This breathtaking coastal route along the west coast of Ireland will intrigue and remain in your heart and mind long after you have returned home to the everyday world.